2006 · 18 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2006 BMW m3 MOT pass rate and common faults

341 MOT tests in 2024. 85.0% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

151Well above average
Passed first time85.0%
Failed or needed repairs15.0%
Typical mileage at test81,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 341 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: too low2.6%
  2. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.5%
  3. Headlamp levelling device: inoperative1.5%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.2%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.2%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded0.9%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding0.9%
  8. Headlamp aim: too high0.6%
  9. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault0.6%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics8.5%
  2. Emissions & leaks3.8%
  3. Brakes3.5%
  4. Suspension3.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.8%
  6. Tyres1.8%
  7. Body & chassis1.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.6%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.0%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.3%
  5. Transmission oil leaks: leaking excessively from transmission3.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp aim: too low. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 BMW m3?

In 2024, 85.0% of 2006 BMW m3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 341 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 BMW m3?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: too low; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; headlamp levelling device: inoperative. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2006 BMW m3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 151, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).