Used car guide

2008 BMW 3 Series: petrol or diesel?

Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.

Petrol 68% pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%) Stands out: flexible brake hoses 5.3×, shock absorbers 1.8×, exhaust emissions (catalyst) 2.1× 30,832 MOTsSee the petrol guide › Diesel 67% pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%) Stands out: flexible brake hoses 6.2×, shock absorbers 2.2×, sub-frame 1.8× 35,839 MOTsSee the diesel guide ›

Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.

Known faults on every 2008 BMW 3 Series

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.

  • Battery cable and blower wiring recalls

    All engines

    About 312,000 cars were recalled for a faulty positive battery cable and nearly 280,000 for a heater blower connector. Others covered side airbag wiring, the brake servo, the propshaft joint and VANOS units.

    At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

    Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)

  • Clutch and dual-mass flywheel

    Manual gearbox

    A faulty dual-mass flywheel can make the clutch seize. Both need replacing.

    At the viewing: Feel for judder or a heavy, odd clutch, and listen for rattles at idle.

    Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)

  • Clunks over bumps in the cold

    All engines

    Worn front anti-roll bar bushes clunk, more in cold weather.

    At the viewing: Drive over bumps and listen.

    Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)

  • Exhaust drone

    All engines

    A damaged exhaust flexi pipe drones when driving or idling.

    At the viewing: Listen at idle and on the move.

    Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)

Looking at a BMW 3 Series?

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

Other years

Every year of the BMW 3 Series compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023–Too new for MOT data
2022–Too few tests
2021759Tyres 21%
20209,771Tyres 26%
201934,846Tyres 25%
201825,493Tyres 26%
201710,906Tyres 26%
201673,403Tyres 27%
201591,029Tyres 28%
201490,046Tyres 30%
201397,821Tyres 30%
201296,040Tyres 32%
201181,787Tyres 33%
201075,455Suspension 35%
200967,536Suspension 37%
200777,186Brakes 41%
200657,039Brakes 46%
200536,334Brakes 46%
200427,771Brakes 44%
200329,361Brakes 44%
200222,806Brakes 42%
200114,634Brakes 43%
20007,767Brakes 43%
19997,370Brakes 38%
19985,623Suspension 35%
19974,172Brakes 36%
19962,941Brakes 37%
19951,929Brakes 37%
19941,187Brakes 34%
19931,172Brakes 32%
19921,287Suspension 28%
19911,968Suspension 26%
19903,254Suspension 25%
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests
1984–Too few tests
1983–Too few tests
1982–Too few tests
1981–Too few tests
1980–Too few tests
1979–Too few tests
1978–Too few tests
1977–Too few tests
1976–Too few tests