BMW M5 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The BMW M5 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 270 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 6 of 442, and 11.6% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is coil spring (1.9% of tests).
Ranked 6 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 2,999 BMW M5s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 11.6% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the BMW M5 is 63% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
11.6%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
6,200
Typical age at test: 10 years
BMW M5 MOT failure rate by age
Most common BMW M5 MOT faults
- Coil spring: fractured or broken1.9% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed1.1% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.8% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.8% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.8% of tests
What the BMW M5 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 3.6% | ▼ 45% less often |
| Suspension | 2.8% | ▼ 73% less often |
| Lights and electrics | 2.5% | ▼ 80% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.9% | ▼ 45% less often |
| Visibility | 1.7% | ▼ 65% less often |
| Brakes | 1.5% | ▼ 79% less often |
| Wheels | 0.5% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Steering | 0.3% | ▼ 88% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.2% | ▼ 77% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.2% | ▼ 96% less often |
How much is road tax on a BMW M5?
Any BMW M5 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
Work out tax for a specific carBMW M5 specs and running costs
Official figures for 2 versions sold in the UK between 2025 and 2025.
Fuel types
Plug-in hybrid
CO2
37–39 g/km
Power
727 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5 Saloon M5 Saloon727 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 148.7 mpg | 37g | £200 | 14% |
| M5 Touring M5 Touring727 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 141.2 mpg | 39g | £200 | 14% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate.
Buying a used BMW M5?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
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Frequently asked questions
›Is the BMW M5 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the BMW M5 is 63% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 270 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the BMW M5?
The most common MOT fault is “Coil spring: fractured or broken”, found in 1.9% of tests.
›How much is road tax on a BMW M5?
Any BMW M5 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
›How many BMW M5s fail their MOT?
11.6% of BMW M5s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the BMW M5 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.