2013 BMW M5 4.4L Petrol · LL63 RXB

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 11 November 2025, recorded a PASS with no defects or advisories, which is a positive immediate indicator for any prospective buyer. However, a close review of the recent history reveals that this pass followed a failure just five days earlier on 6 November 2025 due to a fractured nearside front coil spring. Going back one year, the October 2024 test similarly failed on a fractured offside front coil spring, accompanied by excessive hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions after the second fast idle test, along with advisories for inner-edge wear on the offside front and offside rear tyres. The fact that the vehicle has now presented fractured coil springs on both sides of the front axle within a thirteen-month period suggests this is not an isolated incident but rather a wear pattern, meaning the remaining original springs and rear springs are likely approaching the end of their service life. The combination of an emissions failure followed by a clean pass may indicate that remedial exhaust or engine management work was carried out, but this should be verified through paperwork. With 56,295 miles recorded over approximately thirteen years, this M5 has covered an average of around 4,330 miles annually, which is notably low for any vehicle and particularly low for a high-performance saloon of this calibre. Such modest usage raises questions about the nature of the driving it has received; extended periods of standing or only short journeys can lead to premature degradation of components not solely dictated by distance. The fractured coil springs recorded in 2024 and 2025 are consistent with low-mileage corrosion-related fatigue rather than simple mechanical wear, as springs are highly susceptible to pitting and fracture when a vehicle is stored or used infrequently in damp conditions. Any prospective buyer should be alert to the possibility that other age-related issues may be more advanced than the odometer reading alone would normally suggest. Given the documented suspension failures and the advisories for uneven inner-edge tyre wear, a thorough physical inspection and test drive are strongly recommended. The fractured front coil springs should prompt a check of all remaining springs, suspension bushes, and top mounts, as well as the front and rear shock absorbers, since running on a broken spring can place additional strain on adjacent components. During a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises over bumps and on full lock, feel for any vagueness or vibration through the steering, and watch for uneven tyre wear continuing to develop on the inner edges, which could point to worn suspension bushes, droop links, or alignment issues that have not been fully resolved. Confirm that replacement springs and any associated geometry work have been documented with invoices, and inspect the recent tyres for correct size, age, and even wear patterns across the full tread width. Beyond the documented MOT items, the low annual mileage makes several calendar-based and standing-related checks especially important on this M5. Tyres older than five years should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking regardless of remaining tread depth, and the spare or inflation kit should be checked for age as well. The 12V battery is highly likely to have suffered from chronic undercharging due to short trips, and a load test or printout from a diagnostic tool should be obtained to confirm its state of health. Brake discs and calipers on a lightly used car are prone to corrosion and seizing, so each caliper should be checked for smooth operation and the discs for lip corrosion or binding, with a road test confirming straight-line stability under braking. Finally, verify that brake fluid, coolant, and differential and transmission fluids have been serviced on a time basis rather than purely by mileage, inspect all underbody and suspension components for standing corrosion, and ensure the service book is fully stamped with supporting invoices to evidence that the high-load S63 V8 engine has been maintained to BMW specification throughout its life.