Used car guide

2005 BMW M6: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 BMW M6s, from 109 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 109 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

109MOT tests in 2025
87%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 58%)
4,100typical miles a year
28%had brakes flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2005 BMW M6 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    28% 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.

  • Tyres
    20% 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.

  • Suspension
    16% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    9% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Exhaust and emissions
    3% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    3% 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.

Looking at a BMW M6?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2017146Tyres 21%
2016189Tyres 22%
2015205Tyres 15%
2014193Tyres 22%
2013110Tyres 15%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 BMW M6s registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score