Used car guide

2016 BMW M6: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 BMW M6s, from 189 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 189 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

189MOT tests in 2025
87%pass first time (all 2016 cars: 75%)
5,600typical miles a year
22%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2016 BMW M6 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    22% 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
    12% 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.

  • 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    4% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    2% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    2% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

Looking at a BMW M6?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2017146Tyres 21%
2015205Tyres 15%
2014193Tyres 22%
2013110Tyres 15%
2005109Brakes 28%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 BMW M6s registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score