2016 · 8 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2016 BMW 5 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

15,489 MOT tests in 2024. 85.3% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time85.3%
Failed or needed repairs14.7%
Typical mileage at test80,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 15,489 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.3%
    564 marked dangerous
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.6%
    333 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
    220 marked dangerous
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken0.6%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
    111 marked dangerous
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.5%
  9. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.4%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.8%
  3. Brakes2.2%
  4. Lights & electrics2.1%
  5. Suspension1.9%
  6. Wheels1.1%
  7. Emissions & leaks0.6%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.0%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.1%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.7%
  4. Tread depth: tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm2.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.5%

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: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. 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 2016 BMW 5 Series?

In 2024, 85.3% of 2016 BMW 5 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 15,489 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 BMW 5 Series?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2016 BMW 5 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).