Used car guide

2008 BMW 650i: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW 650i first registered in 2008: we looked at the 306 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 306 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

306MOTs of 2008 cars, done in 2023–2025
79%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
5,600typical miles a year
23%had tyres flagged

Common 2008 BMW 650i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 BMW 650i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    23% 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.

  • Suspension
    23% 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.

  • Brakes
    17% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    16% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    10% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    6% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 BMW 650i

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 650i?

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Other years

Every year of the BMW 650i compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2017124Tyres 23%
2016161Tyres 27%
2015121Tyres 17%
2011217Tyres 21%
2007732Suspension 28%
20061,222Brakes 32%
2005330Suspension 32%

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 650i cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score