Used car guide

2018 BMW 225XE: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 BMW 225XEs, from 921 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

921MOT tests in 2025
85%pass first time (all 2018 cars: 81%)
7,500typical miles a year
33%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2018 BMW 225XE MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    33% 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.

  • Brakes
    11% 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 electrics
    5% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Suspension
    4% 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.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    4% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    3% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2021243Tyres 32%
2020550Tyres 27%
20191,458Tyres 32%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2018 BMW 225XEs registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score