2016 BMW 518: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 BMW 518s, from 299 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 299 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2016 BMW 518 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres26% 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.
- Suspension10% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics5% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks3% 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 wearAll engines
Wear in the timing chain guides and tensioner shows up as a grinding or rattling noise at start-up. Putting it right is a big job with a big bill.
At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for grinding or rattling in the first few seconds.
- EGR cooler recall (diesel)Diesel
Over 220,000 BMWs were recalled because the EGR cooler could leak and, in rare cases, cause a fire.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- Wet passenger footwellAll engines
A leak at the heater blower housing can soak the front passenger carpet, often noticed as a musty smell.
At the viewing: Feel the passenger-side carpet for damp and sniff for mustiness.
- Cranks but won’t startAll engines
A failing fuel pump control unit can stop the engine firing even though it turns over. It has to be replaced.
At the viewing: Make sure it starts promptly every time you try.
- Noisy or odd-feeling steeringAll engines
Air getting into the power steering, usually from a failing pump, makes the steering noisy.
At the viewing: Turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine running and listen for whining.
- Ticking from a front wheelAll engines
A brake disc that sits too close to the wheel bearing can tick on every turn. A small spacer fixes it.
At the viewing: Drive slowly with the window down and listen for ticking.
Looking at a BMW 518?
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 552 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 862 | Tyres 31% |
| 2013 | 308 | Tyres 33% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 BMW 518s registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score