2002 BMW M5 4.9L Petrol · M5 JYU

The 2002 BMW M5 presents as roadworthy following its most recent test on 25 November 2025 at 121,196 miles, where the tester recorded a pass with no defects. The maintenance trend across the supplied DVSA history is stable, with every annual examination from 2022 through 2025 resulting in a pass apart from a failed entry dated 24 November 2025 at identical mileage that carried no recorded defects, suggesting an administrative or presentation issue at the testing station rather than a mechanical fault. No advisories or corrosion, suspension, brake, or emissions concerns appear anywhere in the five-year record. The odometer shows 121,196 miles against roughly 24 years of age, equating to about 5,050 miles per year and confirming light use for a performance saloon. Annual increments stayed minimal: 118,398 miles on 30 November 2022, 118,895 on 13 November 2023, 119,229 on 29 November 2024, and 121,196 on 25 November 2025. The car covered under 3,000 miles across the entire span. Such low accumulation with clean tests implies careful, infrequent ownership, though extended standing periods common to low-mileage M5s raise the risk of perished rubber components not visible in MOT data. A buyer should still commission an independent inspection of suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers, as the MOT record cannot capture incipient wear or seizing from disuse. The S62 V8 drivetrain and subframe mounts warrant physical checks for cracking or fluid ingress. Exhaust emissions and structural integrity showed no tester flags, but underside corrosion around sills and floor pans should be verified given the vehicle's age. The consecutive clean passes and negligible mileage suggest previous owners deferred rather than neglected upkeep, yet the November 2024 to November 2025 gap added only 1,967 miles, meaning consumables like tyres and brake discs may be aged beyond their service life despite passing visual limits. Prioritise a borescope and ramp review before purchase.