Used car guide

2013 BMW M5: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 BMW M5s, from 462 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 462 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

462MOT tests in 2025
88%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 66%)
5,800typical miles a year
21%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2013 BMW M5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    21% 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.

  • Brakes
    14% 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.

  • Suspension
    7% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    4% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Exhaust and emissions
    3% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    3% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Looking at a BMW M5?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2016377Tyres 17%
2015354Tyres 19%
2014431Tyres 16%
2012266Tyres 15%
2007224Tyres 14%
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 2013 BMW M5s registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score