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MOT History from tests of petrol BMW 6-SERIESs year 1987

Review the list of common BMW 6-SERIES failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your BMW then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history
Pass percent:61.21%
(The average a petrol BMW 6-SERIES year 1987 passes without issue)
Based on:1,601 MOT Tests
Most common failuresNo# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment157
Brake pipe excessively corroded93
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively78
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive |7.3.B.1a|47
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.B.7|41
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|38
Registration plate issues33
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|32
Service brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.B.7|29
Battery insecure |1.9.1|27
Brakes imbalanced across an axle27
Registration plate lamp issues25
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|22
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|22
Rear brake binding20
Offside front brake binding |3.7.B.1|18
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort18
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault17
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|17
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|16
Offside Front front brake binding |3.7.B.1|15
Nearside Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|14
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|14
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|14
Nearside front brake binding |3.7.B.1|14
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)14
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|13
Nearside Front front brake binding |3.7.B.1|13
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|12
Nearside Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|11
Horn not working |1.6.2a|11
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|10
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|10
Windscreen washer not working 10
Offside Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|10
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|9
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|9
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|9
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))9
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|9
Brake pedal creeps down when held under pressure |3.3.B.1a|9
Offside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|9
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|9
Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|9
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|8
Brake hose excessively deteriorated8
Nearside Side repeater not working |1.4.A.2c|8
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|7
Emissions not tested |7.0|7
Nearside Rear front brake binding |3.7.B.1|7
Offside Rear front brake binding |3.7.B.1|7
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|7
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working |1.3.2b|7
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|7
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive |7.3.B.1b|7
Nearside Front Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|7
Brake pedal spongy |3.3.B.1b|6
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|6
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|6
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|6
Offside Side repeater not working |1.4.A.2c|6
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|6
Front brake application uneven6
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|6
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure |3.6.B.3|6
Nearside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release |5.2.5a|6
Steering box insecure |2.2.B.1a|6
Offside Rear fog lamp not working |1.3.2b|6
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|6
Rear brake application uneven6
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|6
Nearside Headlamp insecure |1.7.3|6
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement6
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|5
Offside Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|5
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|5
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|5
Offside Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|5
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|5
Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))5
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))5
Offside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))5
Offside Headlamp insecure |1.7.3|5
Rear Fuel pipe leaking |7.2.3|4
Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|4
Offside Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|4
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion |6.1.C.1|4
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|4
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|4
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|4
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|4
Nearside Front Headlamp insecure |1.7.3|4
Offside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|4
Offside Rear position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|4
Offside Front Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release |5.2.5a|4
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|4
Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|4
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|4
Offside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|4
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|4
Offside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|4
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|4
Brake pedal creeps down while the pedal is held under pressure |3.3.B.1a|4
Fuel pipe leaking |7.2.3|4
Nearside Front coil spring fractured |2.4.C.1a|4
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|4
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|4
Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|4
Fuel hose leaking |7.2.3|4
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated |7.1.1a|3
All position lamps not working |1.1.A.3b|3
Offside Rear Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release |5.2.5a|3
Power steering pipe|s| or hose|s| leaking from a joint |2.3.3b|3
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|3
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint |2.5.B.1a|3
Brake performance not tested |3.7.A.1|3
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))3
Nearside Rear Statutory seat belt missing |5.1.1|3
Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle |6.2.B.1b|3
Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted |3.5.1h|3
Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted |3.5.1h|3
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|3
Nearside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated |8.2.2|3
Nearside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|3
Rear fog lamp not working |1.3.2b|3
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|3
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|3
Offside Front Macpherson strut corroded and seriously weakened |2.4.G.1|3
Power steering pipe|s| or hose|s| leaking |2.3.3b|3
Nearside Outer Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|3
Offside Outer Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|3
Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|3
Nearside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|3
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|3
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)3
Emissions not tested (7.0)3
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint |2.5.B.1a|3
Nearside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|3
Nearside Front Steering pivot point has excessive play |2.2.B.1g|3
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|3
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|3
Offside Front Side repeater not working |1.4.A.2c|3
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.C.1b|3
Offside Front coil spring fractured |2.4.C.1a|3
Driver`s seat insecure |6.2.A.1|3
Offside Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)3
Drag link end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|3
Nearside Front Side repeater not working |1.4.A.2c|3
Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated |8.2.2|3
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))3
front brake binding |3.7.B.1|3
Offside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|3
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|3
Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside |1.8|2
Nearside Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|2
Offside Front Headlamp insecure |1.7.3|2
Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|2
Exhaust tailpipe not capable of allowing the emission probe to be inserted |7.3.B.1|2
