Used car guide

2018 BMW X6: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 BMW X6s, from 2,075 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,075MOT tests in 2025
84%pass first time (all 2018 cars: 81%)
8,600typical miles a year
3.1×the usual rate for ball joint

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2018 BMW X6s than on all cars registered in 2018.

  • Ball joint3.1× usual
    BMW X6
    4% All 2018 cars
    1.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.6% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Engine warning light2.8× usual
    BMW X6
    3.1% All 2018 cars
    1.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.1% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

By area

The share of 2018 BMW X6 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • 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
    11% 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.

  • Suspension
    6% 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.

  • 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
    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.

  • Lights and electrics
    3% 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 X6?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022994Tyres 23%
2021980Tyres 23%
20201,053Tyres 23%
2019643Tyres 23%
20171,342Tyres 25%
20161,758Tyres 26%
20151,244Tyres 26%
20141,279Tyres 31%
20131,114Tyres 29%
20121,001Suspension 29%
2011658Suspension 28%
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 2018 BMW X6s registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score