2006 BMW X3 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 BMW X3 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 BMW X3 diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Airbag warning light2.7× usual
  BMW X3

  3.8% All 2006 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Diesel smoke emissions2.9× usual
  BMW X3

  2.6% All 2006 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.8% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Anti-lock braking system2.3× usual
  BMW X3

  2.7% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2006 BMW X3 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 BMW X3 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Brakes
  30% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  29% 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
  19% 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
  14% 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 X3 diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2006 BMW X3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2006 BMW X3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2006 BMW X3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?