2012 BMW X6: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 BMW X6?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 BMW X6 than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Engine oil leaks2.2× usual
  BMW X6

  15.9% All 2012 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.2% of all 2012 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.

• Side repeaters4× usual
  BMW X6

  4.8% All 2012 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

Common 2012 BMW X6 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 BMW X6 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  29% 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
  29% 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
  20% 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
  17% 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
  12% 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 2012 BMW X6

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 2.2× as often on the 2012 BMW X6 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2012 BMW X6 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?