BMW X5 (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 8,054 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4799cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4799cc18 years old8,054 tests133k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4799cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/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

84% 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. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

84% of MOT tests on BMW X5s from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 8,054 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 133,171 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models123rd of 566(top 22%)

Rank among BMW models1154th of 1,548(bottom half)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+11%(73% avg)

vs BMW average-4%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

133,171

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 BMW X5 had 133,171 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2008 scores 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW X5 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	92%	1,968	35,223 mi
2020	93%	8,594	38,415 mi
2019	92%	23,506	47,135 mi
2018	91%	17,687	58,065 mi
2017	92%	14,511	67,347 mi
2016	92%	14,826	76,292 mi
2015	91%	17,257	86,297 mi
2014	92%	13,889	96,575 mi
2013	88%	8,346	102,589 mi
2012	86%	9,533	110,198 mi
2011	86%	9,720	115,184 mi
2010	86%	8,668	121,461 mi
2009	86%	9,917	129,547 mi
2008	84%	8,054	133,171 mi
2007	82%	8,281	137,811 mi
2006	76%	7,388	146,446 mi
2005	77%	11,188	147,753 mi
2004	77%	6,276	147,620 mi
2003	77%	3,953	143,116 mi
2002	74%	2,242	144,771 mi
2001	76%	1,085	143,091 mi
2000	80%	46	121,636 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Audi A6

2009 · 4991cc Petrol

£3,153/year

81%

-3%

Volvo XC90

2009 · 4414cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

-6%

Mercedes ML

2006 · 4966cc Petrol

£3,153/year

80%

-4%

Porsche Cayenne

2006 · 4511cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

+2%

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About the 2008 BMW X5

The 2008 BMW X5 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4799cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 8,054 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 22% of all 2008 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 133,171 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW X5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 BMW X5 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 £1,958 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 X5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 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 X5 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW X5s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2008 BMW X5

At 18 years old, the BMW X5 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. With 8,054 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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

Watch out

With an average of 133k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 X5 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 X5(2008)	84%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
Audi A6(2009)	81%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Volvo XC90(2009)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
Mercedes ML(2006)	80%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Porsche Cayenne(2006)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same

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 X5

Is the 2008 BMW X5 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 2008 BMW X5s ended in a pass, from 8,054 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 BMW X5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 X5?

84% of 8,054 MOT tests on the 2008 BMW X5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 123rd of 566 models first registered in 2008 (top 22%).

Which year BMW X5 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 BMW X5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2002 the lowest at 74%. 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 X5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 BMW X5 is 133,171 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.