2006 BMW 1 Series · 34,264 MOT tests
2006 BMW 1 Series reliability
2006 BMW 1 Seriess fail 37.7% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 18 1 Series years (34,264 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- 37.7%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 16
- 122,212
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 16
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 34,264
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2006 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does better)
- 2007 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.4% of tests fail here (108% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 73% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2006 car carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
Common problems
What fails on a 2006 BMW 1 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics15.5%
- Brakes12.9%
- Suspension10.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.6%
- Tyres8.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.1%
- Seat belts and airbags2.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.88%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 3.8%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 3.49%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.85%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Flexible brake hose excessively deteriorated 2.73%
A damaged or chafed brake hose can burst and cause sudden brake loss, so it must be replaced promptly.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.65%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Common advisories
Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (20.74%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (19.14%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (12.37%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.68%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.66%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.56%)
Other years
Every BMW 1 Series year
The full picture: BMW 1 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 1 Series, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2006 BMW 1 Series reliable?
2006 BMW 1 Seriess fail 37.7% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 18 1 Series years (34,264 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2006 BMW 1 Series MOT?
Most often tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.88% of tests), shock absorber serious fluid leak (3.8% of tests), windscreen washer fluid insufficient (3.49% of tests).
How many miles should a 2006 BMW 1 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 16, a typical 2006 BMW 1 Series shows 122,212 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2006 car?
A car first registered in 2006 carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
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