1995 · 29 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1995 BMW 5 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

295 MOT tests in 2024. 69.8% passed first time, compared with 66.8% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time69.8%
Failed or needed repairs30.2%
Typical mileage at test131,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 295 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.7%
  2. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.7%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.1%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.1%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.7%
  6. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.7%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.4%
  8. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.0%
  9. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.0%
  10. Position lamp: not working1.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension18.6%
  2. Emissions & leaks16.3%
  3. Lights & electrics11.2%
  4. Brakes10.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.1%
  6. Tyres4.1%
  7. Body & chassis4.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.0%
  3. Non-component advisories: Fuel Pipe/s corroded13.2%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.8%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened7.8%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1995 BMW 5 Series?

In 2024, 69.8% of 1995 BMW 5 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 295 tests. The average for all 29-year-old cars was 66.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1995 BMW 5 Series?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1995 BMW 5 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).