Vehicle summary
ULEZ status is estimated based on fuel type and registration year. It may not reflect the actual emission standard of this vehicle. Check with TfL for a definitive answer.
At a glance
This 2008 Vauxhall Corsa Petrol 1229cc has had 20 MOT tests on record, passing 15 and failing 5 (75% pass rate). It has 141,216 miles on the clock, averaging 8,234 miles per year, around the UK average of 7,400. The 1.2 Twinport engine is known for 1. timing chain tensioner wear & premature chain stretch and 2. ignition coil pack failure. Common Vauxhall Corsa issues include electric power steering (eps) failure and parking brake (handbrake) failure.
MOT & Mileage History for BW08 SMW
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failures recorded
Average miles/year
Gaps in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
About average| Latest reading | 141,216 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Average per year | 8,234 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
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Full MOT Test History 20 tests on record
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Reported issues for this Vauxhall Corsa
These are the most commonly reported problems on Vauxhall Corsa models (2006–2014), based on owner reports and workshop data across the UK.
Electric power steering (EPS) failure
Electric power steering motor or column module fails, often due to water ingress or worn sensors in the steering rack/column. · Typical repair: £400-£800 (new rack/module + labour at indie garage; estimated).
Parking brake (handbrake) failure
Handbrake cable stretches/loosens, rivets on lever come adrift, or mounting clips fail; wrong-spec cables on early builds. · Typical repair: £150-£350 (new cable/lever adjust + labour; estimated).
Central locking/electrical gremlins (door locks & body electrics)
Deadlock actuators or wiring in doors fail (water ingress common); affects all doors/boot. · Typical repair: £100-£250 per door (actuator + labour; estimated).
Rear wheel bearing wear
Water enters rear wheel bearings via poor seals, causing premature failure. · Typical repair: £120-£250 per side (bearing + labour; estimated).
1. Timing Chain Tensioner Wear & Premature Chain Stretch
The hydraulic timing chain tensioner bleeds off pressure overnight and cannot maintain proper tension on the chain. With neglected oil changes or poor-quality oil, the chain itself stretches prematurely.[1] The tensioner guide becomes worn, allowing excessive chain slack.[3]
2. Ignition Coil Pack Failure
Heat cycling makes the plastic housing brittle; moisture corrodes internal spring contacts, causing electrical failure. Corrosion often initiates at cylinder 4.[1]
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | BW08 SMW |
| Make | Vauxhall |
| Model | Corsa |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 1229cc |
| Year | 2008 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | BW — Birmingham, Birmingham |
| Age identifier | 08 — March 2008 to August 2008 |
More BW08 S plates
Browse all BW08 S registrations from Birmingham.
About BW08 SMW
What car is BW08 SMW?
BW08 SMW is a blue Vauxhall Corsa, petrol (1229cc). First registered in Birmingham in 2008.
What is the mileage of BW08 SMW?
The last recorded mileage for BW08 SMW was 141,216 miles, recorded on 13 Feb 2026 during its most recent MOT test.
Has BW08 SMW passed its MOT?
BW08 SMW has had 20 MOT tests with a 75% pass rate (15 passes, 5 failures). It last passed on 13 Feb 2026.
Is BW08 SMW ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, BW08 SMW is likely ULEZ compliant. Petrol post-2005 (Euro 4). This is an estimate based on typical emission standards — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker for a definitive answer.
How old is BW08 SMW?
BW08 SMW is approximately 18 years old. Age identifier 08 means registered between 1 March 2008 and 31 August 2008.