2001 BMW M5 4.9L Petrol · M5 GGJ
2001 BMW M5 (4.9L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2001. Recorded mileage 207,796 miles. MOT valid until 13 May 2027. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW M5
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Manchester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 13 May 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 207,796 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 4.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
M5 GGJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 15/05/2026
- 207,796 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
M5 GGJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 BMW M5 (M5 GGJ) between February 2024 and May 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 15 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (7 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Steering (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 18 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Prop shaft flexible coupling excessively deteriorated forward bush (6.1.7 (d) (i))”; “Electronic stability control warning lamp indicates a fault (7.12 (e))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))”.
M5 GGJ Mileage History
- 26/02/2024203,785 mi
- 07/05/2025206,733 mi+2,948 mi
- 15/05/2025206,736 mi+3 mi
- 15/05/2026207,796 mi+1,060 mi
- 15/05/2026207,796 mi
Average of roughly 1,811 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW M5
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Avoid this 2001 BMW M5 unless you are a specialist prepared for immediate and costly mechanical work. The MOT history shows repeated failures on safety-critical systems and a high mileage of over 207,000 miles.
Given the MOT failures on 2026-05-15 including electronic stability control warning, excessive CO and HC emissions, and a non-working near side rear stop lamp, budget for diagnostics and repairs before considering purchase. The 2025 failure for rear tyres with different aspect ratios and rear brake pads below 1.5 mm shows inconsistent upkeep, so insist on a full service history and evidence of recent brake, tyre, and steering work. Negotiate hard on price — the combination of 207,796 miles and multiple safety failures means this is a project car, not a usable daily driver without investment.
The 4941cc petrol V8 will return poor fuel economy, likely under 20 mpg in real-world use, and the 2001 M5 falls into a high VED band for older large petrol cars. Insurance group for an M5 of this era is high due to performance and value, and maintenance costs are elevated given the 2026 advisories for diff seal leak, corroded fuel pipes, and deteriorated prop shaft coupling. Estimated annual running cost including fuel, tax, insurance, and typical maintenance is £3,500-£5,000, before any major repair backlog is addressed.
The 2026-05-15 MOT failure listed play in the steering rack inner joint, corroded brake pipes, and a perished fuel pipe rubber attachment — these are safety-critical and must be inspected by a BMW specialist before purchase. The same test recorded a deteriorated prop shaft flexible coupling forward bush and diff seal leak, both indicative of wear at 207,796 miles that can lead to drivetrain failure. Check the rear suspension ball joints (advised in 2024 and failed in 2025), rear brake discs and pads condition, and confirm the electronic stability control fault has been resolved with proof of repair.
This March 2001 registered BMW M5 (M5GGJ) in blue has covered 207,796 miles as of its May 2026 MOT, well above typical use for a 25-year-old performance saloon. The recent MOT history includes two failures in 2026 alone, with faults ranging from steering play and brake pipe corrosion to emissions exceedances and a failed stop lamp. No model aggregate reliability data is available, but the individual history shows a pattern of recurring advisories and failures that suggest deferred maintenance.
No aggregate MOT reliability data is available for the BMW M5, so assessment is limited to this vehicle's individual history which shows significant fault recurrence.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Common Problems: BMW M5
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
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