2013 · 11 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2013 BMW 5 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

14,058 MOT tests in 2024. 76.5% passed first time, compared with 66.8% for all cars the same age.

115Well above average
Passed first time76.5%
Failed or needed repairs23.5%
Typical mileage at test113,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 14,058 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.2%
  2. Position lamp: not working3.1%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
    568 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.4%
    485 marked dangerous
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.5%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
    294 marked dangerous
  7. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
  8. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.0%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.8%
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics11.0%
  2. Tyres7.9%
  3. Suspension7.4%
  4. Brakes3.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.2%
  6. Wheels1.2%
  7. Emissions & leaks1.1%
  8. Steering1.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.1%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.0%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.9%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine3.4%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.2%

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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2013 BMW 5 Series?

In 2024, 76.5% of 2013 BMW 5 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 14,058 tests. The average for all 11-year-old cars was 66.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2013 BMW 5 Series?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; position lamp: not working; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2013 BMW 5 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 115, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).