BMW 320 (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 177 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Petrol
Solid Option
84% pass rate, £2047/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1995cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 18 years old, 84% of BMW 320s from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 177 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 101,514 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
101,514
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 BMW 320 has 101,514 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 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2008 sits between the two at 84%.
BMW 320 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 97% | 61 | 22,624 mi | |
| 2021 | 92% | 2,533 | 29,483 mi | |
| 2020 | 92% | 9,105 | 34,897 mi | |
| 2019 | 92% | 14,440 | 42,764 mi | |
| 2018 | 91% | 17,053 | 59,320 mi | |
| 2017 | 90% | 26,367 | 71,271 mi | |
| 2016 | 90% | 6,365 | 78,781 mi | |
| 2015 | 90% | 555 | 79,550 mi | |
| 2014 | 85% | 441 | 82,085 mi | |
| 2013 | 89% | 611 | 77,974 mi | |
| 2012 | 83% | 409 | 87,516 mi | |
| 2011 | 87% | 260 | 84,622 mi | |
| 2010 | 86% | 291 | 91,150 mi | |
| 2009 | 81% | 162 | 104,384 mi | |
| 2008 | 84% | 177 | 101,514 mi | |
| 2007 | 79% | 167 | 121,206 mi | |
| 2006 | 74% | 145 | 143,980 mi | |
| 2005 | 73% | 63 | 128,780 mi | |
| 2004 | 82% | 49 | 131,336 mi | |
| 2003 | 77% | 30 | 119,901 mi | |
| 1990 | 86% | 35 | 111,395 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 BMW 320
The 2008 BMW 320 is a premium with a 1995cc petrol engine. 177 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 24% of all 2008 cars for reliability.
With an average of 101,514 miles at 18 years old, BMW 320 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 BMW 320 Fuel Costs
The 1995cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 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 320?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 320 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 320s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 BMW 320
At 18 years old, the BMW 320 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 97%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 BMW 320's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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
Watch outWith an average of 102k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 320 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 320(2008) | 84% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| FORD FOCUS(2009) | 74% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2010) | 67% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£20 |
| MINI MINI(2010) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£370 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2007) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£180 |
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.
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