BMW 6 Series (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 288 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4799cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4799cc20 years old288 tests121k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4799cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/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

82% 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%.

82% of MOT tests on BMW 6 Seriess from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 288 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 121,301 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models116th of 554(top 21%)

Rank among BMW models1256th of 1,548(bottom 19%)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 2006 models average+9%(73% avg)

vs BMW average-6%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

121,301

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 BMW 6 Series had 121,301 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 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 80%. The 2006 scores 82%. 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

BMW X5

2005 · 4799cc Petrol

£3,303/year

77%

-5%

Mercedes CLK

2004 · 4966cc Petrol

£3,303/year

76%

-6%

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2005 · 4394cc Petrol

£3,153/year

82%

same

Volvo XC90

2006 · 4414cc Petrol

£3,303/year

73%

-9%

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About the 2006 BMW 6 Series

The 2006 BMW 6 Series is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4799cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 288 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 21% of all 2006 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 121,301 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 6 Series owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2006 BMW 6 Series Fuel Costs

The 4799cc 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 2006 BMW 6 Series?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% 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 2006 BMW 6 Series

At 20 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.

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 121k 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 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(2006)	82%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
BMW X5(2005)	77%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
Mercedes CLK(2004)	76%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2005)	82%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Volvo XC90(2006)	73%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£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 2006 BMW 6 Series

Is the 2006 BMW 6 Series reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2006 BMW 6 Seriess ended in a pass, from 288 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 BMW 6 Series cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 6 Series?

82% of 288 MOT tests on the 2006 BMW 6 Series ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 116th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (top 21%).

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 2006 BMW 6 Series?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 BMW 6 Series is 121,301 miles, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.