2005 BMW 6 Series (first used 2005) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 69.5% of BMW 6 Series cars first used in 2005 passed their MOT first time, against 57.6% for all cars first used in 2005. Across 3,825 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 2005 (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 2005 BMW 6 Series MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 6 Series cars first used in 2005 against all cars first used in 2005 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 6 Series figure was 11.9 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2005 6 Series | All cars first used 2005 | 6 Series first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 67.3% | 54.6% | 1,551 |
| 2022 | 71.3% | 55.7% | 1,512 |
| 2023 | 69.5% | 56.3% | 1,394 |
| 2024 | 69.5% | 56.5% | 1,246 |
| 2025 | 69.5% | 57.6% | 1,185 |
Common 2005 BMW 6 Series MOT failures
Share of the 1,167 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Position lamp: not working | 13.5% | 157 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 11.4% | 133 |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction | 10.5% | 122 |
| SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault | 10.2% | 119 |
| Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 9.6% | 112 |
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 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2005 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 2005 BMW 6 Series MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2005 6 Series cars, as a share of all 3,825 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 20.7% | 793 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 16.0% | 613 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 16.0% | 613 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 14.6% | 557 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 8.5% | 327 |
Questions about the 2005 BMW 6 Series MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2005 BMW 6 Series?
In 2025, 69.5% of 6 Series cars first used in 2005 passed their MOT first time, against 57.6% for all cars first used in 2005. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2005 6 Series most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 38.6% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (38.3%) and brakes (24.9%). The single most common item was “Position lamp: not working” (13.5%).
How often does a 2005 BMW 6 Series fail its MOT?
In 2025, 30.5% of first tests on 6 Series cars first used in 2005 did not pass first time: 25.2% failed, and a further 5.3% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,167 of 3,825 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2005 BMW 6 Series MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 20.7% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (16.0%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (16.0%), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (14.6%) and “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (8.5%).
Is a 2005 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 67.3% in 2021 to 69.5% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2005
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2005 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2005 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2005 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2005 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2005 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2005 6 Series?
The numbers above cover every 6 Series first used in 2005 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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