2003 BMW X5 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 62.8% of BMW X5s first used in 2003 passed their MOT first time, against 58.7% for all cars first used in 2003. Across 5,674 X5 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, brakes and suspension.
This page analyses first MOT tests for BMW X5s first used in 2003 (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 2003 BMW X5 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, X5s first used in 2003 against all cars first used in 2003 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the X5 figure was 4.1 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2003 X5 | All cars first used 2003 | X5 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 56.5% | 54.0% | 3,726 |
| 2022 | 57.3% | 55.7% | 3,056 |
| 2023 | 59.0% | 56.7% | 2,439 |
| 2024 | 61.7% | 57.2% | 1,814 |
| 2025 | 62.8% | 58.7% | 1,421 |
Common 2003 BMW X5 MOT failures
Share of the 2,224 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ball joint: excessively worn | 16.5% | 367 |
| Drive shaft joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 15.9% | 354 |
| Stop lamp: not working | 13.5% | 301 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 11.4% | 253 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn | 10.6% | 236 |
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 an X5 in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball joint: excessively worn | Ball joint replacement | £90 | £60–£150 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension arm replacement | £150 | £120–£180 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2003 BMW X5 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.
- 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.
- 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 2003 BMW X5 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2003 X5s, as a share of all 5,674 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 23.1% | 1,309 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 22.6% | 1,281 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 22.2% | 1,257 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 14.8% | 837 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 8.2% | 465 |
Questions about the 2003 BMW X5 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2003 BMW X5?
In 2025, 62.8% of X5s first used in 2003 passed their MOT first time, against 58.7% for all cars first used in 2003. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2003 X5 most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 50.0% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (43.3%) and suspension (36.4%). The single most common item was “Ball joint: excessively worn” (16.5%).
How often does a 2003 BMW X5 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 37.2% of first tests on X5s first used in 2003 did not pass first time: 30.0% failed, and a further 7.2% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 2,224 of 5,674 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2003 BMW X5 MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 23.1% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (22.6%), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (22.2%), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (14.8%) and “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (8.2%).
Is a 2003 BMW X5 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 56.5% in 2021 to 62.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2003
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2003 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2003 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2003 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2003 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2003 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2003 X5?
The numbers above cover every X5 first used in 2003 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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