2007 BMW M5 5.0L Petrol · V10 PAO

A remarkably clean DVSA record defines this E60-generation BMW M5, with five consecutive passes and not a single advisory, failure, or component defect recorded across the available test history from late 2021 through to 7 February 2026. The absence of recorded advisories over a near four-and-a-half-year window covering multiple tests is unusual for a high-performance saloon now approaching two decades of age, particularly given the well-known corrosion and component wear issues associated with this chassis. The most recent test on 7 February 2026 concluded with a clean pass and zero defects, reinforcing a sustained pattern of roadworthiness rather than a single isolated clean result. Prospective buyers should, however, treat this unblemished DVSA footprint as confirmation only of what was visible on the day of test, not as a guarantee of underlying mechanical condition, as MOT testing does not cover the V10 powertrain, SMG gearbox internals, or many structural areas hidden behind trim. The recorded mileage of 101,034 miles against a 2007 manufacture date equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 5,318 miles, which is low for any car but particularly so for a vehicle of this performance class. There is a notable gap in the testing history between 2021 and 2024, with no MOT recorded for the 2023 cycle, and the mileage jump implied between the December 2022 and January 2024 tests suggests the car may have been either off the road for a period or used only sparingly. Such low annual mileage raises the prospect of long standing periods, which on an M5 can bring specific concerns around internal corrosion in the exhaust system, dried and cracked rubber components throughout the engine bay and undercarriage, and degradation of the rod bearings that are a known weakness of the S85 V10 when the engine is subjected to short, infrequent journeys rather than sustained running that brings oil up to full operating temperature. Given that the DVSA history itself flags no specific components, the buyer inspection must concentrate on the known mechanical vulnerabilities of the E60 M5 rather than any documented defect trends. On a test drive, listen carefully for any signs of rod-bearing distress, including a light rattle on cold start that does not fully clear after warm-up, and note any hesitation or uneven power delivery which can indicate throttle actuator issues. The SMG III gearbox should be evaluated for harsh or delayed shifts, hydraulic pump whine, and any warning messages relating to the hydraulic system, as a failing pump is a costly repair. Inspect the undercarriage thoroughly for corrosion on the rear subframe mounting points, suspension arms, and brake pipe runs, as these are areas where the MOT visual assessment can miss early-stage surface rust that progresses rapidly. Check the front and rear brake discs for lipping and the calipers for smooth operation, as seized slide pins are common on cars that have stood for extended periods, and inspect the condition of the coil springs and suspension bushes for any sagging or cracking which would compromise handling precision. Finally, verify full service history evidence covering the rod-bearing replacement intervals, which on the S85 are generally recommended every 60,000 miles or sooner, and confirm that the throttle actuators and SMG hydraulic system have been recently serviced or rebuilt. Examine all tyres for even wear patterns, as uneven wear can reveal underlying geometry or SMG torque issues, and check the condition of the vanos adjustment units, which can produce a characteristic rattle if worn. Inspect the rear wheel arches, boot floor, and jacking points for any sign of corrosion repair, as the E60 M5 is known for rust in these areas even where MOT records appear clean. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with the S85 V10 and SMG transmission is strongly advisable, given that the clean MOT history provides no visibility into the powertrain condition that ultimately determines whether this car is a sound investment or an expensive liability.