Used car guide

2011 BMW X6: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 BMW X6s, from 658 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

658MOT tests in 2025
78%pass first time (all 2011 cars: 61%)
8,200typical miles a year
1.9×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2011 BMW X6s than on all cars registered in 2011.

  • Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
    BMW X6
    16.9% All 2011 cars
    8.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.3× usual
    BMW X6
    10.8% All 2011 cars
    4.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 2.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

By area

The share of 2011 BMW X6 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    28% 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
    26% 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
    18% 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.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    11% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

  • 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.

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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%
2010680Suspension 32%
2009772Suspension 35%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2011 BMW X6s registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score