2008 BMW 7 Series · 2,518 MOT tests
2008 BMW 7 Series reliability
2008 BMW 7 Seriess fail 27% of first MOT tests, 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 22 7 Series years (2,518 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 7 Seriess: 15.9%)
- 27%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 7 Seriess: 15.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 38% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 129,745
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,518
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 42% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- 2009 cars: 53% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 4.2% of tests fail here (84% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 86% 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 7 Series
Fail rate by area
- Suspension10.8%
- Lights and electrics7.8%
- Tyres6%
- Brakes5%
- Seat belts and airbags4.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.9%
- Steering2.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 3.38%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.06%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Position lamp not working 2.7%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.58%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.26%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.91%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.51%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (15.33%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (10.96%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (5.76%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.64%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.24%)
Other years
Every BMW 7 Series year
The full picture: BMW 7 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 7 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 7 Series reliable?
2008 BMW 7 Seriess fail 27% of first MOT tests, 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 22 7 Series years (2,518 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 BMW 7 Series MOT?
Most often airbag warning lamp shows fault (3.38% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (3.06% of tests), position lamp not working (2.7% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 BMW 7 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 BMW 7 Series shows 129,745 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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