2021 BMW 545E Xdrive M Sport Auto: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 BMW 545E Xdrive M Sport Autos, from 129 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 129 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2021 BMW 545E Xdrive M Sport Auto MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres25% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes5% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Driveshafts and joints2% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension1% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- EGR and particulate filter problems (diesel)Diesel
Diesels came last of 20 executive cars in What Car?'s survey, with costly EGR valve and DPF faults and repeat dealer visits. There were also EGR cooler and coolant recalls for fire risk.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for recalls, and watch for warning lights.
Source: What Car?: used BMW 5 Series (2017-2023) reliability
- Ten recallsAll engines
Recalls also covered the brake pedal switch, curtain airbags, the steering gear, a balance shaft bearing, 48-volt battery cables, rear driveshafts and plug-in hybrid batteries.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm every recall has been done.
Source: What Car?: used BMW 5 Series (2017-2023) reliability
- Electrical and sensor faultsAll engines
Most petrol faults are electrical, including faulty sensors, persistent warning lights and infotainment faults.
At the viewing: Test every button and screen, and look for warning lights.
Source: What Car?: used BMW 5 Series (2017-2023) reliability
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 135 | Tyres 21% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2021 BMW 545E Xdrive M Sport Autos registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score