2008 BMW Z4: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW Z4 first registered in 2008: we looked at the 5,479 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2008 BMW Z4 MOT failures and advisories
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.
- 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.
- Brakes24% 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.
- Tyres24% 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 electrics19% 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 leaks14% 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 mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 BMW Z4
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
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
Every year of the BMW Z4 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most 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 | 998 | Tyres 23% |
| 2021 | 2,215 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 4,561 | Tyres 25% |
| 2019 | 6,012 | Tyres 24% |
| 2017 | 428 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 3,653 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 4,744 | Tyres 26% |
| 2014 | 5,719 | Tyres 26% |
| 2013 | 4,699 | Tyres 28% |
| 2012 | 5,590 | Tyres 27% |
| 2011 | 5,886 | Tyres 25% |
| 2010 | 5,896 | Tyres 25% |
| 2009 | 7,403 | Tyres 24% |
| 2007 | 9,463 | Brakes 32% |
| 2006 | 9,140 | Brakes 39% |
| 2005 | 6,283 | Brakes 41% |
| 2004 | 9,235 | Brakes 40% |
| 2003 | 7,544 | Brakes 40% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW Z4 cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score