2006 BMW 7 Series · 3,501 MOT tests
2006 BMW 7 Series reliability
2006 BMW 7 Seriess fail 28.3% of first MOT tests, 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 22 7 Series years (3,501 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 7 Seriess: 15.9%)
- 28.3%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 7 Seriess: 15.9%)
- 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 17
- 134,622
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,501
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2006 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does better)
- 2007 cars: 42% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.2% of tests fail here (72% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 86% 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 7 Series
Fail rate by area
- Suspension11%
- Lights and electrics10.7%
- Brakes7.7%
- Tyres6.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.5%
- Seat belts and airbags4.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 4.46%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 3.11%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.63%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.46%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.43%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.23%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (19.08%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.6%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (12.6%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (10.08%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (5.68%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (5.6%)
Other years
Every BMW 7 Series year
The full picture: BMW 7 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 7 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 7 Series reliable?
2006 BMW 7 Seriess fail 28.3% of first MOT tests, 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 22 7 Series years (3,501 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2006 BMW 7 Series MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (4.46% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (3.11% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (2.63% of tests).
How many miles should a 2006 BMW 7 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2006 BMW 7 Series shows 134,622 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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