2013 BMW M5 4.4L Petrol · RO13 SZD

A pattern of brake-related wear advisories, combined with a single emissions-related failure, defines the mechanical narrative of this 2013 BMW M5 across its MOT history. The 2024 test resulted in a clean pass with no advisories, which provides a degree of reassurance at face value, but the underlying trend shows that brake disc condition was previously flagged on two consecutive occasions in early 2023. The 2023-02-02 test also recorded a failure due to exhaust carbon monoxide content exceeding both idle and post-fast-idle manufacturer limits, indicating a potential issue with the catalyst, lambda sensors, or fuel/air metering that warranted immediate attention. The fact that the vehicle returned to the test bay only two days later on 2023-02-04 and passed, with the brake advisories still listed but no recurrence of the CO failure, suggests the emissions issue was likely addressed in that brief window. Overall, the record shows one failure out of seven tests, with the remaining six all passing, though the recurrence of brake disc pitting and scoring within the same testing cycle points to front and rear brake hardware that was approaching the end of its useful service life at that point. With 96,549 miles accumulated over roughly 13 years, the vehicle averages approximately 7,400 miles per year, which sits at the higher end of typical usage for a car of this age and broadly consistent with a mix of regular driving and longer-distance use. The MOT history reflects fairly consistent annual testing from 2017 through 2024, with no extended gaps that would suggest the vehicle was laid up or off the road for prolonged periods. The mileage progression appears steady and proportionate to the age of the car, which avoids the particular concerns associated with either very low annual mileage — where seals, hoses, and battery condition can deteriorate from disuse — or unusually high accumulation that accelerates wear on drivetrain and suspension components. For a high-performance V8-powered saloon of this vintage, 96,000 miles is not uncommon, but it does place the vehicle firmly within the territory where major service items such as suspension bushes, coil springs, damper mounts, and driveline flex discs are entering their replacement window. Given the specific advisories on front and rear brake discs recorded in 2023, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsation through the pedal under firm braking, which would indicate the discs have worn beyond their resurfacing limit and require replacement. The previously noted rear tyre wear close to the legal limit, particularly on the outer edge, suggests potential alignment or suspension geometry issues, so check for uneven tyre wear across the axle and pay attention to any pulling to one side or steering vibration at speed. The undertrays fitted noted in 2017 and 2023 can mask oil leaks and underbody corrosion, so it is worth requesting these be removed for a proper inspection of the sump, rear differential, and exhaust mounting points, particularly given the catalytic converter-related CO failure which could point to pre-existing exhaust damage or sensor degradation. The 2023 emissions failure warrants particular attention, as carbon monoxide readings exceeding manufacturer specifications at idle and after fast idle typically indicate either a failing catalytic converter, a faulty oxygen sensor, vacuum leaks, or ignition timing issues. Before purchase, a diagnostic read of the live lambda sensor values and catalyst efficiency would be prudent, along with a compression test to assess the underlying engine health given the mileage. Test the vehicle from cold, as CO-related issues can present more readily when the engine has not reached operating temperature, and observe whether any dashboard warning lights illuminate, especially the check engine light. Finally, on a road test, listen for any suspension knocks over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn control arm bushes or top mounts, and feel for any clonking through the drivetrain during low-speed manoeuvres, a known wear point on M5 models of this generation.