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

Estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 BMW 6 SERIES?

The 2006 BMW 6 SERIES has a 82% MOT pass rate based on 288 tests in 2026. This ranks 121 out of 575 cars from 2006.

Which year BMW 6 SERIES is most reliable?

The 2020 BMW 6 SERIES has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%. The least reliable year is 2005 at 80%.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 BMW 6 SERIES?

The average mileage for a 2006 BMW 6 SERIES is 121,301 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

BMW 6 SERIES (2006)

Q: Is the 2006 BMW 6 SERIES reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of BMW 6 SERIESs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 288 tests. That's 0 points above the national average of 82%.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 288 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

4799cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol4799cc20 years old288 tests121k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4799cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 4799cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,757

Per month£230/mo

Per week£53/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

At 20 years old, 82% of BMW 6 SERIESs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 288 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 121,301 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 cars121th of 575(top 21%)

Rank among BMW models1266th of 1,564(top 81%)

vs national average+0%(82% avg)

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

vs BMW average-6%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

121,301

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2006 BMW 6 SERIES has 121,301 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 80%. The 2006 sits between the two at 82%.

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

£2,397/year

77%

-5%

MERCEDES CLK

2004 · 4966cc Petrol

£2,397/year

76%

-6%

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT

2005 · 4394cc Petrol

£2,247/year

82%

same

VOLVO XC90

2006 · 4414cc Petrol

£2,397/year

73%

-9%

Check a Specific Bmw 6 series

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About the 2006 BMW 6 SERIES

The 2006 BMW 6 SERIES is a premium performance with a 4799cc petrol engine. 288 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 21% of all 2006 cars for reliability.

With an average of 121,301 miles at 20 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2006 BMW 6 SERIES?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 (£230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.

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

Based on the 2006 BMW 6 SERIES's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
BMW 6 SERIES(2006)	82%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2757
BMW X5(2005)	77%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£360
MERCEDES CLK(2004)	76%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£360
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2005)	82%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£510
VOLVO XC90(2006)	73%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£360

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.