About this model
The first-generation Peugeot 508 (2010-2018) is a popular French saloon-estate that reached the BiH market mostly as an import from France, Germany and Belgium. In BiH the 1.6 HDi and 2.0 HDi diesel variants are the most common, with the 1.6 HDi holding a clear edge thanks to lower registration fees and fuel consumption. The model is positioned as a comfortable family car with a roomier cabin than most rivals in its class, and the Peugeot 508 with the DV6C/DV6CTED engine is among the most widespread French saloons on our roads. Most examples now have over 200,000 km, and it is right at those mileages that the characteristic fault profile we cover in this guide starts to show.
Engines and variants
This model is most commonly found in BiH with the following engines.
1.6 HDi 112 HP (9HR, DV6C): The base 1.6 diesel with 112 HP and 82 kW, the most common in BiH because of the lowest price. A conventional variant without the stop-start system. The oil pump and injectors are the most frequent problems at higher mileages. Parts are readily available and affordable, while combined fuel consumption sits around 5.5-6.5 litres. This engine is identical to the one in the Citroen C4 and C5, so experience and parts are interchangeable.
1.6 e-HDi 115 HP (9HD, DV6CTED): A variant with the stop-start system and micro-hybrid technology, 115 HP and 84 kW. The stop-start system puts extra strain on the battery and starter, while the frequent engine shutdowns make DPF regeneration harder in city driving. It requires an AGM battery, which is more expensive than a conventional one, but overall economy is slightly better on longer runs. It tends to be bought by drivers who cover high annual mileages and use the motorway regularly.
2.0 HDi 140 HP (RHF, DW10BTED4): The larger diesel with 140 HP, more common in the estate (SW) variant. It has a reputation as a robust unit with a long service life. It is less prone to oil-pump problems than the 1.6, but the turbo and EGR need attention after 150,000-200,000 km. A popular choice for families who need a stronger engine for motorway driving and heavier loads.
2.0 HDi 163 HP (RHH, DW10CTED4): The most powerful diesel on offer with 163 HP and a twin-scroll turbo, rarer in BiH. The twin-scroll turbo is more expensive to replace, and the DPF fills up faster because of the higher output. The engine is generally durable with regular servicing, but turbo parts are noticeably pricier than on the weaker variants. We most often find it in GT trim levels.
Reliability and reputation on the BiH market
The Peugeot 508 1.6 HDi has proven on BiH roads that it can be a reliable car with regular maintenance, but it demands a more attentive owner than, say, a Passat or Octavia of the same class. Spare parts are affordable and easy to source, which is a significant advantage in this segment. The biggest weakness is the electronics, which calls for an experienced diagnostician with Peugeot-specific equipment. Compared with the earlier Citroen C5, the 508 is somewhat simpler to maintain because it lacks the hydropneumatic suspension, but it shares a similar electronics fault profile. A typical 508 owner in BiH is a driver who wanted a more comfortable car at an accessible price, often as a replacement for a Passat B5 or Laguna 2. In the workshop we most often see examples between 180,000 and 280,000 km, where the key faults start piling up if they were not addressed earlier. At those mileages, the condition of the oil pump, DPF and injectors essentially determines how much longer the car will serve reliably.
Common faults we see
From our hands-on experience, here is what most often comes in for repair on this model.
1. Oil pump and oil-pressure drop
Symptom: Oil-pressure warning light comes on at idle, low oil-pressure message on the display. Engine runs rougher at low revs.
The DV6C engine has a well-known oil-pump weakness - the pump gradually loses flow, especially after 150,000 km. Carbon deposits can clog the pump's suction pipe, further reducing pressure. The result is turbo starvation and accelerated wear on the crankshaft bearings. You can read more about the warning light itself and what it really means in our oil-pressure warning light guide.
Advice: If the oil light comes on even for a second, do not ignore it. Bring the car in for diagnostics. An early oil-pump replacement saves the turbo and the engine.
