Used car guide

2009 BMW X6: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 BMW X6s, from 772 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

772MOT tests in 2025
73%pass first time (all 2009 cars: 58%)
7,700typical miles a year
35%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2009 BMW X6 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    35% 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
    30% 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
    23% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    19% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    19% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    8% 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 X6?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022994Tyres 23%
2021980Tyres 23%
20201,053Tyres 23%
2019643Tyres 23%
20182,075Tyres 25%
20171,342Tyres 25%
20161,758Tyres 26%
20151,244Tyres 26%
20141,279Tyres 31%
20131,114Tyres 29%
20121,001Suspension 29%
2011658Suspension 28%
2010680Suspension 32%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 BMW X6s registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score