Used car guide

2014 BMW 518: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2014 BMW 518s, from 862 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

862MOT tests in 2025
77%pass first time (all 2014 cars: 69%)
11,700typical miles a year
2.1×the usual rate for number plates

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2014 BMW 518s than on all cars registered in 2014.

  • Number plates2.1× usual
    BMW 518
    5.5% All 2014 cars
    2.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.3% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

By area

The share of 2014 BMW 518 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    31% 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
    20% 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.

  • Suspension
    17% 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 electrics
    11% 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 mirrors
    8% 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 leaks
    5% 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.

Looking at a BMW 518?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2015552Tyres 31%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2014 BMW 518s registered in 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score