2009 BMW 5 Series · 28,401 MOT tests
2009 BMW 5 Series reliability
2009 BMW 5 Seriess fail 27.2% of first MOT tests, 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 24 5 Series years (28,401 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- 27.2%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 37% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- 137,044
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 28,401
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does better)
- 2010 cars: 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does better)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.1% of tests fail here (52% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 80% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2009 car carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Common problems
What fails on a 2009 BMW 5 Series
Fail rate by area
- Suspension9.7%
- Lights and electrics9.4%
- Tyres7.6%
- Brakes5.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.4%
- Steering3.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 3.22%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.55%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Position lamp not working 2.51%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 2.46%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.09%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 1.54%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.35%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.23%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.18%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (5.14%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (4.95%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.91%)
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 2009 BMW 5 Series reliable?
2009 BMW 5 Seriess fail 27.2% of first MOT tests, 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 24 5 Series years (28,401 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 BMW 5 Series MOT?
Most often anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed (3.22% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.55% of tests), position lamp not working (2.51% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 BMW 5 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 14, a typical 2009 BMW 5 Series shows 137,044 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2009 car?
A car first registered in 2009 carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
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