Exhaust mounting missing |7.1.1b|2
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|2
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|2
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))2
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))2
Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))2
Nearside Inner Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|2
Offside Rear Passenger`s seat backrest cannot be secured in the upright position. |6.2.6 |a| |i||2
Nearside Rear Passenger`s seat backrest cannot be secured in the upright position. |6.2.6 |a| |i||2
Offside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn |5.3.4 |a| |i||2
Nearside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn |5.3.4 |a| |i||2
Offside Rear Sub-frame pin or bush excessively worn |5.3.4 |a| |i||2
Nearside Rear Sub-frame pin or bush excessively worn |5.3.4 |a| |i||2
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |6.1.2 |a||2
Nearside Rear Lower Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Offside Rear Lower Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Drivers seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. (6.2.5 (b) (i))2
Battery insecure and likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (ii))2
Nearside Rear Sub-frame pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))2
Offside Rear Sub-frame pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))2
Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))2
Driver`s door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle |6.2.B.1b|2
Offside Rear Fuel pipe leaking |7.2.3|2
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure |3.6.B.3|2
Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view |8.1.2a|2
Nearside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Offside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Nearside Rear passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. |6.2.3|2
Offside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective |5.2.5b|2
Steering pivot point has excessive play |2.2.B.1g|2
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))2
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))2
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|2
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|2
Nearside Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))2
Offside Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))2
Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on |8.2.1b|2
Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on |8.2.1b|2
Offside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on |8.2.1b|2
Brake has no servo assistance |3.3.B.2|2
Nearside Rear Body has a projection caused by corrosion |6.1.C.1|2
Offside Front Tie bar/rod rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Nearside Headlamp aim aimed so that it dazzles other road users |1.8.A.1a|2
Offside Headlamp aim aimed so that it dazzles other road users |1.8.A.1a|2
Brake hose has insufficient room to move2
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|2
Offside Inner Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|2
Offside Rear coil spring fractured |2.4.C.1a|2
Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))2
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|2
Nearside Front Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release |5.2.5a|2
Centre Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|2
Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|2
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)2
Offside Front coil spring broken (2.4.C.1a)2
Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)2
Offside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Power steering pump leaking from a failed component |2.3.3b|2
Offside Front Body has a projection caused by corrosion |6.1.C.1|2
Offside Rear Body has a projection caused by corrosion |6.1.C.1|2
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing |3.3.A.1b|2
Parking brake lever defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated |3.1.3c|2
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive |8.2.1.2 |b||2
Nearside Front Brake hose leaking |3.6.A.1|2
Nearside Outer Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated |3.6.G.2|2
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on |8.2.1b|2
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)2
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)2
Nearside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)2
Offside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)2
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure (3.6.B.3)2
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|2
Nearside front brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|2
Service brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.C.1a|2
Nearside Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings |2.2.B.1h|2
Nearside Front Statutory seat belt missing |5.1.1|2
Front front brake binding |3.7.B.1|2
Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Windscreen has damage2
Rear brake disc excessively pitted |3.5.1h|2
Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated |7.1.1a|2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|2
Bonded suspension unit bonding failed and part of unit is likely to become displaced |2.4.F.2|2
Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn Rear arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))2
Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn Rear arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))2
Offside Rear Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)2
Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|2
Nearside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)2
Nearside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded sill |2.4.A.3|2
Rear Fuel system component insecure |7.2.1|2
Nearside Rear Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Offside Rear Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|2
Front Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|2
Tie bar/rod has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|2
Nearside Front Headlamp aim aimed so that it dazzles other road users |1.8.A.1a|2
Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle |6.2.B.1b|2
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2
Windscreen wiper blade insecure2
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (7.3.B.1b)2
Drivers seat insecure (6.2.A.1)2
Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))2
Offside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))2
Offside Front Brake hose leaking |3.6.A.1|2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|2
Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Nearside Front Ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|2
Offside Front Lower Ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|2
Nearside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush bonding deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Offside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush bonding deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|2
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm attachment bracket/mounting insecure |2.4.G.1|2
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded floor pan |2.4.A.3|2
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded floor pan |2.4.A.3|2
Offside Outer Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|2
Driver`s seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. |6.2.A.3|2
Centre Drag link end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|2
Centre Exhaust mounting missing |7.1.1b|2
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely by positive means |7.2.4b|2
Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|2
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded outer sill |2.4.A.3|2
Stop lamp remains on when the brakes are released2
Offside Rear Rear position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|2
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|2
Nearside Rear position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|2
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|2
Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|2
Windscreen washer control missing |8.2.1a|2
Nearside Outer Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Offside Outer Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2

We get to these numbers by trawling through over 1 billion MOT test results since 2004 and crunched the numbers. We remove anything to do with Tyres, as they are model independent and group together common non-model specific issues. We are trying to get to a picture of what models have what issues.

Please note: We take the data from the DVSA. This data is raw and can contain typos and spelling mistakes that garages may have entered while recording a MOT result. Specifically miss-match on names of models and makes. We are constantly cleaning the data so bear with the odd issue.

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