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BMW X6 E71 (2008-2013) reliability

At a glance

BMW X6 E71 built around 2013: fails its MOT less often than average

BMW X6 E71 models built around 2013 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a BMW X6 E71?

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

Key figure

18% of MOT tests on BMW X6 E71 models built around 2013 ended in a fail (retests included), against 26% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW X6 E71 models built around 2013 involves the tyres.

BMW X6 E71
excellent reliability2008-2013SUVDIESEL

Based on 5,448 tests of X6 models registered 2008-2013.

About 1 in 15 X6 E71 MOTs (6.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2013 (12 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,250 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 25 X6 E71 MOTs (4.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2013 (12 years old).

Based on 1,250 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

E71 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
65517.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,25018.3%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,04520.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
71418.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
97621.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
63820.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
17020.0%

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 15 years old.

How the X6 E71 compares

At each age below, see how the X6 E71 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 129,527 tests across 13 BMW models, built around 2013 (12 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
65517.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,25018.3%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,04520.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
71418.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
97621.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
63820.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
17020.0%

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.

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 X6 E71.

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.6%
    Dangerous
    3.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 13.6%, against 18.3% for the BMW X6 E71, both built around 2013.

    1,639 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  2. 2

    Mini (R60)

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.4%

    No clear edge over the BMW X6 E71 on these figures.

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

    2,166 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  3. 3

    Land Rover Discovery

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.1%

    More still registered at 10 years: 91%, against 83% for the BMW X6 E71.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    8,047 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  4. 4

    Toyota RAV4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.2%

    No clear edge over the BMW X6 E71 on these figures.

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

    1,533 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

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 X6 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

30 recalls in all

11 of the 30 X6 E71 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 6 Critical
  • 5 more

Top concerns

  • Takata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (global VINs)
  • The driver and front passenger airbags may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be rele
  • Movements of the connector of the blower regulator wiring harness could lead to frictional corrosion

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

How X6 E71 cars have aged

How X6 E71 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%810121416Age at MOTBuilt around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (855 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (808 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (759 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (720 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (660 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (774 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (730 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 18.5% (696 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (630 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (626 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (476 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (464 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (427 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (394 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (340 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (577 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 19.0% (541 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 20.2% (521 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (486 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (421 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (588 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (542 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (490 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (428 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (376 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 18.4% (272 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (265 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (226 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (194 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (170 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010
E71 variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on BMW X6 models of this age

This list covers every BMW X6 built around 2013, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the E71 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

    23.2%
    Advisory: 437Fail: 20 (4% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    17.4%
    Advisory: 304Fail: 49 (14% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    15.9%
    Advisory: 202Fail: 2 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    7.1%
    Advisory: 118Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    6.9%
    Advisory: 94Fail: 4 (4% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,250 tests

Looking at a BMW X6 E71?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2013 (12 years old), the BMW X6 E71 (2008-2013) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,250 12-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 5,448 MOT tests on BMW X6 models first registered between 2008-2013. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.