BMW 6 Series (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 147 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2996cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2996cc21 years old147 tests117k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2996cc)

~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

80% 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%.

80% of MOT tests on BMW 6 Seriess from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 147 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 116,696 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models137th of 504(top half)

Rank among BMW models1347th of 1,548(bottom 14%)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average+8%(72% avg)

vs BMW average-8%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

116,696

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 BMW 6 Series had 116,696 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 80%. 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 6 Series by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	93%	662	38,758 mi
2019	92%	2,297	51,326 mi
2018	91%	3,656	56,355 mi
2017	88%	632	62,077 mi
2014	86%	66	87,054 mi
2013	88%	1,897	91,528 mi
2012	89%	1,275	95,998 mi
2011	89%	247	80,577 mi
2010	82%	127	105,279 mi
2009	86%	125	110,442 mi
2008	80%	171	117,234 mi
2007	90%	203	114,661 mi
2006	82%	288	121,301 mi
2005	80%	147	116,696 mi
1990	85%	39	122,050 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Freelander

2007 · 3192cc Petrol

£3,303/year

75%

-5%

Saab 9-3

2007 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,958/year

76%

-4%

Mercedes E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

-2%

Mercedes CLK

2007 · 2997cc Petrol

£2,958/year

76%

-4%

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About the 2005 BMW 6 Series

The 2005 BMW 6 Series is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2996cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 147 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 116,696 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 6 Series owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2005 BMW 6 Series Fuel Costs

The 2996cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 2005 BMW 6 Series?

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 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 6 Series Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 6 Seriess 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 2005 BMW 6 Series

At 21 years old, the BMW 6 Series 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 21 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 2005 BMW 6 Series stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW 6 Series(2005)	80%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808
Land Rover Freelander(2007)	75%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£495
Saab 9-3(2007)	76%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150
Mercedes E(2004)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£495
Mercedes CLK(2007)	76%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150

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 2005 BMW 6 Series

Is the 2005 BMW 6 Series reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2005 BMW 6 Seriess ended in a pass, from 147 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 BMW 6 Series 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 2005 BMW 6 Series?

80% of 147 MOT tests on the 2005 BMW 6 Series ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 137th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (top half).

Which year BMW 6 Series has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 BMW 6 Series has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2005 the lowest at 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2005 BMW 6 Series?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 BMW 6 Series is 116,696 miles, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.