Used car guide

2008 BMW Z4: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 BMW Z4s, from 1,749 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,749MOT tests in 2025
70%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
4,800typical miles a year
2.5×the usual rate for steering rack

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 BMW Z4s than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Steering rack2.5× usual
    BMW Z4
    2.8% All 2008 cars
    1.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Better than most

Headlights: 4.5% here, against 10.7% of all 2008 cars. Sidelights: 2.1% here, against 7.4% of all 2008 cars.

By area

The share of 2008 BMW Z4 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
    25% 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.

  • Brakes
    25% 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
    20% 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 leaks
    16% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    9% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Looking at a BMW Z4?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022934Tyres 23%
20211,069Tyres 25%
20201,532Tyres 25%
20192,009Tyres 26%
20161,235Tyres 25%
20151,589Tyres 25%
20141,916Tyres 28%
20131,571Tyres 29%
20121,838Tyres 26%
20111,965Tyres 25%
20101,954Tyres 25%
20092,420Tyres 24%
20073,099Brakes 33%
20062,880Brakes 39%
20051,967Brakes 41%
20042,898Brakes 40%
20032,354Brakes 39%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 BMW Z4s registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score