BMW Z4 (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,803 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific BMW Z4

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol1995cc18 years old3,803 tests81k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1995cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/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

81% 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%.

81% of MOT tests on BMW Z4s from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 3,803 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 80,859 miles.

Got a BMW Z4 you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models174th of 566(top half)

Rank among BMW models1294th of 1,548(bottom 17%)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+8%(73% avg)

vs BMW average-7%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

80,859

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 BMW Z4 had 80,859 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

Looking at a specific BMW Z4?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2008 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW Z4 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	97%	190	16,859 mi
2021	95%	3,193	18,645 mi
2020	94%	4,507	22,507 mi
2019	93%	5,476	26,551 mi
2017	92%	281	36,527 mi
2016	88%	2,559	41,764 mi
2015	90%	3,403	47,388 mi
2014	89%	3,837	52,736 mi
2013	88%	3,369	58,294 mi
2012	87%	4,094	65,038 mi
2011	88%	4,148	66,482 mi
2010	87%	3,917	72,537 mi
2009	87%	5,341	75,050 mi
2008	81%	3,803	80,859 mi
2007	83%	6,508	87,843 mi
2006	81%	6,617	89,752 mi
2005	78%	4,523	96,092 mi
2004	81%	6,308	95,043 mi
2003	79%	5,310	98,016 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2009 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

74%

-7%

Nissan Qashqai

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,428/year

67%

-14%

MINI

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,078/year

80%

-1%

BMW 3 Series

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

-1%

Check a Specific BMW Z4

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2008 BMW Z4

The 2008 BMW Z4 is a premium car. Our records list a 1995cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,803 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 80,859 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW Z4 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2008 BMW Z4 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 £1,631 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 Z4?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW Z4 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW Z4s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2008 BMW Z4

At 18 years old, the BMW Z4 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.

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.

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 81k 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 Z4 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 Z4(2008)	81%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
Ford Focus(2009)	74%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Nissan Qashqai(2010)	67%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£67
MINI(2010)	80%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,078-£283
BMW 3 Series(2007)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361same

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 Z4

Is the 2008 BMW Z4 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2008 BMW Z4s ended in a pass, from 3,803 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 BMW Z4 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 Z4?

81% of 3,803 MOT tests on the 2008 BMW Z4 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 174th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (top half).

Which year BMW Z4 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 BMW Z4 has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 2005 the lowest at 78%. 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 Z4?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 BMW Z4 is 80,859 miles, 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.