2006 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · RK06 AEA
2006 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 07 Jun 2006. Recorded mileage 81,292 miles. MOT expired on 11 Feb 2025. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2006 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 11 Feb 2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 81,292 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
RK06 AEA Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 12/02/2024
- 81,292 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RK06 AEA MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2006 BMW 3 Series (RK06 AEA) between February 2022 and February 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 12 February 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (2 issues), Steering (1 issue), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
RK06 AEA Mileage History
- 07/02/202274,049 mi
- 30/01/202378,594 mi+4,545 mi
- 12/02/202481,292 mi+2,698 mi
- 12/02/202481,292 mi
Average of roughly 3,599 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution due to recurring st
When inspecting this vehicle, pay close attention to the steering feel. The MOT records from 2023 and 2024 highlight persistent play in the steering rack and inner joints, which can lead to vague handling and increased wear on other suspension components. Test drive the car on varied road surfaces to check for any knocking or lack of precision in the steering.
Verify if the steering rack or associated joints have been replaced or repaired since the February 2024 MOT. Given the age of the car, check for any signs of corrosion or fluid leaks under the engine bay, as the 3.0-litre petrol engine can be demanding on ancillary components over two decades of use.
As a 3.0-litre petrol model, this vehicle falls into a higher tax bracket and will be notably thirsty compared to modern alternatives. Insurance costs may also be higher than average for a car of this age due to the engine size and performance profile.
Maintenance costs for an older BMW 3 Series can escalate quickly. Budget for regular servicing and potential suspension or steering-related repairs. You should estimate an annual running cost of £1,800-£2,200, accounting for fuel, insurance, tax, and a contingency fund for mechanical upkeep.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the steering rack and suspension joints. The 2024 MOT failure specifically flagged steering rack play, which is a known area of concern for this model. Additionally, inspect the condition of the tyres, as the vehicle failed its 2024 test for tread depth below the legal limit of 1.6mm.
Check the service history for evidence of regular maintenance, specifically regarding steering and suspension components. Since the vehicle is 20 years old, look for any signs of rubber bush degradation or oil leaks, which are common for high-displacement petrol engines of this era.
This 2006 BMW 3 Series is a 20-year-old vehicle with a recorded mileage of 81,292. Its recent MOT history shows a mix of passes and a 2024 failure related to tyre tread and steering rack play. Prospective buyers should be aware that steering system issues have appeared as both advisories and failures in recent years.
BMW 3 Series models generally align with the national average pass rate, though suspension and steering issues are common failure points for this generation.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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