2005 BMW 6 Series · 5,150 MOT tests
2005 BMW 6 Series reliability
2005 BMW 6 Seriess fail 28.2% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 16 6 Series years (5,150 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 6 Seriess: 18.6%)
- 28.2%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 6 Seriess: 18.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 36% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 107,533
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,150
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- 2006 cars: 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.1% of tests fail here (103% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 51% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 BMW 6 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics10.8%
- Suspension9.7%
- Brakes6.9%
- Tyres5.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4%
- Seat belts and airbags2.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 2.78%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.7%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.39%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 2.37%
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 2.16%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (15.44%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (12.7%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.31%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (10.52%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.47%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.43%)
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 2005 BMW 6 Series reliable?
2005 BMW 6 Seriess fail 28.2% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 16 6 Series years (5,150 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 BMW 6 Series MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (2.78% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (2.7% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (2.39% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 BMW 6 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2005 BMW 6 Series shows 107,533 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
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