2009 BMW 5 Series (first used 2009) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 71.1% of BMW 5 Series cars first used in 2009 passed their MOT first time, against 58.3% for all cars first used in 2009. Across 21,501 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 2009 (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 2009 BMW 5 Series MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 5 Series cars first used in 2009 against all cars first used in 2009 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 5 Series figure was 12.8 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2009 5 Series | All cars first used 2009 | 5 Series first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 72.8% | 60.5% | 9,159 |
| 2022 | 71.2% | 60.1% | 8,636 |
| 2023 | 71.1% | 59.0% | 7,946 |
| 2024 | 71.8% | 58.4% | 7,152 |
| 2025 | 71.1% | 58.3% | 6,403 |
Common 2009 BMW 5 Series MOT failures
Share of the 6,168 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 13.3% | 823 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 10.6% | 651 |
| Position lamp: not working | 9.7% | 597 |
| Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play | 9.4% | 577 |
| Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed | 8.3% | 515 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2009 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 2009 BMW 5 Series MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2009 5 Series cars, as a share of all 21,501 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 20.2% | 4,339 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 10.5% | 2,249 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 8.1% | 1,745 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 8.0% | 1,715 |
| Flexible brake hoses: slightly deteriorated | 6.4% | 1,382 |
Questions about the 2009 BMW 5 Series MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2009 BMW 5 Series?
In 2025, 71.1% of 5 Series cars first used in 2009 passed their MOT first time, against 58.3% for all cars first used in 2009. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2009 5 Series most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 38.1% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (33.6%) and tyres (28.0%). The single most common item was “Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt” (13.3%).
How often does a 2009 BMW 5 Series fail its MOT?
In 2025, 28.9% of first tests on 5 Series cars first used in 2009 did not pass first time: 24.0% failed, and a further 4.9% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 6,168 of 21,501 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2009 BMW 5 Series MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 20.2% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (10.5%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (8.1%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (8.0%) and “Flexible brake hoses: slightly deteriorated” (6.4%).
Is a 2009 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 72.8% in 2021 to 71.1% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2009
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2009 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2009 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2009 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2009 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2009 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2009 5 Series?
The numbers above cover every 5 Series first used in 2009 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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