2010 BMW 118: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 BMW 118s, from 9,214 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2010 BMW 118s than on all cars registered in 2010.
- Shock absorbers2.6× usualBMW 11820.3% All 2010 cars7.8%Rough price £150–£400
At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Brake pads1.5× usualBMW 11813.7% All 2010 cars9.1%Rough price £80–£180
At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
- Flexible couplings22× usualBMW 1182.2% All 2010 cars0.1%Rough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
Coil springs: 3.3% here, against 11.4% of all 2010 cars. Engine oil leaks: 5.1% here, against 10.2% of all 2010 cars.
By area
The share of 2010 BMW 118 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension39% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres35% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes32% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics23% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors12% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions7% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 9,926 | Tyres 25% |
| 2021 | 12,727 | Tyres 27% |
| 2020 | 17,789 | Tyres 31% |
| 2019 | 10,275 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 11,126 | Tyres 30% |
| 2017 | 14,712 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 13,706 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 10,893 | Tyres 30% |
| 2013 | 5,365 | Tyres 34% |
| 2012 | 5,513 | Tyres 33% |
| 2011 | 8,574 | Tyres 35% |
| 2009 | 6,637 | Suspension 42% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 BMW 118s registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score