2002 BMW 5 Series · 9,191 MOT tests
2002 BMW 5 Series reliability
2002 BMW 5 Seriess fail 34.6% of first MOT tests, 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 24 5 Series years (9,191 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- 34.6%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 22% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 139,620
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 9,191
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- 2003 cars: 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 58% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 BMW 5 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics14.8%
- Suspension13.3%
- Brakes12.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.7%
- Tyres5%
- Steering4.7%
- Body, chassis and structure4.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 4.25%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Headlamp aim set too low 3.94%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 3.06%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 2.94%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.6%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.24%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (17.57%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (15.58%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (13%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.72%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.09%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.69%)
Other years
Every BMW 5 Series year
The full picture: BMW 5 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 5 Series, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2002 BMW 5 Series reliable?
2002 BMW 5 Seriess fail 34.6% of first MOT tests, 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 24 5 Series years (9,191 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 BMW 5 Series MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (4.25% of tests), headlamp aim set too low (3.94% of tests), windscreen washer fluid insufficient (3.06% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 BMW 5 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2002 BMW 5 Series shows 139,620 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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