2006 BMW 3 Series · 80,228 MOT tests
2006 BMW 3 Series reliability
2006 BMW 3 Seriess fail 32.4% of first MOT tests, 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 25 3 Series years (80,228 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- 32.4%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 28% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 130,305
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 80,228
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2006 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does better)
- 2007 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.4% of tests fail here (94% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 79% 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 3 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12.1%
- Brakes11.1%
- Suspension9.8%
- Tyres7.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.6%
- Seat belts and airbags2.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 2.97%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.92%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.54%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Position lamp not working 2.29%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 2.08%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 1.92%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.95%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (16.28%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (14.31%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (9.86%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.93%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.49%)
Other years
Every BMW 3 Series year
The full picture: BMW 3 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 3 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 3 Series reliable?
2006 BMW 3 Seriess fail 32.4% of first MOT tests, 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 25 3 Series years (80,228 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2006 BMW 3 Series MOT?
Most often shock absorber serious fluid leak (2.97% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.92% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (2.54% of tests).
How many miles should a 2006 BMW 3 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2006 BMW 3 Series shows 130,305 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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