BMW M5
Registered from 1990 to 2025.
About this model
The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series automobile developed by BMW's motorsport division, BMW M GmbH, built since 1984 with periodic interruptions. The M5 has continuously been produced in the saloon body style, in some countries also as an estate.
From the Wikipedia article BMW M5, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What fails its inspection
Great Britain's MOT record for the 2013 4.4 petrol. 75 of 580 tests failed, 13%.
Better than 81% of 2013 cars. The typical one fails 19%, across 828 models with enough tests behind them to say.
| Where | Share of failures | Failed tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres and wheels | 37% | 28 |
| Suspension | 31% | 23 |
| Exhaust and emissions | 17% | 13 |
| Visibility | 15% | 11 |
| Lights and electrics | 12% | 9 |
| Plates and identity | 4% | 3 |
The defects inspectors cite
- A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
- A tyre seriously damaged
- A tyre cords visible or damaged
- Emissions levels exceed default limits
- Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
- Emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits
Before you buy one
Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.
- Tyres and wheels — 37% of its failures
- A tyre seriously damaged
- A tyre cords visible or damaged
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- Suspension — 31% of its failures
- A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
- Exhaust and emissions — 17% of its failures
- Emissions levels exceed default limits
- Emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits
- Lights and electrics — 12% of its failures
- A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
- Visibility — 15% of its failures
- Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen
When it starts failing
At 80–100k miles this one fails 11% of its inspections, against the 22% an ordinary car of the same age fails.
| Odometer | Failure rate | Rate | Its age | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20–40k miles | 7% | 12% | 42 | |
| 40–60k miles | 12% | 16% | 188 | |
| 60–80k miles | 17% | 20% | 222 | |
| 80–100k miles | 11% | 22% | 99 |
551 British inspections, grouped by the odometer reading recorded at the test.
Half of these have more than 60k miles on them. That is how far people drive this car, not how long it lasts.
Specification
| Year | Measured |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 4.4 petrol · 617 hp · 1942 kg · 2982 mm wheelbase · 11.0 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2018 | 4.4 petrol · 598 hp · 1933 kg · 2982 mm wheelbase · 11.2 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2016 | 4.4 petrol · 569 hp · 1940 kg · 2964 mm wheelbase · 9.7 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2015 | 4.4 petrol · 565 hp · 1945 kg · 2964 mm wheelbase · 9.7 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2014 | 4.4 petrol · 564 hp · 1945 kg · 2964 mm wheelbase · 9.7 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2013 | 4.4 petrol · 554 hp · 1945 kg · 2964 mm wheelbase · 9.7 L/100km (NEDC) |
| 2012 | 4.4 petrol · 553 hp · 1945 kg · 2959 mm wheelbase · 9.7 L/100km (NEDC) |
Recalls
Filed by the manufacturer with a regulator. A recall is repaired free of charge, whoever owns the car now.
A12/00184/24
Due to a manufacturing error, the weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit (ITCU) may not have been correctly executed. As a result, transmission oil could leak into the ITCU, causing it to fail. This may lead to transmission seizure, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/00996/24
The integrated braking system could be compromised, which could lead to an unexpected failure of the hydraulic braking assistance, thereby requiring greater pressure on the brake pedal. This can result in a longer braking distance, as well as failure of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/01717/22
Due to improper installation of the seat belts, the restraint function may be impaired, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/01785/21
The screws which were used to assemble seatbelts and also on the rear seats of the vehicles concerned may not have been manufactured in accordance with specifications. In some cases, the screws in question cannot withstand extreme loads, which could increase the risk of injury in the event of an accident. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/01981/24
A seam on the inflator housing of the driver airbag may not have been correctly welded. In case of accident, when the airbag is deployed, the inflator can burst, releasing metal parts which could cause injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/03529/24
Due to manufacturing problem, the rotation bushing of the steering column's double universal joint can break when the steering wheel is turned hard at the extreme position and when steering without steering assistance with the engine switched off. This can lead to unexpected steering behaviour which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
SR/00898/26
The cockpit cable harness may be damaged when the microfilter is replaced. This can lead to a short circuit, with smoke build-up resulting in fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users