2008 BMW 116 1.6L Petrol · ML08 VBU
2008 BMW 116 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 23 Apr 2008. Recorded mileage 120,750 miles. MOT valid until 14 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 116
- Year / Origin
- 2008 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 14 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 120,750 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- 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.
ML08 VBU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 16/10/2025
- 120,750 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
ML08 VBU 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 116 (ML08 VBU) between October 2023 and October 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 16 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 (11 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 18 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: “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))”; “Rear Exhaust noise is clearly in excess of that emitted by a similar vehicle fitted with a standard silencer in average ”; “Nearside Rear Position lamp not working upper (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”.
ML08 VBU Mileage History
- 30/10/2023106,611 mi
- 21/10/2024110,569 mi+3,958 mi
- 15/11/2024110,591 mi+22 mi
- 14/10/2025111,306 mi+715 mi
- 16/10/2025120,750 mi+9,444 mi
Average of roughly 7,203 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
MOT Roadworthiness: 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
This 2008 BMW 116 presents significant m
When inspecting this vehicle, demand a comprehensive, documentary service history to verify how past advisories and failures have been addressed. Pay close attention to the brake lines, sub-frame, and suspension brackets, as these have repeatedly appeared in recent MOT tests. Negotiate hard on price, factoring in the likelihood of immediate remedial work required for the corroded components and the recent lambda emissions failure.
Fuel economy for this 1.59L petrol model will vary depending on driving style, but expect moderate consumption typical of a mid-2000s hatchback. Insurance falls into a standard grouping for a 1-Series, while road tax applies under UK vehicle excise duty bands for petrol cars of this era. Maintenance costs are likely to be elevated due to the vehicle's age, mileage, and the persistent structural and braking corrosion noted in recent testing.
Estimated annual running cost: £1,400-£1,800.
Thoroughly inspect the underside of the vehicle for the central rear sub-frame corrosion, nearside and offside rear brake pipe condition, and the lower suspension arm mounting brackets, all of which were flagged in the October 2025 MOT tests. Check the exhaust system following the 2025 lambda sensor reading failure and the 2024 missing back box incident. Finally, examine the brake discs, hoses, and tyre treads, which have triggered multiple failure points in previous years.
First registered in April 2008, this silver petrol-engined BMW 116 has recorded 120,750 miles as of October 2025. Its MOT history reveals a pattern of failures and persistent advisories relating to corrosion on the sub-frame, suspension mountings, and brake lines, alongside past component wear such as missing exhaust parts and worn tyres.
Based on aggregate data from over 122,000 vehicles, the BMW 1-Series demonstrates an average MOT pass rate of 81.2%, with tyres and brake components forming the most common failure reasons.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (ML08 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as ML08VBU.
FORD
FIESTA
MERCEDES-BENZ
C
FORD
FIESTA
FORD
FIESTA
FORD
FIESTA
FORD
FOCUS
VAUXHALL
ASTRA
FORD
FIESTA
FORD
FOCUS
FORD
FIESTA
FORD
FIESTA
FORD
FIESTA
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.