2012 · 12 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2012 BMW m5 MOT pass rate and common faults

285 MOT tests in 2024. 90.2% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

140Well above average
Passed first time90.2%
Failed or needed repairs9.8%
Typical mileage at test73,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 285 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.5%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.7%
    3 marked dangerous
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits0.7%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits0.7%
  5. Headlamp aim: too high0.7%
  6. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.7%
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.7%
    3 marked dangerous
  8. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed0.7%
  9. Driver's view: of the road through the swept area of the windscreen significantly affected by an obstruction0.4%
  10. Washers: not working0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks4.2%
  2. Suspension3.9%
  3. Brakes2.8%
  4. Lights & electrics2.5%
  5. Tyres2.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.4%
  7. Steering0.4%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.9%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.3%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.6%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.1%

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 2012 BMW m5?

In 2024, 90.2% of 2012 BMW m5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 285 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 BMW m5?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2012 BMW m5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 140, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).