2006 BMW X5 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 BMW X5 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 BMW X5 diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  BMW X5

  24.1% All 2006 cars

  14%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2.5% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint2.4× usual
  BMW X5

  15.5% All 2006 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 3.1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Door condition13.2× usual
  BMW X5

  5.3% All 2006 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 0.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Common 2006 BMW X5 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 BMW X5 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  45% 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.

• Suspension
  43% 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
  37% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  10% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 BMW X5 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2006 BMW X5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2006 BMW X5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the door condition? (Flagged at MOT 13.2× as often on the 2006 BMW X5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?