2012 BMW 6 Series · 6,620 MOT tests
2012 BMW 6 Series reliability
2012 BMW 6 Seriess fail 18.9% of first MOT tests, 46% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 16 6 Series years (6,620 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 6 Seriess: 18.6%)
- 18.9%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 6 Seriess: 18.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 46% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 89,165
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,620
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 41% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.2% of tests fail here (138% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 85% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 BMW 6 Series
Fail rate by area
- Tyres7.4%
- Suspension6.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.5%
- Lights and electrics3.1%
- Wheels1.2%
- Brakes1.2%
- Seat belts and airbags1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.55%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.86%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 1.6%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.24%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.12%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 0.89%
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 (9.23%) · Brake pads wearing thin (3.64%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.14%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (2.22%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (1.83%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (1.78%)
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 2012 BMW 6 Series reliable?
2012 BMW 6 Seriess fail 18.9% of first MOT tests, 46% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 16 6 Series years (6,620 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 BMW 6 Series MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.55% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.86% of tests), tyre bulge from structural failure (1.6% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 BMW 6 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 BMW 6 Series shows 89,165 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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