2006 BMW M3 · 1,253 MOT tests
2006 BMW M3 reliability
2006 BMW M3s fail 16.4% of first MOT tests, 59% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 18 M3 years (1,253 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- 16.4%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 59% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 80,873
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,253
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2006 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: 61% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does worse)
- 2007 cars: 71% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does worse)
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 82% 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 M3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics6.3%
- Brakes4%
- Suspension3.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.2%
- Tyres1.8%
- Body, chassis and structure1.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Headlamp aim set too low 1.36%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 1.36%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.2%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.04%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Headlamp levelling device inoperative 1.04%
A faulty levelling device means the headlamps may dazzle others or light the road poorly when the car is loaded.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 0.88%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (10.22%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.46%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.67%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.51%) · Transmission oil leak, not excessive (2.95%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (1.92%)
Other years
Every BMW M3 year
The full picture: BMW M3 reliability. Before you pay for any BMW M3, 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 M3 reliable?
2006 BMW M3s fail 16.4% of first MOT tests, 59% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 18 M3 years (1,253 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2006 BMW M3 MOT?
Most often headlamp aim set too low (1.36% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (1.36% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (1.2% of tests).
How many miles should a 2006 BMW M3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2006 BMW M3 shows 80,873 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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