2020 BMW 5 Series · 19,012 MOT tests
2020 BMW 5 Series reliability
2020 BMW 5 Seriess fail 9.1% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 24 5 Series years (19,012 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- 9.1%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 36% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 35,495
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 19,012
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2020 against the years either side
- 2019 cars: 34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does better)
- 2021 cars: 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 1% of tests fail here (25% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Plates: a 2020 car carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
Common problems
What fails on a 2020 BMW 5 Series
Fail rate by area
- Tyres5.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1%
- Lights and electrics0.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors0.7%
- Brakes0.6%
- Wheels0.5%
- Body, chassis and structure0.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.45%
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 0.92%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 0.67%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.64%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Diesel engine warning light faulty 0.46%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Road wheel fractured or welded defect 0.29%
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 (6.21%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (1.35%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (1.32%) · Brake pads wearing thin (1.22%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (1.05%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (1.04%)
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 2020 BMW 5 Series reliable?
2020 BMW 5 Seriess fail 9.1% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 24 5 Series years (19,012 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2020 BMW 5 Series MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.45% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (0.92% of tests), tyre bulge from structural failure (0.67% of tests).
How many miles should a 2020 BMW 5 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2020 BMW 5 Series shows 35,495 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2020 car?
A car first registered in 2020 carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
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