Used car guide

2008 BMW 635d: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW 635d first registered in 2008: we looked at the 1,496 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,496MOTs of 2008 cars, done in 2023–2025
75%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
7,800typical miles a year
34%had suspension flagged

Common 2008 BMW 635d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 BMW 635d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    34% 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.

  • Tyres
    31% 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.

  • Brakes
    21% 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 electrics
    14% 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 leaks
    13% 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 mirrors
    7% 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 635d

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a BMW 635d?

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Other years

Every year of the BMW 635d compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20101,274Suspension 28%
20091,177Suspension 32%
2007497Suspension 36%

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 635d cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score