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BMW 6 Series E63/E64 (2004-2010) reliability

At a glance

BMW 6 Series E63/E64 built around 2010: about average at the MOT

BMW 6 Series E63/E64 models built around 2010 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a BMW 6 Series E63/E64?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

19% of MOT tests on BMW 6 Series E63/E64 models built around 2010 ended in a fail (retests included), against 24% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW 6 Series E63/E64 models built around 2010 involves the suspension.

BMW 6 Series E63/E64
excellent reliability2004-2010CoupeDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 8,321 tests of 6 Series models registered 2004-2010.

About 1 in 12 6 Series E63/E64 MOTs (8.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2010 (15 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 697 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 6.6% and 10.8%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 6 Series E63/E64 MOTs (5.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2010 (15 years old).

Based on 697 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 4.0% and 7.4%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

E63/E64 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
20817.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
69719.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
80219.4%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,53520.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,56323.0%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,53223.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,41624.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
56824.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 20 years old.

How the 6 Series E63/E64 compares

At each age below, see how the 6 Series E63/E64 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 77,858 tests across 11 BMW models, built around 2010 (15 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
20817.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
69719.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
80219.4%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,53520.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,56323.0%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,53223.9%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,41624.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
56824.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 6 Series E63/E64.

  1. 1

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.9%
    Dangerous
    2.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    Lower fail rate: 8.8%, against 19.4% for the BMW 6 Series E63/E64, both built around 2010.

    1,790 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  2. 2

    Audi TT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.8%
    Dangerous
    5.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    More still registered at 10 years: 96%, against 83% for the BMW 6 Series E63/E64.

    7,970 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  3. 3

    Mercedes-Benz CLC

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10.5%
    Dangerous
    8.9%

    No clear edge over the BMW 6 Series E63/E64 on these figures.

    3,874 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  4. 4

    Volkswagen Scirocco

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.9%
    Dangerous
    8.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    More still registered at 10 years: 94%, against 83% for the BMW 6 Series E63/E64.

    7,365 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

83%of all BMW 6 Series cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

41 recalls in all

10 of the 41 6 Series E63/E64 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 8 more

Top concerns

  • Risk of fire
  • Short circuit may occur
  • Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on 6 Series E63/E64 cars built around 2010

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 109 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
47%
Emissions
10%
Steering
6%

Wear items

Tyres
55%
Brakes
38%
Lighting
28%
How 6 Series E63/E64 cars have aged

How 6 Series E63/E64 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%111315171921Age at MOTBuilt around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (462 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (458 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (445 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (398 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (381 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (457 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 19.0% (448 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (424 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (409 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 19.6% (367 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 20.3% (1,031 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (977 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (966 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (877 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (817 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (847 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (807 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (762 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 20.2% (714 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (685 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (1,105 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (1,019 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (925 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (864 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (809 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (1,111 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (1,039 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (921 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (807 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (774 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (890 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (771 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (751 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (626 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 24.1% (568 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007
How each part holds up as E63/E64 cars age

How each part holds up as E63/E64 cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension39%47%61%65%
Brakes27%38%53%52%
Emissions25%10%12%16%
Tyres58%55%66%61%
Lighting22%28%49%55%
Steering2%6%2%5%
Corrosion3%4%1%3%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 64 to 195 cars at each age.

E63/E64 variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on BMW 6 Series models of this age

This list covers every BMW 6 Series built around 2010, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the E63/E64 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    18.2%
    Advisory: 182Fail: 12 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    17.6%
    Advisory: 168Fail: 31 (16% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    12.9%
    Advisory: 88Fail: 4 (4% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    10.8%
    Advisory: 100Fail: 2 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.6%
    Advisory: 43Fail: 21 (33% of the times it was found)

Based on 697 tests

Looking at a BMW 6 Series E63/E64?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2010 (15 years old), the BMW 6 Series E63/E64 (2004-2010) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 697 15-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 8,321 MOT tests on BMW 6 Series models first registered between 2004-2010. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.