2018 BMW 5 Series · 73,746 MOT tests
2018 BMW 5 Series reliability
2018 BMW 5 Seriess fail 11.5% of first MOT tests, 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 24 5 Series years (73,746 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- 11.5%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 35% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- 50,640
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 73,746
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2018 against the years either side
- 2017 cars: 39% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does worse)
- 2019 cars: 34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 6.5% of tests fail here (15% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 72% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2018 car carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
Common problems
What fails on a 2018 BMW 5 Series
Fail rate by area
- Tyres6.5%
- Lights and electrics1.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1%
- Suspension0.9%
- Wheels0.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.9%
- Brakes0.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.75%
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 1.34%
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 1.19%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 1.02%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 0.54%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Road wheel fractured or welded defect 0.45%
A fractured wheel can fail suddenly and cause loss of control, so it must be replaced before driving.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.92%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (3.06%) · Brake pads wearing thin (2.9%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (2.4%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (1.7%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (1.64%)
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 2018 BMW 5 Series reliable?
2018 BMW 5 Seriess fail 11.5% of first MOT tests, 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 24 5 Series years (73,746 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2018 BMW 5 Series MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.75% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.34% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.19% of tests).
How many miles should a 2018 BMW 5 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 5, a typical 2018 BMW 5 Series shows 50,640 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2018 car?
A car first registered in 2018 carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
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