2008 BMW 120 2.0L Diesel · ND08 AAN
2008 BMW 120 (2.0L, diesel). First registered 28 Mar 2008. Recorded mileage 156,871 miles. MOT expired on 13 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 120
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 13 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 156,871 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Available on IAGC
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
ND08 AAN Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 15/10/2025
- 156,871 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
ND08 AAN MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 BMW 120 (ND08 AAN) between October 2023 and October 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 15 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (5 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 17 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Brake hose excessively deteriorated cords exposed (1.1.12 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”; “Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii))”.
ND08 AAN Mileage History
- 16/10/2023146,834 mi
- 15/10/2024151,958 mi+5,124 mi
- 16/10/2024151,963 mi+5 mi
- 15/10/2025156,871 mi+4,908 mi
- 15/10/2025156,871 mi
Average of roughly 5,020 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise caution before purchasing this BMW 120. While the vehicle is currently MOT passed, the history shows recurring issues with braking components, tyres, and structural corrosion that require careful investigation.
If you proceed with a purchase, your primary focus should be on the structural integrity of the chassis and the quality of recent repairs. The 2025 MOT failure specifically noted corrosion on the rear sub-frame; although recorded as 'not seriously weakened', you should verify if any remedial work or rust prevention treatments have been applied since that test.
Furthermore, the vehicle has a history of issues with brake hoses, discs, and pads. Ensure that the braking system has been fully overhauled and not just patched to pass the MOT. Ask for evidence of recent work regarding the exhaust flexi section and the shock absorbers, which showed oil misting in 2024, to ensure these are no longer active issues.
As a 2.0L diesel, running costs will be influenced by the high mileage this vehicle typically covers. Fuel economy should be relatively efficient for motorway cruising, but maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the age and the specific issues identified in the MOT history, such as suspension components and braking systems.
Insurance groups for the 120 model vary, but buyers should check the specific group for this 2008 registration. Given the recent history of component failures (tyres, brakes, and lighting), you should budget for more frequent replacement intervals for consumables.
A physical inspection of the underside is critical. Specifically, look closely at the rear sub-frame to assess the extent of the corrosion mentioned in the October 2025 MOT. Check the condition of the brake hoses, as the vehicle has previously failed for both 'slight deterioration' and 'excessive deterioration' with exposed cords.
Additionally, examine the front suspension area. The 2024 MOT noted oil misting from the offside front shock absorbers and a bent anti-roll bar drop link. Finally, check the headlamp alignment and the condition of the exhaust system to ensure the previous failures regarding beam aim and the worn flexi section have been adequately addressed.
This 2008 blue BMW 120 diesel has covered 156,871 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 7,272 miles per year. The MOT history reveals a pattern of maintenance-related failures, including brake hoses, tyres, and exhaust components, alongside a recent advisory regarding rear sub-frame corrosion. While it passed its most recent test in October 2025, the frequency of failures in the preceding years suggests a need for thorough mechanical scrutiny.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 81.1% MOT pass rate, with common failure points including headlamps, tyres, and brake discs.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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