2008 BMW 523: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 BMW 523s, from 115 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 115 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 523 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- 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.
- Tyres27% 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.
- Brakes21% 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.
- Lights and electrics18% 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 leaks15% 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 mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 199 | Tyres 20% |
| 2010 | 227 | Suspension 22% |
| 2007 | 146 | Suspension 35% |
| 2006 | 201 | Brakes 39% |
| 2005 | 178 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2000 | 222 | Suspension 45% |
| 1999 | 244 | Suspension 45% |
| 1998 | 223 | Suspension 42% |
| 1997 | 102 | Brakes 41% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 BMW 523s registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score