2006 BMW X3: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 BMW X3?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 BMW X3 than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Engine oil leaks1.6× usual
  BMW X3

  19.5% All 2006 cars

  12.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.3% of all 2006 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.

• Airbag warning light2.6× usual
  BMW X3

  3.6% All 2006 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.3% of all 2006 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.

• Anti-lock braking system2.2× usual
  BMW X3

  2.6% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Diesel smoke emissions2.6× usual
  BMW X3

  2.3% All 2006 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.8% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2006 BMW X3 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 BMW X3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  37% 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
  34% 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
  29% 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
  29% 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
  21% 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
  13% 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 X3

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2006 BMW X3 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2006 BMW X3 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2006 BMW X3 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?