2008 BMW 5 Series · 28,179 MOT tests
2008 BMW 5 Series reliability
2008 BMW 5 Seriess fail 28.1% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 24 5 Series years (28,179 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- 28.1%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 36% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 144,081
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 28,179
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 2009 cars: 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.1% of tests fail here (40% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 84% 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 5 Series
Fail rate by area
- Suspension10.6%
- Lights and electrics9.8%
- Tyres7.3%
- Brakes5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.4%
- Steering3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 3.2%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.35%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Position lamp not working 2.1%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.09%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 2.02%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.96%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.3%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.02%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8.64%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.33%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (5%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.84%)
Other years
Every BMW 5 Series year
The full picture: BMW 5 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 5 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 5 Series reliable?
2008 BMW 5 Seriess fail 28.1% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 24 5 Series years (28,179 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 BMW 5 Series MOT?
Most often anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed (3.2% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.35% of tests), position lamp not working (2.1% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 BMW 5 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 BMW 5 Series shows 144,081 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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