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BMW X3 E83 (2004-2009) reliability

At a glance

BMW X3 E83 built around 2006: about average at the MOT

BMW X3 E83 models built around 2006 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a BMW X3 E83?

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

Key figure

28% of MOT tests on BMW X3 E83 models built around 2006 ended in a fail (retests included), against 30% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW X3 E83 models built around 2006 involves the tyres.

BMW X3 E83
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2004-2009SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 13,355 tests of X3 models registered 2004-2009.

About 1 in 12 X3 E83 MOTs (9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2006 (19 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 2,867 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). 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 15 X3 E83 MOTs (6.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2006 (19 years old).

Based on 2,867 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

E83 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
62724.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,53825.0%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,05325.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
2,76726.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
2,86728.1%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
2,77328.1%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
73027.0%

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 19 years old.

How the X3 E83 compares

At each age below, see how the X3 E83 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 43,734 tests across 10 BMW models, built around 2006 (19 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
62724.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,53825.0%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,05325.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
2,76726.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
2,86728.1%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
2,77328.1%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
73027.0%

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

Leaks

Worth checking

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

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension 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 SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the X3 E83.

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.4%

    No clear edge over the BMW X3 E83 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,442 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  2. 2

    Toyota Land Cruiser

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.2%

    No clear edge over the BMW X3 E83 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,020 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  3. 3

    Porsche Cayenne

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.7%
    Dangerous
    4.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.8%

    Lower fail rate: 21.7%, against 28.1% for the BMW X3 E83, both built around 2006.

    1,231 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  4. 4

    Mitsubishi Shogun Sport

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    31.5%

    No clear edge over the BMW X3 E83 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,077 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

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

94%of all BMW X3 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% · About 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

57 recalls in all

7 of the 57 X3 E83 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 5 Critical
  • 2 more

Top concerns

  • Replace the driver’s airbag – Takata PSDI-5
  • Takata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (global VINs)
  • Replacing the driver’s airbag PSDI-5

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

What has gone wrong on X3 E83 cars built around 2006

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 449 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
70%
Emissions
16%
Drivetrain
6%
Steering
2%

Wear items

Lighting
54%
Tyres
53%
Brakes
49%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 8% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2006 (19 years old)

Engine sizes across all diesel X3 tests (not specific to E83).

1.4 to 2.0 litres28.8%1,428 tests2.0 to 3.0 litres25.4%873 tests
How X3 E83 cars have aged

How X3 E83 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%30%1214161820Age at MOTBuilt around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.0% (1,259 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (1,228 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (1,104 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (949 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (856 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (1,586 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (1,517 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (1,261 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (1,038 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (892 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (2,419 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (2,157 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (1,857 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (1,551 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (1,162 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (3,192 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (2,880 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (2,375 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (1,912 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (1,499 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (2,898 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (2,608 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (2,185 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (1,749 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (1,286 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (1,852 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (1,468 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (1,191 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (960 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (730 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
How each part holds up as E83 cars age

How each part holds up as E83 cars age

The share of diesel 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
Suspension70%65%70%67%
Brakes50%45%49%51%
Emissions12%21%16%13%
Tyres48%49%53%50%
Lighting47%44%54%50%
Drivetrain6%7%6%9%
SteeringNo figure1%2%2%
Corrosion4%8%8%9%

Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 205 to 449 cars at each age.

E83 variants compared

X3 E83 variants built around 2006

The fail rate for each X3 E83 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • X327.6%2,315 tests

Petrol

  • X330.6%552 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on BMW X3 models of this age

This list covers every BMW X3 built around 2006, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the E83 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    26.2%
    Advisory: 765Fail: 14 (2% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    24.5%
    Advisory: 1,102Fail: 83 (7% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    18.0%
    Advisory: 657Fail: 164 (20% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    12.1%
    Advisory: 537Fail: 9 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    11.4%
    Advisory: 470Fail: 6 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 2,867 tests

Looking at a BMW X3 E83?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2006 (19 years old), the BMW X3 E83 (2004-2009) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 2,867 19-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 13,355 MOT tests on BMW X3 models first registered between 2004-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.