2011 BMW 6 Series (first used 2011) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 77.4% of BMW 6 Series cars first used in 2011 passed their MOT first time, against 61.2% for all cars first used in 2011. Across 1,883 6 Series first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were tyres, suspension and lamps and electrical equipment.
This page analyses first MOT tests for BMW 6 Series cars first used in 2011 (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 2011 BMW 6 Series MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 6 Series cars first used in 2011 against all cars first used in 2011 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 6 Series figure was 16.2 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2011 6 Series | All cars first used 2011 | 6 Series first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 78.1% | 65.8% | 699 |
| 2022 | 80.2% | 64.5% | 677 |
| 2023 | 79.0% | 63.0% | 648 |
| 2024 | 78.8% | 61.8% | 637 |
| 2025 | 77.4% | 61.2% | 598 |
Common 2011 BMW 6 Series MOT failures
Share of the 406 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 | 25.9% | 105 |
| Tyre condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | 13.1% | 53 |
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 2011 BMW 6 Series before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
- 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.
Common 2011 BMW 6 Series MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2011 6 Series cars, as a share of all 1,883 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 11.0% | 208 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 6.6% | 125 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 5.7% | 108 |
| Ball joint: has slight play | 5.7% | 108 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 4.4% | 83 |
Questions about the 2011 BMW 6 Series MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2011 BMW 6 Series?
In 2025, 77.4% of 6 Series cars first used in 2011 passed their MOT first time, against 61.2% for all cars first used in 2011. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2011 6 Series most often fail its MOT on?
Tyres (in 41.1% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (34.5%) and lamps and electrical equipment (13.8%). The single most common item was “Coil spring: fractured or broken” (25.9%).
How often does a 2011 BMW 6 Series fail its MOT?
In 2025, 22.6% of first tests on 6 Series cars first used in 2011 did not pass first time: 20.1% failed, and a further 2.5% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 406 of 1,883 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2011 BMW 6 Series MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 11.0% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (6.6%), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (5.7%), “Ball joint: has slight play” (5.7%) and “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (4.4%).
Is a 2011 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 78.1% in 2021 to 77.4% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2011
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2011 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2011 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2011 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2011 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2011 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2011 6 Series?
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