2008 BMW 3 Series · 92,086 MOT tests
2008 BMW 3 Series reliability
2008 BMW 3 Seriess fail 31.2% of first MOT tests, 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 25 3 Series years (92,086 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- 31.2%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 28% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 119,065
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 92,086
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- 2009 cars: 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.8% of tests fail here (161% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 75% 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 3 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics10.7%
- Suspension10.4%
- Brakes8.9%
- Tyres8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.4%
- Body, chassis and structure1.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 3.77%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Position lamp not working 2.84%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.78%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.31%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.15%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.15%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.02%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (14.73%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.65%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8.81%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (8.23%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.87%)
Other years
Every BMW 3 Series year
The full picture: BMW 3 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 3 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 3 Series reliable?
2008 BMW 3 Seriess fail 31.2% of first MOT tests, 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 25 3 Series years (92,086 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 BMW 3 Series MOT?
Most often shock absorber serious fluid leak (3.77% of tests), position lamp not working (2.84% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.78% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 BMW 3 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 BMW 3 Series shows 119,065 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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