BMW M6 (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 204 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,757
£230/month
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Good
Road Tax
£760
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
4999cc Petrol
Solid Option
87% pass rate, £2757/year to run. 5 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 4999cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 21 years old, 87% of BMW M6s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 204 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,020 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
77,020
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 BMW M6 has 77,020 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 87%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
BMW M6 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2005 BMW M6
The 2005 BMW M6 is a premium performance with a 4999cc petrol engine. 204 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 13% of all 2005 cars for reliability.
With an average of 77,020 miles at 21 years old, BMW M6 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2005 BMW M6 Fuel Costs
The 4999cc 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 2005 BMW M6?
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 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW M6 Reliability Trend
The BMW M6 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2005 BMW M6
At 21 years old, the BMW M6 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
Based on the 2005 BMW M6's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 M6 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M6(2005) | 87% | £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 |
| MERCEDES SL(2003) | 86% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| ROVER 75(2004) | 69% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2597-£160 |
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.
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