2008 BMW 130i: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW 130i first registered in 2008: we looked at the 304 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 304 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 BMW 130i?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 BMW 130i than on all cars registered in 2008.
- Flexible brake hoses7.1× usualBMW 130i25.7% All 2008 cars3.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£200 our estimateAt the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.
Common 2008 BMW 130i MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2008 BMW 130i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes40% 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.
- Suspension27% 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.
- Tyres22% 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 electrics18% 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 leaks11% 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 mirrors10% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults on the 2008 BMW 130i
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.
- 2.0 diesel, built 2008 to 2009
Fuel filter heater: flat battery and fire risk (diesel, built Aug 2008 to June 2009)
Moisture can get into an electrical connection at the fuel filter, draining the battery so it won't start, with a fire risk if it happens while parked after driving.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm the fix was done.
- Built from June 2007
Power steering warning (built June 2007 to Dec 2011)
A part in the steering control module can fail, lighting the EPS warning and making the steering heavier.
At the viewing: Make sure the steering light goes out and the steering feels light.
- Some cars
Rear axle, brake servo and airbag faults
Faults to have been fixed: loose rear control arm joints (built May to Sept 2004), a leaking brake servo seal (built March 2006) and airbag and seatbelt wiring (built May to July 2008).
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding work.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 BMW 130i
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the fuel filter heater fix been done?
- Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 7.1× as often on the 2008 BMW 130i as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 130i?
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 130i compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 878 | Brakes 33% |
| 2006 | 788 | Brakes 38% |
| 2005 | 485 | Brakes 39% |
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 130i cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score