2017 BMW 5 Series · 58,865 MOT tests
2017 BMW 5 Series reliability
2017 BMW 5 Seriess fail 12.5% of first MOT tests, 39% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 24 5 Series years (58,865 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- 12.5%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 39% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 6
- 61,219
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 6
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 58,865
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2017 against the years either side
- 2016 cars: 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does worse)
- 2018 cars: 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does better)
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 75% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2017 car carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
Common problems
What fails on a 2017 BMW 5 Series
Fail rate by area
- Tyres6.2%
- Suspension1.6%
- Lights and electrics1.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.1%
- Brakes1%
- Body, chassis and structure1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.5%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.27%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.1%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 1.07%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 1.04%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
CV joint boot split or insecure 0.61%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.16%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (5.4%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.04%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (2.2%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (2.09%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (1.82%)
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 2017 BMW 5 Series reliable?
2017 BMW 5 Seriess fail 12.5% of first MOT tests, 39% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 24 5 Series years (58,865 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2017 BMW 5 Series MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.5% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.27% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.1% of tests).
How many miles should a 2017 BMW 5 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 6, a typical 2017 BMW 5 Series shows 61,219 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2017 car?
A car first registered in 2017 carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
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