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BMW 325 (2008)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 42 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2996cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2427/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol2996cc18 years old42 tests83k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2996cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 2996cc

£430
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,427
Per month£202/mo
Per week£47/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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.

At 18 years old, 88% of BMW 325s from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 42 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 82,745 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars83th of 589(top 14%)
Rank among BMW models977th of 1,564(top 62%)
vs national average+6%(82% avg)
vs 2008 cars average+15%(73% avg)
vs BMW average+0%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

82,745

Average miles

vs

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 BMW 325 has 82,745 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 2010 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2008 sits between the two at 88%.

BMW 325 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201190%6764,573 mi
201093%7080,454 mi
200985%14576,378 mi
200888%4282,745 mi
200778%14191,529 mi
200684%61116,842 mi
200588%42111,892 mi
200382%3876,022 mi
200173%64103,357 mi

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About the 2008 BMW 325

The 2008 BMW 325 is a premium performance with a 2996cc petrol engine. 42 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2008 cars for reliability.

With an average of 82,745 miles at 18 years old, BMW 325 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2008 BMW 325 Fuel Costs

The 2996cc 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 £1,592 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 325?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 325 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 325s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2008 BMW 325

At 18 years old, the BMW 325 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 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. Note: with only 42 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2008 BMW 325's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 83k 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 325 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
BMW 325(2008)88%£1592£430Grp 30-42£2427
LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2007)75%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£30
VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2010)75%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£30
MERCEDES E(2010)80%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£180
SAAB 9-3(2007)76%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£30

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.

Related Bmw Models

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