2008 BMW 5 Series (first used 2008) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 72.2% of BMW 5 Series cars first used in 2008 passed their MOT first time, against 57.2% for all cars first used in 2008. Across 20,537 5 Series first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, lamps and electrical equipment and tyres.
This page analyses first MOT tests for BMW 5 Series cars first used in 2008 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2008 BMW 5 Series MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, 5 Series cars first used in 2008 against all cars first used in 2008 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the 5 Series figure was 15.0 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2008 5 Series | All cars first used 2008 | 5 Series first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 71.2% | 58.0% | 9,566 |
| 2022 | 70.2% | 57.9% | 8,797 |
| 2023 | 70.6% | 57.4% | 7,882 |
| 2024 | 71.0% | 56.9% | 6,779 |
| 2025 | 72.2% | 57.2% | 5,876 |
Common 2008 BMW 5 Series MOT failures
Share of the 5,922 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 12.5% | 739 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 9.8% | 581 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 8.7% | 515 |
| Position lamp: not working | 8.2% | 487 |
| Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed | 7.9% | 468 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
Enter the car's registration to run the check.
Free · opens our free car check — no sign-in needed.
Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a 5 Series in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2008 BMW 5 Series before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Common 2008 BMW 5 Series MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2008 5 Series cars, as a share of all 20,537 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 20.2% | 4,157 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 12.5% | 2,557 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 12.1% | 2,486 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 8.1% | 1,661 |
| Flexible brake hoses: slightly deteriorated | 6.4% | 1,317 |
Questions about the 2008 BMW 5 Series MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2008 BMW 5 Series?
In 2025, 72.2% of 5 Series cars first used in 2008 passed their MOT first time, against 57.2% for all cars first used in 2008. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2008 5 Series most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 38.6% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (33.9%) and tyres (25.6%). The single most common item was “Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt” (12.5%).
How often does a 2008 BMW 5 Series fail its MOT?
In 2025, 27.8% of first tests on 5 Series cars first used in 2008 did not pass first time: 22.5% failed, and a further 5.3% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 5,922 of 20,537 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2008 BMW 5 Series MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 20.2% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (12.5%), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (12.1%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (8.1%) and “Flexible brake hoses: slightly deteriorated” (6.4%).
Is a 2008 BMW 5 Series reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 71.2% in 2021 to 72.2% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2008
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2008 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2008 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2008 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2008 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2008 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2008 5 Series?
The numbers above cover every 5 Series first used in 2008 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
Enter the car's registration to run the check.
Free · no sign-in needed.