2008 BMW X5 · 13,325 MOT tests
2008 BMW X5 reliability
2008 BMW X5s fail 27.5% of first MOT tests, 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 21 X5 years (13,325 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW X5s: 19.9%)
- 27.5%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW X5s: 19.9%)
- 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
- 128,289
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 13,325
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 2009 cars: 42% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.8% of tests fail here (143% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 77% 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 X5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12.1%
- Suspension11.2%
- Tyres6.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.4%
- Brakes4.9%
- Body, chassis and structure2.1%
- Wheels1.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.84%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Position lamp not working 2.51%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 2.45%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Rear fog lamp not working 2.3%
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.28%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.17%
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 (15.77%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (12.54%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.24%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (5.11%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.09%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.47%)
Other years
Every BMW X5 year
The full picture: BMW X5 reliability. Before you pay for any BMW X5, 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 X5 reliable?
2008 BMW X5s fail 27.5% of first MOT tests, 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 21 X5 years (13,325 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 BMW X5 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (2.84% of tests), position lamp not working (2.51% of tests), windscreen washer fluid insufficient (2.45% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 BMW X5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 BMW X5 shows 128,289 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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