2012 BMW X5 · 15,634 MOT tests
2012 BMW X5 reliability
2012 BMW X5s fail 20.6% of first MOT tests, 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 21 X5 years (15,634 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW X5s: 19.9%)
- 20.6%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW X5s: 19.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 43% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 102,249
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 15,634
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 74% 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 X5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics7.1%
- Tyres6.4%
- Suspension6.1%
- Brakes3.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.2%
- Body, chassis and structure1.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.31%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.14%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Side repeater not working 2.11%
A failed side repeater means other road users cannot see your intended direction change, which is dangerous and must be fixed.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.52%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.46%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.04%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.52%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (5.62%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (5.2%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.27%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.74%) · Linkage ball joint slight play (3.01%)
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 2012 BMW X5 reliable?
2012 BMW X5s fail 20.6% of first MOT tests, 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 21 X5 years (15,634 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 BMW X5 MOT?
Most often tyre ply or cords exposed (2.31% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (2.14% of tests), side repeater not working (2.11% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 BMW X5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 BMW X5 shows 102,249 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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