BMW 135 (2008)

503 real MOT outcomes analysed • 85% first-time pass rate

2008 BMW 135

CarHunch analysed 503 real MOT records for the 2008 BMW 135. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Below average reliability 5% above UK average
85%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
60,374
typical mileage
48,255–73,957 middle half
38.6%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
2.45
avg MOT failures per car
over 14.9 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2008 BMW 135

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • ⚠️ 38.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a BMW 135

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (99%) 500 85% 2.45
Diesel (1%) 3 78.2% 3.67

Mileage Distribution

Most 2008 BMW 135 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

48,255
low mileage
60,374
typical
73,957
high mileage

Half of all 2008 BMW 135 vehicles fall between 48,255 and 73,957 miles.

2008 BMW 135 — Still on the Road

306 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 67% of the peak remain.

460 306 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.

MOT History Averages

14.9
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.45
Avg failures per vehicle
13.6
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 2008 BMW 135

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 58.3%
    Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
  • 53.3%
    Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 53.3%
    Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 44.7%
    Oil leak, but not excessive
  • 40.7%
    Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay
  • 33.4%
    Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
  • 33.2%
    Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
  • 31.1%
    Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2008. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific BMW 135?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — BMW 135:

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013