2012 BMW M5 · 1,387 MOT tests
2012 BMW M5 reliability
2012 BMW M5s fail 9.7% of first MOT tests, 70% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 6 M5 years (1,387 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW M5s: 11.4%)
- 9.7%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW M5s: 11.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 70% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 68,651
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,387
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 66% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 60% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 88% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 BMW M5
Fail rate by area
- Tyres3.2%
- Suspension2.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.4%
- Lights and electrics1.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.4%
- Brakes1.2%
- Wheels0.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.8%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.23%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 0.94%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Carbon monoxide above manufacturer's idle limit 0.65%
Exceeding the manufacturer's idle limit suggests engine tuning or emission faults, so the car needs diagnosis before buying.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 0.65%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.65%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.42%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.47%) · Brake pads wearing thin (3.24%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (2.31%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (1.23%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (1.23%)
Is a 2012 BMW M5 reliable?
2012 BMW M5s fail 9.7% of first MOT tests, 70% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 6 M5 years (1,387 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 BMW M5 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (1.8% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.23% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (0.94% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 BMW M5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 BMW M5 shows 68,651 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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