2016 BMW 5 Series · 56,812 MOT tests
2016 BMW 5 Series reliability
2016 BMW 5 Seriess fail 13.4% of first MOT tests, 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 24 5 Series years (56,812 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2016 BMW 5 Series?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- 13.4%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 43% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- 71,896
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 56,812
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2016 against the years either side
- 2015 cars: 46% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- 2017 cars: 39% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does better)
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 77% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2016 car carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Common problems
What fails on a 2016 BMW 5 Series
Fail rate by area
- Tyres6.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.9%
- Brakes1.8%
- Lights and electrics1.7%
- Suspension1.4%
- Wheels0.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.02%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.47%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.41%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.2%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.98%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.72%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.83%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.98%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.79%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (2.16%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (2.08%) · Brake discs showing some wear (1.84%)
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 2016 BMW 5 Series reliable?
2016 BMW 5 Seriess fail 13.4% of first MOT tests, 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 24 5 Series years (56,812 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2016 BMW 5 Series MOT?
Most often tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.02% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.47% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.41% of tests).
How many miles should a 2016 BMW 5 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 7, a typical 2016 BMW 5 Series shows 71,896 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2016 car?
A car first registered in 2016 carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Check a 2016 BMW 5 Series free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.