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MOT History from tests of lpg BMW 5-SERIESs year 1998

Review the list of common BMW 5-SERIES failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your BMW then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history
Pass percent:54.21%
(The average a lpg BMW 5-SERIES year 1998 passes without issue)
Based on:487 MOT Tests
Most common failuresNo# failures
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.B.7|86
Brake pipe excessively corroded55
Headlamp aim out of alignment55
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort48
Registration plate lamp issues18
Brake hose excessively deteriorated15
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively15
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault14
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive |7.3.D.3|12
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|10
Registration plate issues10
Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault |5.4.2|10
Nearside Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|10
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |7.3.D.3|8
Offside Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|8
Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|6
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive |7.3.D.4|6
Nearside Front Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|6
Windscreen has damage5
Offside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release |5.2.5a|5
Offside Rear coil spring incomplete |2.4.C.1a|5
Offside Rear fog lamp not working |1.3.2b|4
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel |3.1.6b|4
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|4
Offside Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|4
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|4
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|4
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|4
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak |2.7.3|4
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak |2.7.3|3
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|3
Nearside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|3
Offside Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|3
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3
Offside Rear Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|3
Offside Rear coil spring fractured |2.4.C.1a|3
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|3
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bearing |2.4.G.2|3
Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bearing |2.4.G.2|3
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive |7.3.D.3|3
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect |1.8.A.1b|3
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|2
Nearside Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|2
Offside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|2
Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))2
Nearside Parking brake inoperative on one side |1.4.1 |a||2
Offside Parking brake inoperative on one side |1.4.1 |a||2
Offside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|2
Offside Front Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|2
Offside Rear Upper Tie bar/rod has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|2
Brakes imbalanced across an axle2
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2
Offside Inner Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|2
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.C.1b|2
Horn not working |1.6.2a|2
Nearside Headlamp insecure |1.7.3|2
Offside Headlamp insecure |1.7.3|2
Nearside Rear Seat belt damaged sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt |5.2.2a|2
Nearside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|2
Nearside Front coil spring fractured |2.4.C.1a|2
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|2
Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|2
Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|2
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|2
Rear brake application uneven2
Nearside Rear coil spring incomplete |2.4.C.1a|2
Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced |1.7.5a|2
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|2
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement2
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|2
Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|2
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching by more than 10mm within zone `A` |8.3.1b|2
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage fractured |2.4.G.1|2
Driver`s airbag obviously defective |5.4.1|2
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.D.4|2
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|2
Centre Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|1
Brake pedal fouling on other parts of the vehicle |3.3.A.4|1
Front brake disc excessively pitted |3.5.1h|1
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect |2.7.5|1
Offside Front Shock absorber has negligible damping effect |2.7.5|1
Rear Direction indicators not working |1.4.A.2c|1
Offside Rear Parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only |3.1.2|1
Exhaust mounting missing |7.1.1b|1
Front Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` |8.3.1e|1
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|1
Rear Upper Suspension arm worn and seriously weakened |2.4.G.1|1
Rear fog lamp switch not operating in accordance with the requirements (4.5.3 (a))1
Nearside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting of sill at rear (6.2.2 (d) (i))1
Offside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting of sill at rear (6.2.2 (d) (i))1
Nearside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting outer sill (6.2.2 (d) (i))1
Offside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting outer sill (6.2.2 (d) (i))1
Rear Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))1
Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii))1
Offside Front Driver`s door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle |6.2.3 |a||1
Nearside Front Driver`s door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle |6.2.3 |a||1
Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn front |5.3.4 |a| |i||1
Parking brake efficiency below requirements |1.4.2 |a| |i||1
Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value |1.4.2 |a| |ii||1
Horn not working |7.7 |a| |ii||1
Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits |8.2.1.2 |b||1
Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |8.2.1.2 |c||1
Centre Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective |5.2.5b|1
Nearside Headlamp aim aimed so that it dazzles other road users |1.8.A.1a|1
Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position |8.4.1|1
Offside Brake pipe inadequately clipped |3.6.B.1|1
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded sill area |5.2.6|1
Nearside Front brake disc excessively pitted |3.5.1h|1
Offside Front brake disc excessively pitted |3.5.1h|1
Nearside Rear Upper Tie bar/rod has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Fuel pipe leaking |7.2.3|1
Offside Front Wheel nut|s| loose |4.2.A.1e|1
Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|1
Offside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Outer Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|1
Offside Rear Shock absorber casing damaged externally so the unit does not function |2.7.2a|1
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Rear Brake hose excessively damaged |3.6.B.4d|1
Fuel cap/sealing device missing |7.2.4a|1
Offside Rear Shock absorber insecure |2.7.2b|1
Nearside Outer Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Outer Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases Lambda sensor missing |7.1.2|1
Offside Front Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings |2.2.B.1h|1
Emissions not tested |7.0|1
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage severely distorted |2.4.G.1|1
Parking brake lever ratchet mechanism is excessively worn |3.1.5|1
Nearside Rear Inner Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings sill |6.1.B.2|1
Offside Rear Inner Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings sill |6.1.B.2|1
Nearside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release |5.2.5a|1
Nearside Outer Rear position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Offside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|1
Statutory seat belt missing |5.1.1|1
Offside Front coil spring fractured |2.4.C.1a|1
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|1
Nearside Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|1
Nearside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|1
Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|1
Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|1
Nearside Rear Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Nearside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced |1.7.5a|1
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play |2.6.2|1
Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt both (5.3.4 (b) (ii))1
Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt both (2.1.3 (g) (ii))1
Offside Front Position lamp not working |4.2.1 |a||1
Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|1
Offside Front Wheel stud|s| missing |4.2.A.1e|1
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate |3.4.1b|1
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|1
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|1
Offside Outer Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Driver`s door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle |6.2.B.1b|1
Offside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective |5.2.5b|1
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded outer sill |5.2.6|1
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded floor to sill in several places |5.2.6|1
Offside Rear Road wheel badly damaged and fractured |4.2.A.1a|1
Offside Rear Outer Radius arm has excessive play in a pin/bush hub mounting bush |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Rear Outer Radius arm has excessive play in a pin/bush hub mounting bush |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Rear Lower Towbar fixing obviously of an inappropriate size |6.6.2|1
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.2.C.1c|1
Nearside Inner Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Outer Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|1
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|1
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a track control arm inner bush |2.5.B.2b|1
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.2.C.1c|1
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a track control arm inner bush |2.5.B.2b|1
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint |2.5.B.1a|1
Offside Front Tie bar/rod has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn both sides (5.3.4 (a) (i))1
Nearside Rear Fuel pipe leaking excessively or a risk of fire (6.1.3 (b) (ii))1
Offside Rear Brake pipe likely to become detached or damaged brake pipe clip missing pipe just floating around (1.1.11 (d) (ii))1
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.2.C.1c|1
Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.2.C.1c|1
Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Centre Statutory seat belt missing |5.1.1|1
Offside Front position lamp|s| has less than 50% of the light sources illuminating |1.1.A.3b|1
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|1
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Nearside Front coil spring broken |2.4.C.1a|1
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))1
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))1
Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturers specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))1
Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturers specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))1
Nearside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))1
Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))1
Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn TCA (5.3.4 (a) (i))1
Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn TCA (5.3.4 (a) (i))1
Brake performance not tested (1.2.1 (g))1
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam |4.1.1 |a| |ii||1
Nearside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken |5.3.1 |b| |i||1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |5.3.4 |b| |ii||1
Offside Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting Offside sill, front jacking area. |6.2.2 |d| |i||1
Nearside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced |1.7.5a|1
Nearside Front brake caliper locking device missing |3.5.1l|1
Power steering pump drive system defective |2.3.6|1
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely maintaining the sealing arrangement |7.2.4b|1
Centre Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release |5.2.5a|1
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect |1.8.A.1b|1
Offside Rear Tie bar/rod has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Rear fog lamp not working |1.3.2b|1
Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Centre Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release |5.2.5a|1
Offside Rear Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle |6.2.B.1b|1
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by damage |6.1.C.1|1
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive movement at a suspension ball joint |2.5.A.1c|1
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive movement at a suspension ball joint |2.5.A.1c|1
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm synthetic mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm synthetic mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|1
Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated |7.1.1a|1
Offside Front Brake hose twisted |found during steering lock to lock check| |2.2.D.2b|1
Nearside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Nearside Rear brake disc excessively scored |3.5.1h|1
Nearside Inner Front Drag link end ball pin shank loose |2.2.B.1c|1
Offside Front Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view |8.1.2a|1
Nearside Front Direction indicators incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|1
Offside Front Direction indicators incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|1
Offside Rear position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|1
Centre Rear Statutory seat belt missing |5.1.1|1
Offside Front Brake hose excessively damaged |3.6.B.4d|1
Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush |2.7.4|1
Nearside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|1
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak |2.7.3|1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Passenger`s airbag obviously defective |5.4.1|1
Nearside Rear coil spring fractured |2.4.C.1a|1
Nearside Rear Wheel nut|s| missing |4.2.A.1e|1
Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|1
Offside Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|1
Driver`s seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. |6.2.A.3|1
Nearside Rear coil spring broken |2.4.C.1a|1
Nearside Front Driver`s airbag obviously defective |5.4.1|1
Offside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced |1.7.5a|1
Nearside Front Lower Tie bar/rod has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Rear brake disc excessively pitted |3.5.1h|1
Offside Rear Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Front Upper Shock absorber has an excessively worn shock absorber pivot |2.7.4|1
Offside Front Upper Shock absorber has an excessively worn shock absorber pivot |2.7.4|1
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Rear Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a non-turbo charged engine |7.4.B.3b|1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|1
Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|1
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage insecure |2.4.G.1|1
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Direction indicators incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|1
Nearside Inner Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted |3.5.1h|1
Nearside Front Tie bar/rod has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Front Tie bar/rod has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Headlamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp |1.7.5c|1
Offside Headlamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp |1.7.5c|1
Offside Front position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|1
Body insecure and dangerous to other road users |6.1.B.1b|1
Nearside Rear position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Bootlid cannot be secured in the closed position |6.4.1|1
Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1

We get to these numbers by trawling through over 1 billion MOT test results since 2004 and crunched the numbers. We remove anything to do with Tyres, as they are model independent and group together common non-model specific issues. We are trying to get to a picture of what models have what issues.

Please note: We take the data from the DVSA. This data is raw and can contain typos and spelling mistakes that garages may have entered while recording a MOT result. Specifically miss-match on names of models and makes. We are constantly cleaning the data so bear with the odd issue.

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