BMW 118 F20: best and worst years, and what goes wrong
How every year of the BMW 118 F20 did at its MOT in 2025 compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 84,460 MOT tests.
Year by year
First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the BMW 118 F20, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | Stands out | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011* | 67% | 61% +6 | Shock absorbers 2.5× usual | 8,574 |
| 2012 | 66% | 63% +3 | Shock absorbers 2.6× usual | 5,513 |
| 2013 | 71% | 66% +5 | Steering rack inner joints 4.1× usual | 5,365 |
| 2014 | 74% | 69% +5 | Steering rack inner joints 5.3× usual | 4,296 |
| 2015 | 80% | 72% +8 | Transmission oil leaks 4.5× usual | 10,893 |
| 2016 | 80% | 75% +5 | Transmission oil leaks 5.2× usual | 13,706 |
| 2017 | 81% | 78% +3 | Transmission oil leaks 6.8× usual | 14,712 |
| 2018 | 82% | 81% +1 | Headlight aim 3.1× usual | 11,126 |
| 2019* | 85% | 84% +1 | Nothing unusual | 10,275 |
Weak spots across the BMW 118 F20
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.
- Wheelsup to 2.7× usual
Stands out in 6 years: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013.
Rough price £70–£150 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Transmission oil leaksup to 7.3× usual
Stands out in 4 years: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
- Steering rack inner jointsup to 5.3× usual
Stands out in 3 years: 2014, 2013, 2012.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Headlight aimup to 3.1× usual
Stands out in 2 years: 2018, 2017.
Rough price £20–£60 our estimateAt the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.
- Shock absorbersup to 2.6× usual
Stands out in 2 years: 2013, 2012.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
Known faults
From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.
- EGR valve leak (diesel)
The EGR valve on diesels can leak and, in rare cases, has caused fires. BMW issued recalls.
Check: Ask a BMW dealer whether the recall work was done. Watch for a strange smell or rough running.
- Engine and lights cutting out
An electrical fault could cut the engine and exterior lights. There have been three recalls.
Check: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm the recall work. Flickering lights on the dash can be an early sign.
- Propshaft joint
The front propshaft joint can fail and leave the car stranded.
Check: Listen for clunks or vibration from under the middle of the car.
- Water getting in
Blocked drains at the base of the windscreen can let water damage the electrics. Lights can mist up inside.
Check: Look for condensation in the lights and damp carpets.
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score
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