1998 BMW 5 Series (first used 1998) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 65.1% of BMW 5 Series cars first used in 1998 passed their MOT first time, against 65.6% for all cars first used in 1998. Across 2,390 5 Series first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were brakes, lamps and electrical equipment and suspension.
This page analyses first MOT tests for BMW 5 Series cars first used in 1998 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 1998 BMW 5 Series MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 5 Series cars first used in 1998 against all cars first used in 1998 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 5 Series figure was in line with the all-cars figure.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 1998 5 Series | All cars first used 1998 | 5 Series first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 58.9% | 60.7% | 1,236 |
| 2022 | 62.1% | 62.4% | 1,094 |
| 2023 | 62.5% | 64.0% | 917 |
| 2024 | 63.2% | 64.9% | 786 |
| 2025 | 65.1% | 65.6% | 687 |
Common 1998 BMW 5 Series MOT failures
Share of the 873 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 16.6% | 145 |
| SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault | 13.1% | 114 |
| Headlamp aim: too low | 10.9% | 95 |
| Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid | 10.0% | 87 |
| Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 8.8% | 77 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 1998 BMW 5 Series before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
Common 1998 BMW 5 Series MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 1998 5 Series cars, as a share of all 2,390 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 19.4% | 463 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 18.2% | 436 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 12.3% | 295 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 8.7% | 209 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 8.2% | 195 |
Questions about the 1998 BMW 5 Series MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 1998 BMW 5 Series?
In 2025, 65.1% of 5 Series cars first used in 1998 passed their MOT first time, against 65.6% for all cars first used in 1998. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 1998 5 Series most often fail its MOT on?
Brakes (in 39.2% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (38.9%) and suspension (36.4%). The single most common item was “Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements” (16.6%).
How often does a 1998 BMW 5 Series fail its MOT?
In 2025, 34.9% of first tests on 5 Series cars first used in 1998 did not pass first time: 30.0% failed, and a further 4.9% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 873 of 2,390 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 1998 BMW 5 Series MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 19.4% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (18.2%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (12.3%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (8.7%) and “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (8.2%).
Is a 1998 BMW 5 Series reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 58.9% in 2021 to 65.1% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 1998
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
1998 Volkswagen Transporter MOT statistics · 1998 Land Rover Defender MOT statistics · 1998 Mazda MX-5 MOT statistics · 1998 BMW Z3 MOT statistics · 1998 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics
Checking a specific 1998 5 Series?
The numbers above cover every 5 Series first used in 1998 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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