2018 · 6 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2018 BMW 5 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

18,793 MOT tests in 2024. 87.2% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time87.2%
Failed or needed repairs12.8%
Typical mileage at test60,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 18,793 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.0%
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.7%
    433 marked dangerous
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
    490 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.2%
    325 marked dangerous
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.1%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.9%
  7. Road Wheels - condition: fractured0.7%
    179 marked dangerous
  8. Side repeaters: not working0.5%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.4%
    115 marked dangerous
  10. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.4%
    104 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.7%
  2. Lights & electrics1.7%
  3. Suspension1.3%
  4. Emissions & leaks1.3%
  5. Brakes1.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.1%
  7. Wheels1.0%
  8. Body & chassis0.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.7%
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak6.7%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.0%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.3%

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: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. 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 2018 BMW 5 Series?

In 2024, 87.2% of 2018 BMW 5 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 18,793 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 BMW 5 Series?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2018 BMW 5 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).