BMW 550 (2008)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 33 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Total Tests (2024)
33
Avg Mileage
92,167 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 2008 BMW 550 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 16 years old, 88% of BMW 550s from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 33 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,167 miles.
How does the 2008 BMW 550 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2008 BMW 550 has 92,167 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a BMW 550?
The most reliable year is the 2010 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 86%. The 2008 sits between the two at 88%.
How much does a 2008 BMW 550 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW 550 by Year
Checking a specific BMW 550?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2008 BMW 550
The 2008 BMW 550 is a premium performance with a 4799cc petrol engine. 33 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 15% of all 2008 cars for reliability.
With an average of 92,167 miles at 16 years old, BMW 550 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 BMW 550 Fuel Costs
The 4799cc 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 550?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 550 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 550s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 BMW 550
At 16 years old, the BMW 550 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 95%. Note: with only 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2008 BMW 550
The BMW 550 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premium performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW X5 (2010) 86% pass rate (-2%) from 8,668 tests
- AUDI A6 (2009) 81% pass rate (-7%) from 8,341 tests
- VOLVO XC90 (2009) 78% pass rate (-10%) from 6,349 tests
- MERCEDES ML (2006) 80% pass rate (-8%) from 3,946 tests