1993 · 31 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1993 BMW 5 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

121 MOT tests in 2024. 69.4% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time69.4%
Failed or needed repairs30.6%
Typical mileage at test130,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 121 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.0%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.0%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.1%
  4. Washers: not working3.3%
  5. Rear fog lamp: not working3.3%
  6. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.3%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.3%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.3%
  9. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.5%
  10. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension21.5%
  2. Lights & electrics19.8%
  3. Emissions & leaks18.2%
  4. Body & chassis14.9%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.4%
  6. Tyres5.8%
  7. Brakes5.8%
  8. Steering3.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded25.6%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.7%
  3. Non-component advisories: Fuel Pipe/s corroded14.0%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.2%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak9.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All 5 Series years1994 5 Series →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1993 BMW 5 Series?

In 2024, 69.4% of 1993 BMW 5 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 121 tests. The average for all 31-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1993 BMW 5 Series?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1993 BMW 5 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).