Used car guide

2006 BMW M6: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW M6 first registered in 2006: we looked at the 299 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 299 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

299MOTs of 2006 cars, done in 2023–2025
84%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 56%)
4,200typical miles a year
21%had brakes flagged

Common 2006 BMW M6 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 BMW M6 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    21% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    21% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Suspension
    13% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    9% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    6% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 BMW M6

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a BMW M6?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the BMW M6 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2018176Tyres 20%
2017432Tyres 18%
2016591Tyres 22%
2015619Tyres 18%
2014591Tyres 19%
2013352Tyres 21%
2012144Tyres 13%
2010–Too few tests
2009–Too few tests
2008–Too few tests
2007161Brakes 19%
2005339Brakes 25%
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW M6 cars first registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score