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BMW 320 (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 145 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,958

£247/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2171cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol2171cc20 years old145 tests144k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2171cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,958
Per month£247/mo
Per week£57/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

74% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

74% of MOT tests on BMW 320s from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 145 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 143,980 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models282nd of 554(bottom half)
Rank among BMW models1496th of 1,548(bottom 4%)
vs average of all models-8%(82% avg)
vs 2006 models average+1%(73% avg)
vs BMW average-14%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

143,980

Average miles

vs

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 BMW 320 had 143,980 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 74%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 320 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202297%6122,624 mi
202192%2,53329,483 mi
202092%9,10534,897 mi
201992%14,44042,764 mi
201891%17,05359,320 mi
201790%26,36771,271 mi
201690%6,36578,781 mi
201590%55579,550 mi
201485%44182,085 mi
201389%61177,974 mi
201283%40987,516 mi
201187%26084,622 mi
201086%29191,150 mi
200981%162104,384 mi
200884%177101,514 mi
200779%167121,206 mi
200674%145143,980 mi
200573%63128,780 mi
200482%49131,336 mi
200377%30119,901 mi
199086%35111,395 mi

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About the 2006 BMW 320

The 2006 BMW 320 is a premium car. Our records list a 2171cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 145 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 143,980 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 320 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2006 BMW 320 Fuel Costs

The 2171cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2006 BMW 320?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 320 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 320s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2006 BMW 320

At 20 years old, the BMW 320 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 20 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 144k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2006 BMW 320 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
BMW 320(2006)74%£1,958£445Grp 25-38£2,958
BMW 3 Series(2007)80%£1,631£325Grp 18-32£2,361-£597
Renault Clio(2007)68%£1,631£325Grp 18-32£2,711-£247
Audi A3(2008)76%£1,631£325Grp 18-32£2,511-£447
Toyota Yaris(2007)75%£1,631£325Grp 18-32£2,511-£447

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2006 BMW 320

Is the 2006 BMW 320 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MOT tests on 2006 BMW 320s ended in a pass, from 145 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 BMW 320 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 BMW 320?

74% of 145 MOT tests on the 2006 BMW 320 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 282nd of 554 models first registered in 2006 (bottom half).

Which year BMW 320 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 BMW 320 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2006 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 BMW 320?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 BMW 320 is 143,980 miles, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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