2006 · 18 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2006 BMW X3 MOT pass rate and common faults

2,962 MOT tests in 2024. 62.8% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

112Well above average
Passed first time62.8%
Failed or needed repairs37.2%
Typical mileage at test136,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,962 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.3%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.2%
  3. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.6%
  4. Position lamp: not working2.6%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
    140 marked dangerous
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.5%
  7. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.4%
  8. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.2%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
  10. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics22.0%
  2. Suspension17.2%
  3. Brakes16.3%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.4%
  5. Tyres7.2%
  6. Emissions & leaks6.5%
  7. Body & chassis5.8%
  8. Seat belts & airbags5.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm24.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.0%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.9%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.8%

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: srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2005 X3All X3 years2007 X3 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 BMW X3?

In 2024, 62.8% of 2006 BMW X3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,962 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 BMW X3?

The most common failure reasons were srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2006 BMW X3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 112, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).