2005 BMW M5 · 1,026 MOT tests
2005 BMW M5 reliability
2005 BMW M5s fail 13.4% of first MOT tests, 68% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 6 M5 years (1,026 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW M5s: 11.4%)
- 13.4%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW M5s: 11.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 68% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 90,828
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,026
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 61% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- 2006 cars: 65% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.4% of tests fail here (123% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 80% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 BMW M5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics4.2%
- Suspension4.1%
- Brakes4.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.7%
- Seat belts and airbags2.1%
- Tyres1.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.05%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 1.56%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 0.88%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 0.88%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 0.88%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Number plate does not meet standards 0.78%
The plate does not meet legal specifications, so it must be replaced with a compliant one before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.58%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.02%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.46%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (4.48%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.22%) · Brake pads wearing thin (2.53%)
Is a 2005 BMW M5 reliable?
2005 BMW M5s fail 13.4% of first MOT tests, 68% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 6 M5 years (1,026 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 BMW M5 MOT?
Most often engine warning light inoperative or lit (2.05% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (1.56% of tests), anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed (0.88% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 BMW M5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2005 BMW M5 shows 90,828 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
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