Used car guide

2006 BMW 6 Series: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW 6 Series first registered in 2006: we looked at the 427 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 427 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

427MOTs of 2006 cars, done in 2023–2025
71%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 56%)
6,600typical miles a year
33%had brakes flagged

Common 2006 BMW 6 Series MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 BMW 6 Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    33% 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
    33% 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
    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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    24% 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
    22% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    7% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 BMW 6 Series

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a BMW 6 Series?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the BMW 6 Series compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2020730Tyres 23%
20193,162Tyres 23%
20184,905Tyres 22%
2017767Tyres 25%
2016–Too few tests
2015–Too few tests
2014–Too few tests
20132,110Tyres 26%
20121,554Tyres 24%
2011229Tyres 20%
2010–Too few tests
2009149Tyres 30%
2008248Suspension 34%
2007254Suspension 33%
2005212Brakes 33%
2004–Too few tests
2003–Too few tests
1990–Too few tests
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests
1984–Too few tests
1983–Too few tests
1982–Too few tests
1981–Too few tests
1980–Too few tests
1979–Too few tests
1978–Too few tests
1977–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW 6 Series cars first registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score