2. DPF/FAP filter
Symptom: Loss of power, limp mode, DPF warning light on the dash, increased fuel consumption. Engine goes into limp mode.
The DPF on the 508 1.6 HDi has a designed lifespan of roughly 150,000-200,000 km, but in city driving with short trips the regeneration never completes properly and the filter clogs much sooner, often as early as 100,000-120,000 km. The e-HDi variant with stop-start is particularly vulnerable because the engine shuts off and cools down more frequently, interrupting the regeneration process. Read more about what a DPF filter is and why it clogs in our dedicated guide.
Advice: Regular open-road driving (at least 30-40 minutes at higher revs once a week) significantly extends the life of the DPF.
3. Injectors
Symptom: Rough cold start, hesitation, black smoke from the exhaust, hard starting.
The Siemens/Continental injectors on the DV6C engine are sensitive to fuel quality. On the local market, injectors can start leaking or lose their spray pattern as early as 100,000-130,000 km. Fuel leaking into the cylinder dilutes the oil and accelerates engine wear. During diagnostics we measure the return flow and spray pattern of each injector individually, which tells us whether the problem lies with one or several.
Advice: Change the fuel filter on schedule. If the engine starts running rough on cold starts, bring it in for diagnostics.
4. Electronic parking brake (EPB)
Symptom: Parking-brake error message on the display, parking brake fails to engage or release, car will not start because of a safety lock-out.
The Peugeot 508 uses an electromechanical parking brake that is a more common source of trouble than a conventional handbrake. The actuators on the rear callipers fail, particularly after 80,000-120,000 km. The problem worsens if the battery voltage is low or if the actuator motor seizes due to corrosion. Read more about this system and its typical faults in our EPB system guide.
Advice: Keep the battery in good condition - a weak battery causes false EPB errors. There is a mechanical emergency release under the centre armrest.
5. Turbocharger - oil starvation
Symptom: Whistling or squealing from the engine, loss of power on acceleration, blue or black smoke, oil in the intercooler.
The turbo on the DV6C engine suffers directly from the oil-pump issue. When oil pressure drops, the turbo bearings overheat and lose their clearance. An additional cause is a blocked oil-return line from the turbo, which prevents oil from flowing back into the sump normally. This makes the link between the oil pump and the turbo critical on this engine.
Advice: The turbo on the 508 1.6 HDi most often fails because of neglected oil or oil pump, not because of its own wear. Before replacing the turbo, always check the oil pump and the return line.
6. BSI module and electronics
Symptom: Instruments cut out at random, infotainment screen freezes or stays black, radiator fan runs non-stop, warning lights on the dash come on for no reason.
The BSI module on the 508 is the central body-electronics controller and is known for occasional failures. Corrosion on connectors, water leaking through the windscreen or panoramic roof can reach the BSI and cause short circuits. The problem is noticeably more common on cars with a panoramic roof, where blocked roof drains send moisture straight towards the BSI module. Diagnosing the BSI requires specialist tooling, because universal OBD2 readers often cannot read all the PSA-specific modules.
Advice: If you have a 508 with a panoramic roof, clean and check the roof water drains regularly.
7. Coolant leak at the thermostat housing
Symptom: Coolant level drops with no visible leak under the car, antifreeze smell, overheating after longer drives.
On the DV6C engine, the joint between the thermostat and the plastic hose running from the water pump to the thermostat is prone to leaking. The gasket ages and becomes brittle, and the plastic fitting can crack, especially in winter temperatures. The leak is insidious because the coolant often drips onto the gearbox and evaporates before the owner spots a puddle.
Advice: At every service we check the coolant level and visually inspect the thermostat housing.
8. High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP)
Symptom: Engine is hard to start or stalls while driving, emissions-system error message, loss of power and hesitation under heavy load.
The high-pressure pump on the DV6C common-rail system can lose the required pressure, especially when fuel quality is poor. Metal shavings from the pump can damage the injectors and rail, making the repair considerably more expensive if action is not taken in time. Read more about this problem in our diesel high-pressure fuel pump guide.
