2008 BMW X3 · 6,159 MOT tests
2008 BMW X3 reliability
2008 BMW X3s fail 30.4% of first MOT tests, 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 18 X3 years (6,159 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW X3s: 19.9%)
- 30.4%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW X3s: 19.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 30% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 117,102
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,159
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 2009 cars: 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 4.4% of tests fail here (107% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 66% 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 X3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11.2%
- Suspension9.4%
- Brakes8.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.7%
- Tyres5.6%
- Seat belts and airbags4.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.56%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 3.3%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.31%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
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.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 2.08%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 2.08%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.01%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11.87%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.8%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.75%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.87%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (4.45%)
Other years
Every BMW X3 year
The full picture: BMW X3 reliability. Before you pay for any BMW X3, 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 X3 reliable?
2008 BMW X3s fail 30.4% of first MOT tests, 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 18 X3 years (6,159 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 BMW X3 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.56% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (3.3% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.31% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 BMW X3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 BMW X3 shows 117,102 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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