Used car guide

2008 BMW X6: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 BMW X6s, from 360 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 360 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

360MOT tests in 2025
75%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
7,800typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 BMW X6s than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Engine oil leaks2× usual
    BMW X6
    24.4% All 2008 cars
    12.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

By area

The share of 2008 BMW X6 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    33% 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.

  • Tyres
    28% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    26% 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.

  • Brakes
    23% 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 electrics
    17% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    11% 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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022994Tyres 23%
2021980Tyres 23%
20201,053Tyres 23%
2019643Tyres 23%
20182,075Tyres 25%
20171,342Tyres 25%
20161,758Tyres 26%
20151,244Tyres 26%
20141,279Tyres 31%
20131,114Tyres 29%
20121,001Tyres 29%
2011658Suspension 28%
2010680Suspension 32%
2009772Suspension 35%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 BMW X6s registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score