2002 BMW M5 4.9L Petrol · J5 REP
2002 BMW M5 (4.9L, petrol). First registered 17 Apr 2002. Recorded mileage 161,434 miles. MOT expired on 17 May 2026. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW M5
- Year / Origin
- 2002
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 17 May 2026
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 161,434 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 4.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
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.
J5 REP Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 19/05/2025
- 161,434 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
J5 REP 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 2002 BMW M5 (J5 REP) between April 2022 and May 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 19 May 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
J5 REP Mileage History
- 27/04/2022160,219 mi
- 19/05/2023160,756 mi+537 mi
- 30/04/2024161,150 mi+394 mi
- 19/05/2025161,434 mi+284 mi
- 19/05/2025161,434 mi
Average of roughly 397 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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: Below Average
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
This 2002 BMW M5 offers strong performance heritage but carries risks due to high mileage and a recent MOT failure. Exercise caution and thoroughly inspect critical systems before purchase.
Prioritize checking the hazard warning switch repair and verify that the 2025 failure was fully resolved. Insist on a full service history to confirm maintenance standards. Be prepared to negotiate a lower price given the high mileage and age. Look for evidence of regular servicing, particularly for the 4.9L V12 engine, which can develop issues over time. Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist BMW mechanic.
The 4.9L petrol engine will deliver poor fuel economy, likely 15-20 mpg in combined driving. As a 2002 model, it falls into a high tax band (£210/year for 2024/25). Insurance groups for performance cars like the M5 are typically high, with annual premiums exceeding £1,000. Maintenance costs will be significant due to age, with parts and labor likely exceeding £500-£1,000 annually for major services. Estimated annual running costs: £1,200-£1,500.
Focus on the hazard warning switch mechanism and wiring harness, as this was the 2025 failure point. Check for oil leaks around the V12 engine and inspect the transmission for rough shifting. Examine body panels for rust, particularly around door sills and wheel arches. Verify that the air conditioning system is functional and check brake components for excessive wear given the high mileage. Review service records for evidence of regular maintenance.
The 2002 BMW M5 has a mostly clean MOT history with one recent failure for a faulty hazard warning switch. At 161,434 miles, the mileage exceeds typical averages for a 22-year-old vehicle, raising concerns about wear. While the car has passed recent inspections, its age and high mileage suggest potential long-term reliability issues.
No aggregate MOT data available for BMW M5 models to establish reliability trends.
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.
View all BMW M5 problems →Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (J5RE Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as J5REP.
BMW M5 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2002 model year cars.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.