2017 BMW 318: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 BMW 318s, from 2,666 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 2017 BMW 318s than on all cars registered in 2017.
- Shock absorbers2.6× usualBMW 3189.5% All 2017 cars3.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.7% of all 2017 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.
- Transmission oil leaks5× usualBMW 3182% All 2017 cars0.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
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.
By area
The share of 2017 BMW 318 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.
- Brakes20% 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.
- Suspension15% 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 electrics6% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks4% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
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.
- Timing chain wear2.0 petrol and diesel
The four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines can suffer timing chain wear, especially with late oil changes. A failed chain is an engine-out repair.
At the viewing: Listen for a rattle or whine from the back of the engine, especially from cold. Ask for oil changes on time.
- Blocked EGR valve or particulate filter (diesel)Diesel
Diesels used mostly for short trips can block the EGR valve or clog the particulate filter, causing poor running.
At the viewing: Ask what journeys it’s done and watch for warning lights or a lack of power.
If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic
- Noisy differential
A whine from the rear as the car passes you can mean the differential has been neglected.
At the viewing: Ask someone to drive it past you slowly and listen for a whine from the back.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1,521 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 2,816 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 818 | Tyres 28% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2017 BMW 318s registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score