Used car guide

2016 BMW M5: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 BMW M5s, from 377 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 377 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

377MOT tests in 2025
88%pass first time (all 2016 cars: 75%)
6,300typical miles a year
17%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2016 BMW M5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    17% 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
    9% 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 mirrors
    3% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Suspension
    3% 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.

  • 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    3% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

Looking at a BMW M5?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2015354Tyres 19%
2014431Tyres 16%
2013462Tyres 21%
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 2016 BMW M5s registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score