2008 · 16 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2008 BMW 7 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

587 MOT tests in 2024. 74.6% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

131Well above average
Passed first time74.6%
Failed or needed repairs25.4%
Typical mileage at test131,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 587 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.9%
  2. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.7%
  3. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.6%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.4%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.0%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    21 marked dangerous
  8. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
  9. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.5%
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.4%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension12.3%
  2. Lights & electrics8.7%
  3. Brakes7.0%
  4. Tyres6.8%
  5. Seat belts & airbags5.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.7%
  7. Steering2.6%
  8. Emissions & leaks2.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm22.0%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.1%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn15.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.0%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn7.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 BMW 7 Series?

In 2024, 74.6% of 2008 BMW 7 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 587 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 BMW 7 Series?

The most common failure reasons were srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2008 BMW 7 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 131, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).