2001 BMW M5 4.9L Petrol · S7 OFJ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows a shift from minor consumable wear toward more serious structural and electrical issues. The most recent test on 28 November 2025 resulted in a pass at 107,205 miles, but only after an initial failure on the same day. This failure was triggered by a fault with the supplementary restraint system warning lamp and corrosion on both rear inner sills. The mileage is notably low for a twenty-five-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 4,288 miles per year. The record shows a steady increase from 97,427 miles in January 2023 to 107,205 miles by November 2025. This low usage pattern often suggests the car has spent significant time stationary, which correlates with the corrosion issues flagged in the later tests. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the chassis and underbody. The 28 November 2025 entry explicitly notes corrosion on the rear inner sills, a common failure point for this model that can lead to costly structural repairs. Earlier records from January 2023 also flagged corroded brake pipes on the offside front and rear, suggesting a wider pattern of oxidation across the vehicle's underside. The braking system requires close scrutiny. The tester noted pitted and scored front brake discs in both January 2023 and December 2023. While these were listed as advisories, their recurrence suggests a lack of preventative replacement. The December 2024 test also highlighted rear tyres worn close to the legal limit on the edges, which may indicate poor wheel alignment or neglected tyre maintenance.