BMW 135 (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 743 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2979cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2979cc18 years old743 tests91k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2979cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,808

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

86% of MOT tests on BMW 135s from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 743 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 91,131 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models103rd of 566(top 19%)

Rank among BMW models1068th of 1,548(bottom half)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+13%(73% avg)

vs BMW average-2%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

91,131

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 BMW 135 had 91,131 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 86%. The 2008 scores 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 135 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2016	97%	75	67,441 mi
2015	84%	38	68,779 mi
2014	88%	41	77,401 mi
2013	92%	374	70,993 mi
2012	89%	312	81,073 mi
2011	91%	423	68,454 mi
2010	86%	337	80,842 mi
2009	90%	327	85,658 mi
2008	86%	743	91,131 mi
2007	92%	59	101,704 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Freelander

2007 · 3192cc Petrol

£3,303/year

75%

-11%

Vauxhall Insignia

2010 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,958/year

75%

-11%

Audi TT

2007 · 2480cc Petrol

£2,808/year

80%

-6%

Saab 9-3

2007 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,958/year

76%

-10%

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About the 2008 BMW 135

The 2008 BMW 135 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2979cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 743 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 19% of all 2008 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 91,131 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 135 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2008 BMW 135 Fuel Costs

The 2979cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2008 BMW 135?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 135 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 135s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 3 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2008 BMW 135

At 18 years old, the BMW 135 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 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 18 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 91k 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 135 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW 135(2008)	86%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808
Land Rover Freelander(2007)	75%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£495
Vauxhall Insignia(2010)	75%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150
Audi TT(2007)	80%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,808same
Saab 9-3(2007)	76%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2008 BMW 135

Is the 2008 BMW 135 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2008 BMW 135s ended in a pass, from 743 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 BMW 135 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 BMW 135?

86% of 743 MOT tests on the 2008 BMW 135 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 103rd of 566 models first registered in 2008 (top 19%).

Which year BMW 135 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 BMW 135 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2010 the lowest at 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 BMW 135?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 BMW 135 is 91,131 miles, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.