2013 BMW 5 Series (first used 2013) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 76.0% of BMW 5 Series cars first used in 2013 passed their MOT first time, against 65.8% for all cars first used in 2013. Across 43,038 5 Series first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, suspension and tyres.
This page analyses first MOT tests for BMW 5 Series cars first used in 2013 (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 2013 BMW 5 Series MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 5 Series cars first used in 2013 against all cars first used in 2013 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 5 Series figure was 10.2 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2013 5 Series | All cars first used 2013 | 5 Series first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 76.9% | 72.1% | 15,304 |
| 2022 | 77.1% | 70.3% | 15,121 |
| 2023 | 76.7% | 68.3% | 14,832 |
| 2024 | 76.5% | 66.8% | 14,335 |
| 2025 | 76.0% | 65.8% | 13,871 |
Common 2013 BMW 5 Series MOT failures
Share of the 10,153 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 19.9% | 2,025 |
| Position lamp: not working | 12.4% | 1,263 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 11.6% | 1,174 |
| Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed | 9.9% | 1,008 |
| Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak | 6.5% | 655 |
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 |
| Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak | Shock absorber replacement | £300 | £200–£500 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2013 BMW 5 Series before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- 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.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Common 2013 BMW 5 Series MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2013 5 Series cars, as a share of all 43,038 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 18.6% | 7,992 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 8.1% | 3,502 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 6.9% | 2,959 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 3.6% | 1,537 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 3.2% | 1,396 |
Questions about the 2013 BMW 5 Series MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2013 BMW 5 Series?
In 2025, 76.0% of 5 Series cars first used in 2013 passed their MOT first time, against 65.8% for all cars first used in 2013. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2013 5 Series most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 32.6% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (31.1%) and tyres (30.0%). The single most common item was “Coil spring: fractured or broken” (19.9%).
How often does a 2013 BMW 5 Series fail its MOT?
In 2025, 24.0% of first tests on 5 Series cars first used in 2013 did not pass first time: 20.5% failed, and a further 3.5% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 10,153 of 43,038 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2013 BMW 5 Series MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 18.6% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (8.1%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (6.9%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (3.6%) and “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (3.2%).
Is a 2013 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 76.9% in 2021 to 76.0% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2013
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2013 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2013 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2013 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2013 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics · 2013 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2013 5 Series?
The numbers above cover every 5 Series first used in 2013 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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