2006 BMW 5 Series · 27,844 MOT tests
2006 BMW 5 Series reliability
2006 BMW 5 Seriess fail 32.2% of first MOT tests, 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 24 5 Series years (27,844 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- 32.2%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 29% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 155,305
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 27,844
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2006 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does better)
- 2007 cars: 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.3% of tests fail here (68% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 81% 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 5 Series
Fail rate by area
- Suspension12%
- Lights and electrics11.2%
- Brakes10.5%
- Tyres7.9%
- Steering5.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.6%
- Seat belts and airbags3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 3.84%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.01%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.46%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.37%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 2.24%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.19%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.1%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (12.65%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (12.62%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (10.99%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.85%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (6%)
Other years
Every BMW 5 Series year
The full picture: BMW 5 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 5 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 5 Series reliable?
2006 BMW 5 Seriess fail 32.2% of first MOT tests, 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 24 5 Series years (27,844 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2006 BMW 5 Series MOT?
Most often track rod end ball joint excessively worn (3.84% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.01% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (2.46% of tests).
How many miles should a 2006 BMW 5 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2006 BMW 5 Series shows 155,305 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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