2007 BMW 5 Series (first used 2007) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 69.4% of BMW 5 Series cars first used in 2007 passed their MOT first time, against 57.4% for all cars first used in 2007. Across 23,994 5 Series first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, lamps and electrical equipment and tyres.
This page analyses first MOT tests for BMW 5 Series cars first used in 2007 (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 2007 BMW 5 Series MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 5 Series cars first used in 2007 against all cars first used in 2007 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 5 Series figure was 12.0 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2007 5 Series | All cars first used 2007 | 5 Series first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 68.0% | 56.8% | 10,993 |
| 2022 | 68.0% | 57.2% | 10,295 |
| 2023 | 68.4% | 57.0% | 9,248 |
| 2024 | 68.9% | 56.9% | 7,979 |
| 2025 | 69.4% | 57.4% | 6,767 |
Common 2007 BMW 5 Series MOT failures
Share of the 7,471 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play | 11.7% | 877 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 10.4% | 779 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 9.1% | 681 |
| Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 8.9% | 666 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 8.4% | 629 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a 5 Series in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2007 BMW 5 Series before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Common 2007 BMW 5 Series MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2007 5 Series cars, as a share of all 23,994 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 21.0% | 5,047 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 14.8% | 3,560 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 12.2% | 2,936 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 9.1% | 2,183 |
| Flexible brake hoses: slightly deteriorated | 6.9% | 1,647 |
Questions about the 2007 BMW 5 Series MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2007 BMW 5 Series?
In 2025, 69.4% of 5 Series cars first used in 2007 passed their MOT first time, against 57.4% for all cars first used in 2007. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2007 5 Series most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 39.6% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (33.7%) and tyres (26.3%). The single most common item was “Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play” (11.7%).
How often does a 2007 BMW 5 Series fail its MOT?
In 2025, 30.6% of first tests on 5 Series cars first used in 2007 did not pass first time: 25.6% failed, and a further 5.0% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 7,471 of 23,994 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2007 BMW 5 Series MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 21.0% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (14.8%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (12.2%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (9.1%) and “Flexible brake hoses: slightly deteriorated” (6.9%).
Is a 2007 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 68.0% in 2021 to 69.4% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2007
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2007 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2007 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2007 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2007 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics · 2007 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2007 5 Series?
The numbers above cover every 5 Series first used in 2007 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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