Used car guide

2007 BMW M5: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2007 BMW M5s, from 224 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 224 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

224MOT tests in 2025
91%pass first time (all 2007 cars: 57%)
4,800typical miles a year
14%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2007 BMW M5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    14% 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.

  • Suspension
    13% 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.

  • Brakes
    13% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    6% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    3% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a BMW M5?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2016377Tyres 17%
2015354Tyres 19%
2014431Tyres 16%
2013462Tyres 21%
2012266Tyres 15%
2006247Brakes 18%
2005223Brakes 19%
2002168Brakes 23%
2001234Brakes 24%
2000216Brakes 24%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2007 BMW M5s registered in 2007. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score