2008 BMW 1 Series · 60,416 MOT tests
2008 BMW 1 Series reliability
2008 BMW 1 Seriess fail 33.1% of first MOT tests, 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 18 1 Series years (60,416 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- 33.1%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 1 Seriess: 23.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 23% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 110,266
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 60,416
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 2009 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.1% of tests fail here (78% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 56% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 BMW 1 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11.8%
- Suspension10%
- Brakes9.8%
- Tyres7.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.1%
- Body, chassis and structure3.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 3.9%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.21%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 2.55%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.19%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.18%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.05%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.83%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (16.63%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.67%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (8.15%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.75%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.71%)
Other years
Every BMW 1 Series year
The full picture: BMW 1 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 1 Series, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2008 BMW 1 Series reliable?
2008 BMW 1 Seriess fail 33.1% of first MOT tests, 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 18 1 Series years (60,416 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 BMW 1 Series MOT?
Most often shock absorber serious fluid leak (3.9% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.21% of tests), windscreen washer fluid insufficient (2.55% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 BMW 1 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 BMW 1 Series shows 110,266 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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