2008 BMW 523i: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW 523i first registered in 2008: we looked at the 367 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 367 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 523i?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 BMW 523i than on all cars registered in 2008.
- Link ball joint covers3.3× usualBMW 523i10.9% All 2008 cars3.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.8% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Common 2008 BMW 523i MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2008 BMW 523i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension29% 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.
- Tyres28% 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.
- Brakes20% 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 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 leaks13% 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 mirrors6% 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 523i
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2008 BMW 523i as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 523i?
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 523i compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 548 | Tyres 25% |
| 2010 | 678 | Tyres 26% |
| 2009 | 294 | Suspension 24% |
| 2007 | 481 | Suspension 33% |
| 2006 | 712 | Brakes 35% |
| 2005 | 608 | Suspension 34% |
| 2000 | 760 | Suspension 42% |
| 1999 | 892 | Suspension 44% |
| 1998 | 746 | Suspension 40% |
| 1997 | 320 | Brakes 47% |
| 1996 | 118 | 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 523i cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score