2010 BMW 5 Series: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW 5 Series first registered in 2010: we looked at the 591 MOTs these cars had during 2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2010 BMW 5 Series MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2010 BMW 5 Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension30% 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.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Brakes23% 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 electrics16% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks13% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults on the 2010 BMW 5 Series
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.
- All engines
Timing chain wear
Wear in the timing chain guides and tensioner shows up as a grinding or rattling noise at start-up. Putting it right is a big job with a big bill.
At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for grinding or rattling in the first few seconds.
- Diesel
EGR cooler recall (diesel)
Over 220,000 BMWs were recalled because the EGR cooler could leak and, in rare cases, cause a fire.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- All engines
Wet passenger footwell
A leak at the heater blower housing can soak the front passenger carpet, often noticed as a musty smell.
At the viewing: Feel the passenger-side carpet for damp and sniff for mustiness.
- All engines
Cranks but won’t start
A failing fuel pump control unit can stop the engine firing even though it turns over. It has to be replaced.
At the viewing: Make sure it starts promptly every time you try.
- All engines
Noisy or odd-feeling steering
Air getting into the power steering, usually from a failing pump, makes the steering noisy.
At the viewing: Turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine running and listen for whining.
- All engines
Ticking from a front wheel
A brake disc that sits too close to the wheel bearing can tick on every turn. A small spacer fixes it.
At the viewing: Drive slowly with the window down and listen for ticking.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 BMW 5 Series
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the timing chain or its guides been replaced, and is there an invoice?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 5 Series?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the BMW 5 Series compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 313 | Tyres 15% |
| 2022 | 2,222 | Tyres 24% |
| 2021 | 1,817 | Tyres 21% |
| 2020 | 4,064 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 15,159 | Tyres 24% |
| 2018 | 18,470 | Tyres 25% |
| 2017 | 13,069 | Tyres 24% |
| 2016 | – | Too few tests |
| 2015 | – | Too few tests |
| 2014 | 206 | Tyres 24% |
| 2013 | 5,675 | Tyres 30% |
| 2012 | 5,661 | Tyres 30% |
| 2011 | 1,011 | Tyres 30% |
| 2009 | 619 | Suspension 39% |
| 2008 | 685 | Suspension 38% |
| 2007 | 736 | Suspension 45% |
| 2006 | 623 | Suspension 46% |
| 2005 | 300 | Suspension 44% |
| 2004 | 215 | Suspension 53% |
| 2003 | 168 | Suspension 46% |
| 2002 | 149 | Brakes 40% |
| 2001 | 105 | Suspension 44% |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |
| 1999 | – | Too few tests |
| 1998 | – | Too few tests |
| 1997 | – | Too few tests |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
| 1994 | – | Too few tests |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
| 1992 | – | Too few tests |
| 1991 | – | Too few tests |
| 1990 | – | Too few tests |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
| 1984 | – | Too few tests |
| 1983 | – | Too few tests |
| 1982 | – | Too few tests |
| 1981 | – | Too few tests |
| 1980 | – | Too few tests |
| 1979 | – | Too few tests |
| 1978 | – | Too few tests |
| 1975 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2025, counting the MOTs of BMW 5 Series cars first registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score