2018 · 6 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2018 BMW 6 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

2,294 MOT tests in 2024. 86.1% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time86.1%
Failed or needed repairs13.9%
Typical mileage at test51,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,294 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.7%
    81 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.4%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.4%
    96 marked dangerous
  4. Road Wheels - condition: fractured1.0%
    30 marked dangerous
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.9%
    38 marked dangerous
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.8%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.6%
  8. Tyres - condition: has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
    22 marked dangerous
  9. Side repeaters: not working0.4%
  10. Brake pads: worn down to wear indicator0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres10.2%
  2. Brakes1.6%
  3. Wheels1.4%
  4. Lights & electrics1.3%
  5. Body & chassis1.1%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)0.9%
  8. Suspension0.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.8%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.9%
  3. Flexible couplings: excessively deteriorated3.3%
  4. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre2.7%
  5. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.5%

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: tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. 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 2018 BMW 6 Series?

In 2024, 86.1% of 2018 BMW 6 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,294 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 BMW 6 Series?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2018 BMW 6 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).