2018 BMW X1: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 BMW X1s, from 14,640 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 X1s than on all cars registered in 2018.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usualBMW X15.4% All 2018 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.5% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Brake discs: 5% here, against 10.8% of all 2018 cars.
By area
The share of 2018 BMW X1 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.
- Brakes12% 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.
- Suspension8% 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 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.
- 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 seatbelts4% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 7,415 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 7,607 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 7,668 | Tyres 25% |
| 2019 | 13,609 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 13,907 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 12,498 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 4,602 | Tyres 29% |
| 2014 | 7,695 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 7,017 | Tyres 34% |
| 2012 | 5,131 | Tyres 34% |
| 2011 | 5,666 | Tyres 35% |
| 2010 | 4,409 | Suspension 37% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2018 BMW X1s registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score