2004 BMW 6 Series · 4,477 MOT tests
2004 BMW 6 Series reliability
2004 BMW 6 Seriess fail 27.7% of first MOT tests, 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 16 6 Series years (4,477 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 6 Seriess: 18.6%)
- 27.7%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 6 Seriess: 18.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 37% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 105,538
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,477
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.1% of tests fail here (118% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 53% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 BMW 6 Series
Fail rate by area
- Suspension10.9%
- Lights and electrics10.3%
- Brakes7.1%
- Tyres4.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.4%
- Seat belts and airbags2.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.26%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Position lamp not working 2.79%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.66%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 2.17%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 2.01%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.92%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (20.68%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.69%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.51%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (9.72%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.3%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.94%)
Other years
Every BMW 6 Series year
The full picture: BMW 6 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 6 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 2004 BMW 6 Series reliable?
2004 BMW 6 Seriess fail 27.7% of first MOT tests, 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 16 6 Series years (4,477 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 BMW 6 Series MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.26% of tests), position lamp not working (2.79% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (2.66% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 BMW 6 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2004 BMW 6 Series shows 105,538 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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