2006 · 18 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2006 BMW m5 MOT pass rate and common faults

240 MOT tests in 2024. 84.6% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

151Well above average
Passed first time84.6%
Failed or needed repairs15.4%
Typical mileage at test83,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 240 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.1%
  2. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.1%
  3. Side repeaters: not working1.7%
  4. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
  6. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.3%
  7. Horn: not working1.3%
  8. Position lamp: not working1.3%
  9. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics7.5%
  2. Suspension3.8%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.8%
  4. Emissions & leaks2.9%
  5. Brakes2.9%
  6. Tyres2.5%
  7. Steering1.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.1%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.3%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.3%

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: malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. 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 2006 BMW m5?

In 2024, 84.6% of 2006 BMW m5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 240 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 BMW m5?

The most common failure reasons were malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; washers: provides insufficient washer liquid; side repeaters: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2006 BMW m5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 151, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).