2008 BMW 130: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 BMW 130s, from 105 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 105 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2008 BMW 130 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes37% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension30% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres28% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics22% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks13% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors12% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Fuel filter heater: flat battery and fire risk (diesel, built Aug 2008 to June 2009)2.0 diesel, built 2008 to 2009
Moisture can get into an electrical connection at the fuel filter, draining the battery so it won't start, with a fire risk if it happens while parked after driving.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm the fix was done.
- Power steering warning (built June 2007 to Dec 2011)Built from June 2007
A part in the steering control module can fail, lighting the EPS warning and making the steering heavier.
At the viewing: Make sure the steering light goes out and the steering feels light.
- Rear axle, brake servo and airbag faultsSome cars
Faults to have been fixed: loose rear control arm joints (built May to Sept 2004), a leaking brake servo seal (built March 2006) and airbag and seatbelt wiring (built May to July 2008).
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding work.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 287 | Brakes 34% |
| 2006 | 251 | Brakes 36% |
| 2005 | 150 | Brakes 43% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 BMW 130s registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score