2008 BMW X3 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 BMW X3 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 BMW X3 diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Airbag warning light4.3× usual
  BMW X3

  4.3% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 0.9% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Anti-lock braking system3× usual
  BMW X3

  3% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.9% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2008 BMW X3 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 BMW X3 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Suspension
  30% 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
  25% 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
  23% 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
  18% 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
  11% 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 X3 diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2008 BMW X3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2008 BMW X3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?