Is the 2008 BMW ALPINA reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of BMW ALPINAs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 217 tests. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2008 BMW ALPINA cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

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

The 2008 BMW ALPINA has a 90% MOT pass rate based on 217 tests in 2026. This ranks 59 out of 589 cars from 2008.

Which year BMW ALPINA is most reliable?

The 2018 BMW ALPINA has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%. The least reliable year is 1998 at 75%.

BMW ALPINA (2008)

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

The average mileage for a 2008 BMW ALPINA is 102,557 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 217 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,277

£190/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2979cc Petrol

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £2277/year to run. 8 points above average.

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Petrol2979cc18 years old217 tests103k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2979cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2979cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,277

Per month£190/mo

Per week£44/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

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.

At 18 years old, 90% of BMW ALPINAs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 217 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 102,557 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars59th of 589(top 10%)

Rank among BMW models737th of 1,564(top 47%)

vs national average+8%(82% avg)

vs 2008 cars average+17%(73% avg)

vs BMW average+2%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

102,557

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 BMW ALPINA has 102,557 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 2018 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2008 sits between the two at 90%.

BMW ALPINA by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	91%	186	26,604 mi
2020	97%	112	32,032 mi
2019	93%	170	37,777 mi
2018	98%	127	43,619 mi
2017	90%	87	53,539 mi
2016	90%	130	53,465 mi
2015	90%	181	65,952 mi
2014	93%	120	93,182 mi
2013	94%	64	98,526 mi
2012	95%	102	98,683 mi
2011	86%	176	94,377 mi
2010	90%	188	109,791 mi
2009	82%	223	114,033 mi
2008	90%	217	102,557 mi
2007	87%	313	140,615 mi
2006	95%	151	148,080 mi
2005	92%	90	87,087 mi
2004	86%	163	74,830 mi
2003	91%	85	97,621 mi
2002	86%	120	104,917 mi
2001	81%	80	110,085 mi
2000	88%	108	112,393 mi
1999	86%	79	110,744 mi
1998	75%	79	132,265 mi
1997	96%	47	131,015 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

LAND ROVER FREELANDER

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VAUXHALL INSIGNIA

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AUDI TT

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SAAB 9-3

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About the 2008 BMW ALPINA

The 2008 BMW ALPINA is a premium performance with a 2979cc petrol engine. 217 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 10% of all 2008 cars for reliability.

With an average of 102,557 miles at 18 years old, BMW ALPINA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2008 BMW ALPINA 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 £1,592 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 ALPINA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

BMW ALPINA Reliability Trend

Newer BMW ALPINAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2008 BMW ALPINA

At 18 years old, the BMW ALPINA 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 98%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2008 BMW ALPINA'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

Watch out

With an average of 103k 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 ALPINA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
BMW ALPINA(2008)	90%	£1592	£430	Grp 30-42	£2277
LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2007)	75%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397+£120
VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2010)	75%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2397+£120
AUDI TT(2007)	80%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2247-£30
SAAB 9-3(2007)	76%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2397+£120

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.