2008 BMW M3 · 4,763 MOT tests
2008 BMW M3 reliability
2008 BMW M3s fail 13.1% of first MOT tests, 67% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 18 M3 years (4,763 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- 13.1%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 67% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 80,804
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,763
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 71% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- 2009 cars: 71% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1% of tests fail here (105% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 83% 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 M3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics4%
- Tyres3.1%
- Suspension2.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.9%
- Brakes1.9%
- Number plates and VIN1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 0.99%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.94%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.69%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Side repeater not working 0.67%
A failed side repeater means other road users cannot see your intended direction change, which is dangerous and must be fixed.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 0.65%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.63%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.38%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (2.94%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (2.6%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (2.04%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (1.89%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (1.68%)
Other years
Every BMW M3 year
The full picture: BMW M3 reliability. Before you pay for any BMW M3, 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 M3 reliable?
2008 BMW M3s fail 13.1% of first MOT tests, 67% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 18 M3 years (4,763 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 BMW M3 MOT?
Most often engine warning light inoperative or lit (0.99% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (0.94% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (0.69% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 BMW M3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 BMW M3 shows 80,804 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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