2005 BMW M5 5.0L Petrol · LR55 WEH
2005 BMW M5 (5.0L, petrol). First registered 01/11/2005. Recorded mileage 81,631 miles. MOT valid until 20/05/2027. Taxed until 01/06/2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW M5
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 20/05/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/06/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 81,631 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 5.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 2005
- Engine
- 4999cc
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
LR55 WEH Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 22/05/2026
- 81,631 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
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.
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.
LR55 WEH MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 2005 BMW M5 (LR55 WEH) between May 2026 and May 2026.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 0 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2005 BMW M5 (LR55WEH) is a usable example with a clean recent MOT record, but the six-year gap between 2020 and 2026 tests means its true condition during that period is unverified. Proceed with a thorough independent inspection and proof of servicing before committing.
Given the six-year MOT gap from March 2020 to May 2026, insist on a full service history for LR55WEH covering that period; without it, budget for overdue maintenance on a 5.0-litre V8 (S85) engine and SMG gearbox. The 2017 MOT noted an engine oil leak, so confirm this was repaired and check for residual leaks now. Negotiate on price to reflect the unknown mileage accumulation and wear between 2020 and 2026, as well as the age of consumables like bushes and brake discs last flagged in 2017.
As a 4999cc petrol BMW M5, this car will sit in a high VED band and carry a high insurance group, with poor fuel economy typical of a naturally aspirated V8 super-saloon. Maintenance costs are considerable: the S85 engine and SMG transmission require specialist care, and items like the 2017 advisories (rear brake discs, suspension bushes) will need periodic replacement. Estimated annual running cost is £2,500-£3,500 including fuel, tax, insurance, and typical upkeep for a vehicle of this type and age.
The 2017 MOT for LR55WEH recorded an engine oil leak, Nearside and Offside Rear brake discs worn/pitted, lower rear suspension bush deterioration, insecure front wheel arch trim, and smearing front wipers; verify all were rectified and check for fresh leaks or bush play. The 2026 test passed with no defects, but inspect the rear arches and underbody for corrosion given the 2017 trim damage and 20-year age. Confirm the SMG hydraulics, VANOS, and rod bearings are sound, as these are known stress points on the E60 M5, though not explicitly flagged in this vehicle's MOT data.
The vehicle shows 81,631 miles on its 2026 MOT, which is modest for a 20-year-old high-performance saloon. Its most recent MOT (2026-05-22) passed with no defects, and earlier tests in 2017-2020 also passed with only minor advisories. However, a notable gap exists between the 2020 and 2026 MOTs, leaving six years of unrecorded road use and maintenance history.
No aggregate MOT reliability data is available for the BMW M5, so this assessment relies solely on the individual history of LR55WEH.
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.
- Rod Bearing Wear / Throttle Actuator Failure(Serious)
The V10 E60/E61 M5 is notorious for rod-bearing wear and failing throttle actuators. Both can turn a cheap-looking car into a huge engine bill.
- SMG / DCT / Transmission Heat Stress(Serious)
Fast M5s punish transmissions. E60 SMG hydraulic components, F10 DCT heat stress, and even later automatic driveline components all suffer if the car has been launched repeatedly.
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