Advice: If the pump starts to fail, react immediately. Regular fuel-filter changes are the best prevention.
Service and maintenance
The timing belt on the DV6C engine is replaced at 150,000-175,000 km or 10 years (whichever comes first), together with the water pump and tensioners. This is a mandatory replacement and must not be delayed because a snapped belt destroys the valves and head. Oil changes are recommended every 10,000-15,000 km with oil meeting PSA B71 2290 (0W-30 or 5W-30), rather than the factory 30,000 km interval which does not suit BiH driving conditions. The fuel filter should be changed every 25,000-35,000 km, more often than the factory recommendation, but on local diesel quality the shorter interval is essential. On the e-HDi variant the battery must be an AGM type because of the stop-start system and should be tested at least once a year after the third year. For comprehensive check-ups you can book a major service at our workshop.
Owner tips
- Check the history before putting down a deposit: use the chassis number to pull the full history of the car via carVertical. From international registers you get real odometer readings by date, recorded accidents, number of previous owners and theft or total-loss indicators. We consider this essential before buying any used car, especially French imports. When paying for the report you can use the code GAGA and get 20% off.
- Use oil meeting PSA B71 2290 (0W-30 or 5W-30) and change it every 10,000-15,000 km, not the factory 30,000 km.
- Change the fuel filter every 25,000-35,000 km. On local diesel the factory 60,000 km interval is far too long.
- Once a week drive at least 30-40 minutes on the open road at higher revs to allow DPF regeneration.
- If you have the e-HDi variant with stop-start, test the AGM battery once a year after the third year.
- Clean the panoramic-roof water drains at least twice a year. Blocked drains are the most common cause of moisture-related BSI faults.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Peugeot 508 1.6 HDi reliable past 200,000 km?
It can be reliable if the key components have been maintained - above all the oil pump, injectors and DPF. Check the service history and have diagnostics done before buying. Examples with regular servicing and open-road driving last considerably longer than those driven purely in the city.
Which engine is the better choice in the Peugeot 508, 1.6 HDi or 2.0 HDi?
For city driving and lower mileages the 1.6 HDi is more economical and cheaper to maintain. For frequent longer trips and motorway use, the 2.0 HDi with 140 HP is a better pick because it is more robust and the DPF regenerates more easily. Avoid the 163 HP variant unless you really need the power, because the turbo parts are more expensive.
Is it worth fitting LPG to a Peugeot 508?
LPG can only be fitted to petrol engines, and the 508 in BiH comes almost exclusively as a diesel. If you find the rare 1.6 VTi petrol variant, an LPG conversion is possible and worthwhile. Get in touch via our contact page for an assessment.
How much does a DPF replacement cost on the 508 1.6 HDi?
The price depends on the specific condition - whether a new, reconditioned or aftermarket filter is used. What we can say is that prevention (regular longer drives on the open road) is far cheaper than replacement. Get in touch for an estimate.
Why does the oil-pressure warning light come on in the 508 1.6 HDi?
The most common cause is a worn oil pump or a clogged pump suction pipe. This is not a fault you can afford to ignore. Continuing to drive without adequate oil pressure can destroy the turbo and engine bearings. Bring the car in for diagnostics as soon as possible.
Is the electronic parking brake on the 508 problematic?
It can be, especially after 100,000 km. The most common cause of issues is a weak battery triggering false errors in the EPB system. Keep the battery in good condition, and if a parking-brake error message appears, check the battery voltage first.
What should you look for when buying a used 508 1.6 HDi?
Three things are critical: check the DPF condition via diagnostics, test the oil pressure on a warm engine at idle, and check the electronic parking brake. If the car has a panoramic roof, thoroughly inspect the interior for signs of moisture around the BSI module.
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop by the workshop - it is better to check early than to pay for an expensive repair.