Is the 2008 BMW 116 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of BMW 116s from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 4,773 tests. That's 4 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2008 BMW 116 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), including £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 BMW 116?

The 2008 BMW 116 has a 78% MOT pass rate based on 4,773 tests in 2026. This ranks 256 out of 589 cars from 2008.

Which year BMW 116 is most reliable?

The 2022 BMW 116 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%. The least reliable year is 2005 at 75%.

BMW 116 (2008)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2008 BMW 116?

The average mileage for a 2008 BMW 116 is 98,095 miles, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,773 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,957

£163/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1597cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £1957/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol1597cc18 years old4,773 tests98k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1597cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137

Road Tax

Based on 1597cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,957

Per month£163/mo

Per week£38/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

At 18 years old, 78% of BMW 116s from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,773 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 98,095 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars256th of 589(top 43%)

Rank among BMW models1411th of 1,564(top 90%)

vs national average-4%(82% avg)

vs 2008 cars average+5%(73% avg)

vs BMW average-10%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

98,095

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 BMW 116 has 98,095 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2008 sits between the two at 78%.

BMW 116 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	94%	66	28,603 mi
2021	92%	2,886	35,245 mi
2020	92%	5,141	44,251 mi
2019	88%	2,802	50,343 mi
2018	89%	4,387	58,950 mi
2017	88%	16,193	68,625 mi
2016	86%	22,967	78,552 mi
2015	85%	28,417	82,890 mi
2014	85%	39,076	86,633 mi
2013	84%	22,205	92,870 mi
2012	81%	14,552	98,817 mi
2011	80%	12,733	102,932 mi
2010	79%	11,573	107,394 mi
2009	78%	10,634	103,948 mi
2008	78%	4,773	98,095 mi
2007	77%	5,414	108,373 mi
2006	77%	5,542	111,975 mi
2005	75%	2,666	110,359 mi
2004	76%	896	110,096 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

FORD FIESTA

2008 · 1388cc Petrol

£1,722/year

72%

-6%

FORD FOCUS

2009 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

74%

-4%

VAUXHALL CORSA

2010 · 1398cc Petrol

£1,722/year

74%

-4%

NISSAN QASHQAI

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,027/year

67%

-11%

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About the 2008 BMW 116

The 2008 BMW 116 is a premium with a 1597cc petrol engine. 4,773 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 98,095 miles at 18 years old, BMW 116 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2008 BMW 116 Fuel Costs

The 1597cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2008 BMW 116?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 116 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 116s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2008 BMW 116

At 18 years old, the BMW 116 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2008 BMW 116's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 98k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2008 BMW 116 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
BMW 116(2008)	78%	£1137	£265	Grp 12-25	£1957
FORD FIESTA(2008)	72%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£235
FORD FOCUS(2009)	74%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£130
VAUXHALL CORSA(2010)	74%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£235
NISSAN QASHQAI(2010)	67%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£2027+£70

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.