Used car guide

2003 BMW M5: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW M5 first registered in 2003: we looked at the 106 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 106 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

106MOTs of 2003 cars, done in 2023–2025
88%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)
6,000typical miles a year
20%had brakes flagged

Common 2003 BMW M5 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 BMW M5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    20% 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
    14% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    12% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Tyres
    10% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    10% 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
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 BMW M5

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

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

Every year of the BMW M5 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2023–Too new for MOT data
2022–Too few tests
2021–Too few tests
2020–Too few tests
2019154Tyres 20%
2018–Too few tests
2017–Too few tests
20161,154Tyres 17%
20151,095Tyres 20%
20141,319Tyres 17%
20131,456Tyres 21%
2012871Tyres 17%
2011220Tyres 22%
2010–Too few tests
2009–Too few tests
2008269Tyres 16%
2007695Tyres 15%
2006747Brakes 20%
2005696Brakes 21%
2002501Brakes 23%
2001751Brakes 22%
2000675Brakes 24%
1999285Brakes 24%
1995–Too few tests
1994–Too few tests
1993–Too few tests
1992–Too few tests
1991–Too few tests
1990–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests
1981–Too few tests
1980–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW M5 cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score