2004 BMW 6 Series (first used 2004) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 70.7% of BMW 6 Series cars first used in 2004 passed their MOT first time, against 57.8% for all cars first used in 2004. Across 3,286 6 Series first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, lamps and electrical equipment and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for BMW 6 Series cars first used in 2004 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2004 BMW 6 Series MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 6 Series cars first used in 2004 against all cars first used in 2004 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 6 Series figure was 12.9 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2004 6 Series | All cars first used 2004 | 6 Series first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 68.4% | 53.9% | 1,413 |
| 2022 | 68.8% | 55.2% | 1,314 |
| 2023 | 69.3% | 56.0% | 1,235 |
| 2024 | 72.1% | 56.4% | 1,068 |
| 2025 | 70.7% | 57.8% | 983 |
Common 2004 BMW 6 Series MOT failures
Share of the 965 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 13.6% | 131 |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction | 12.0% | 116 |
| Position lamp: not working | 10.5% | 101 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn | 10.3% | 99 |
| SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault | 9.9% | 96 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a 6 Series in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension arm replacement | £150 | £120–£180 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2004 BMW 6 Series before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
Common 2004 BMW 6 Series MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2004 6 Series cars, as a share of all 3,286 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 29.2% | 959 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 17.3% | 569 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 15.6% | 513 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 14.2% | 466 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 9.9% | 324 |
Questions about the 2004 BMW 6 Series MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2004 BMW 6 Series?
In 2025, 70.7% of 6 Series cars first used in 2004 passed their MOT first time, against 57.8% for all cars first used in 2004. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2004 6 Series most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 42.3% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (34.8%) and brakes (27.4%). The single most common item was “Coil spring: fractured or broken” (13.6%).
How often does a 2004 BMW 6 Series fail its MOT?
In 2025, 29.3% of first tests on 6 Series cars first used in 2004 did not pass first time: 25.3% failed, and a further 4.0% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 965 of 3,286 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2004 BMW 6 Series MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 29.2% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (17.3%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (15.6%), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (14.2%) and “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (9.9%).
Is a 2004 BMW 6 Series reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 68.4% in 2021 to 70.7% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2004
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2004 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2004 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2004 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2004 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2004 Volkswagen Polo MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2004 6 Series?
The numbers above cover every 6 Series first used in 2004 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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