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BMW 325 (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 61 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2494cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2494cc20 years old61 tests117k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2494cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,808
Per month£234/mo
Per week£54/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

84% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

84% of MOT tests on BMW 325s from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 61 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 116,842 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models95th of 554(top 18%)
Rank among BMW models1192nd of 1,548(bottom 24%)
vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)
vs 2006 models average+11%(73% avg)
vs BMW average-4%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

116,842

Average miles

vs

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 BMW 325 had 116,842 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 2009 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2006 scores 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 325 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201190%6764,573 mi
201093%7080,454 mi
200985%14576,378 mi
200888%4282,745 mi
200778%14191,529 mi
200684%61116,842 mi
200588%42111,892 mi
200382%3876,022 mi
200173%64103,357 mi

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About the 2006 BMW 325

The 2006 BMW 325 is a premium car. Our records list a 2494cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 61 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 18% of all 2006 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 116,842 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 325 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2006 BMW 325 Fuel Costs

The 2494cc 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 325?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2006 BMW 325

At 20 years old, the BMW 325 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2009 model has the highest pass rate at 85%. Note: with only 61 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 117k 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.

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 325 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
BMW 325(2006)84%£1,958£445Grp 25-38£2,808
Renault Clio(2007)68%£1,631£325Grp 18-32£2,711-£97
Honda CR-V(2007)74%£1,631£325Grp 18-32£2,511-£297
Nissan Qashqai(2007)66%£1,631£325Grp 18-32£2,711-£97
Audi TT(2007)80%£1,958£445Grp 25-38£2,808same

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 325

Is the 2006 BMW 325 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 2006 BMW 325s ended in a pass, from 61 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 BMW 325 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 BMW 325?

84% of 61 MOT tests on the 2006 BMW 325 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 95th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (top 18%).

Which year BMW 325 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2009 BMW 325 has the highest MOT pass rate at 85% and the 2007 the lowest at 78%. 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 325?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 BMW 325 is 116,842 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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