2003 BMW X5 · 8,401 MOT tests
2003 BMW X5 reliability
2003 BMW X5s fail 40% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 21 X5 years (8,401 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW X5s: 19.9%)
- 40%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW X5s: 19.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 142,354
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 8,401
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.1% of tests fail here (90% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 53% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 BMW X5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics19.6%
- Brakes17.7%
- Suspension14.3%
- Body, chassis and structure11.7%
- Tyres8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.3%
- Seat belts and airbags4.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 5.8%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
CV joint boot split or insecure 5.74%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Stop lamp not working 4.86%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 4.01%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.58%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Position lamp not working 3.21%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (20.25%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (18.82%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (18.12%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (11.99%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.23%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.68%)
Other years
Every BMW X5 year
The full picture: BMW X5 reliability. Before you pay for any BMW X5, 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 2003 BMW X5 reliable?
2003 BMW X5s fail 40% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 21 X5 years (8,401 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 BMW X5 MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (5.8% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (5.74% of tests), stop lamp not working (4.86% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 BMW X5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 BMW X5 shows 142,354 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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