Used car guide

2010 BMW 635: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 BMW 635s, from 409 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 409 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

409MOT tests in 2025
80%pass first time (all 2010 cars: 59%)
7,900typical miles a year
30%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2010 BMW 635 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    30% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    25% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    19% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    9% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Lights and electrics
    8% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a BMW 635?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2009365Suspension 33%
2008461Suspension 33%
2007156Suspension 37%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 BMW 635s registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score