2008 · 16 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2008 BMW X3 MOT pass rate and common faults

1,439 MOT tests in 2024. 68.5% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

120Well above average
Passed first time68.5%
Failed or needed repairs31.5%
Typical mileage at test120,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,439 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.0%
  2. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.5%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.8%
    76 marked dangerous
  4. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.4%
  5. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.2%
  6. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.1%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.9%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.7%
  9. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.6%
  10. Washers: not working1.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics15.5%
  2. Suspension12.2%
  3. Brakes12.0%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.4%
  5. Tyres6.0%
  6. Seat belts & airbags4.5%
  7. Emissions & leaks3.8%
  8. Body & chassis3.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.3%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.7%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.1%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.5%

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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 X3?

In 2024, 68.5% of 2008 BMW X3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,439 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 BMW X3?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2008 BMW X3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 120, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).