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Official DVLA Record
Outstanding Recall

2002 BMW M5 4.9L Petrol · J5 REP

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 Required

Official 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.

MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 17 May 2026
Tax Status
SORN
Statutory Off Road (SORN)
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2002
Engine
4941cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following its May 2025 MOT, which included a pass despite a failed test on the same date for an inoperative hazard warning switch. The absence of critical defects in prior tests suggests stable maintenance, though the recurring failure on the hazard warning switch indicates potential electrical system neglect. No structural or mechanical failures were recorded in the past three years, but the 2025 failure highlights a need for closer scrutiny of electrical components. The mileage progression shows consistent annual testing, with 161,434 miles recorded in May 2025. The vehicle’s age and mileage align with typical usage for its 24-year lifespan, though the 1,215-mile increase between 2022 and 2025 suggests reduced usage or intermittent operation. No significant gaps in testing exist, and the MOT history remains largely clean, with no major defects flagged prior to 2025. A buyer should verify the hazard warning switch’s repair and inspect the electrical system for corrosion or wear. Given the vehicle’s age, check suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake discs for excessive wear, as these components often degrade over time. Additionally, assess the exhaust system for leaks or rust, and confirm the absence of structural corrosion, particularly in the underbody and chassis. The MOT record does not indicate severe issues, but proactive inspection is advised to address potential age-related deterioration.
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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.

Updating live data

J5 REP MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 25 Sept 2026, 13:46
MOT Analysis

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.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

J5 REP Mileage History

  1. 27/04/2022160,219 mi
  2. 19/05/2023160,756 mi+537 mi
  3. 30/04/2024161,150 mi+394 mi
  4. 19/05/2025161,434 mi+284 mi
  5. 19/05/2025161,434 mi

Average of roughly 397 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges
Recall Notice Outstanding

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

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Reliability & Known Issues

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 Analysis
45
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

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.

MOT Expired or Failed
Tax Status Unknown
Good MOT pass rate (80%)
Older vehicle
Outstanding recall notice
Experian Provenance Check

Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.

Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

Comprehensive register checks across Experian, MIAFTR, Police National Computer, and DVLA records.

CHECK REQUIRED

OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

Checks Experian asset registers to identify any active PCP, HP, or loan agreements.

Experian Asset Register: [Query Required]
Agreements & Lender Search: [Check to Reveal]
Experian Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

Checks the UK insurance total loss register for Category A, B, S, or N write-offs.

MIAFTR Insurance Database: [Query Required]
Write-Off Category & Date: [Check to Reveal]
MIAFTR Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

Searches the UK Police National Computer (PNC) for active stolen vehicle reports.

Police National Computer: [Query Required]
Active Stolen Marker Search: [Check to Reveal]
Police Computer:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

Cross-checks major UK salvage databases to identify if this vehicle has ever been listed in a salvage auction.

Salvage Auction Registries: [Query Required]
Trade Auction Disposal Lots: [Check to Reveal]
Salvage Registries:QUERY REQUIRED
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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

Checks vehicle registration records to verify if this vehicle was imported from abroad.

Import & Prior VRM Register: [Query Required]
Country of Origin Audit: [Check to Reveal]
Import Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

Customs & Export Register: [Query Required]
UK Road Eligibility Marker: [Check to Reveal]
Export Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

Scrappage & ATF Register: [Query Required]
Disposal Notification Check: [Check to Reveal]
Scrappage Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

Certificate of Destruction Register: [Query Required]
Statutory Scrapping Decrees: [Check to Reveal]
Destruction Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

Audits number of registered keepers and latest V5C logbook issue date.

DVLA Logbook Issue Date: [Query Required]
Previous Keepers Count: [Check to Reveal]
DVLA Keeper Master:QUERY REQUIRED
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
65/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,500
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 161,434 miles is...

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