2008 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · KK57 ABF
2008 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 09 Feb 2008. Recorded mileage 116,016 miles. MOT expired on 08 Jan 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Borehamwood (Luton)
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 08 Jan 2026
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Nov 2025)
- Recorded Mileage
- 116,016 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
KK57 ABF Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 09/01/2025
- 116,016 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
KK57 ABF MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 BMW 3 Series (KK57 ABF) between January 2025 and January 2025.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 09 January 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (8 issues), Suspension (6 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 16 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: “Nearside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn middle control arm on front side of hub (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Headlamp levelling device inoperative not connected to suspension arm (4.1.5 (a))”; “Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt front of front lowers (5.3.4 ”.
KK57 ABF Mileage History
- 06/01/2025116,014 mi
- 09/01/2025116,016 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 246 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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 with this vehicle. Whil
Prioritise checking whether the numerous advisories from the January 2025 MOT have been rectified. Specifically, ask for evidence that the exhaust leak after the catalytic converters, the deteriorated brake hoses, and the worn suspension bushes have been replaced. Given the age and engine size, a comprehensive service history is essential to ensure the 3.0L engine has been maintained to standard.
Negotiate the purchase price based on the likely cost of addressing the remaining advisories. The combination of worn brake discs, thin pads, and multiple suspension bush issues suggests a vehicle that may require immediate investment to return to an optimal mechanical state.
The 2996cc petrol engine will result in significantly higher running costs than smaller 3 Series models. Expect high fuel consumption and a higher annual road tax band associated with this engine capacity. Insurance groups for the 3.0L variants are also typically higher.
Maintenance costs for this era of BMW can be substantial, particularly for suspension components and braking systems, as evidenced by the recent MOT records. Between fuel, tax, insurance, and expected repairs, the annual cost of ownership will be high.
Perform a thorough inspection of the suspension system. The MOT history explicitly identifies worn Macpherson strut pins, rose bushes on the rear upper suspension arms, and a worn middle control arm. These are common wear points that can affect handling and tyre wear.
Check the exhaust system for leaks, specifically just after the catalytic converters as noted in the January 2025 test. Additionally, inspect the brake discs for pitting and scoring, and check the condition of the rear brake hoses, which were flagged as deteriorated. Finally, ensure the TPMS system is functioning and all wheel bolts are present and correctly torqued.
This 2008 black BMW 3 Series features a 3.0L petrol engine and has covered 116,016 miles. The MOT history shows a failure in January 2025 followed by a pass three days later, though the passing certificate contains a long list of advisories. It offers the performance of a larger engine but shows clear evidence of age-related wear across multiple systems.
Across 478,676 analysed vehicles, this model has an average MOT pass rate of 80.3%, with frequent failures related to tyres, shock absorbers, and drive shaft joints.
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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