2018 BMW 120: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 BMW 120s, from 1,396 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 2018 BMW 120s than on all cars registered in 2018.
- Shock absorbers2× usualBMW 1205.8% All 2018 cars2.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.5% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
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.
- Wheels3.4× usualBMW 1203.1% All 2018 cars0.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.3% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
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.
By area
The share of 2018 BMW 120 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres28% 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.
- Brakes18% 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.
- Suspension9% 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.
- Lights and electrics7% 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 mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- EGR valve leak (diesel)Diesel
The EGR valve on diesels can leak and, in rare cases, has caused fires. BMW issued recalls.
At the viewing: 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.
At the viewing: 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.
At the viewing: 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.
At the viewing: Look for condensation in the lights and damp carpets.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 621 | Tyres 25% |
| 2019 | 642 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 2,316 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 3,349 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 3,584 | Tyres 29% |
| 2014 | 2,942 | Tyres 32% |
| 2013 | 2,330 | Tyres 31% |
| 2012 | 2,386 | Tyres 34% |
| 2011 | 3,160 | Tyres 36% |
| 2010 | 3,451 | Suspension 39% |
| 2009 | 2,909 | Suspension 40% |
| 2008 | 3,328 | Brakes 45% |
| 2007 | 1,964 | Brakes 47% |
| 2006 | 1,752 | Brakes 54% |
| 2005 | 1,712 | Brakes 50% |
| 2004 | 534 | Brakes 47% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2018 BMW 120s registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score