2011 BMW X6 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel BMW X6 first registered in 2011 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 2,047 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 BMW X6 diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 BMW X6 diesel than on all cars registered in 2011.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints2.3× usualBMW X69.3% All 2011 cars4.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Engine oil leaks1.7× usualBMW X612.7% All 2011 cars7.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
Braking performance: 1.7% here, against 5.4% of all 2011 cars. Headlights: 1.3% here, against 4.9% of all 2011 cars.
Common 2011 BMW X6 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2011 BMW X6 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension27% 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.
- Tyres27% 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.
- Brakes19% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks14% 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.
- Lights and electrics9% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Driveshafts and joints9% 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 2011 BMW X6 diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2011 BMW X6 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2011 BMW X6 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW X6?
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 X6 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 1,035 | Tyres 23% |
| 2021 | 2,007 | Tyres 24% |
| 2020 | 3,163 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 1,969 | Tyres 23% |
| 2018 | 6,241 | Tyres 25% |
| 2017 | 4,116 | Tyres 25% |
| 2016 | 5,358 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 3,777 | Tyres 26% |
| 2014 | 3,974 | Tyres 30% |
| 2013 | 3,503 | Tyres 30% |
| 2012 | 3,106 | Tyres 30% |
| 2010 | 2,175 | Suspension 30% |
| 2009 | 2,581 | Suspension 32% |
| 2008 | 1,250 | Suspension 33% |
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 X6 cars first registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score