BMW 114i common problems and MOT failures
What goes wrong on a used BMW 114i, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 5,497 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.
Pick the year
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
What usually goes wrong with a BMW 114i?
Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.
- Cars registered 2012–2015 · Diesel
EGR valve leak (diesel)
The EGR valve on diesels can leak and, in rare cases, has caused fires. BMW issued recalls.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer whether the recall work was done. Watch for a strange smell or rough running.
- Cars registered 2012–2015
Engine and lights cutting out
An electrical fault could cut the engine and exterior lights. There have been three recalls.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm the recall work. Flickering lights on the dash can be an early sign.
- Cars registered 2012–2015
Propshaft joint
The front propshaft joint can fail and leave the car stranded.
At the viewing: Listen for clunks or vibration from under the middle of the car.
- Cars registered 2012–2015
Water getting in
Blocked drains at the base of the windscreen can let water damage the electrics. Lights can mist up inside.
At the viewing: Look for condensation in the lights and damp carpets.
Common BMW 114i MOT failures to check
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.
Steering rack inner joints
up to 5.9× usualStands out on cars registered in 2013 and 2014.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Sidelights
up to 2.7× usualStands out on cars registered in 2013 and 2014.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
Wheels
up to 2.1× usualStands out on cars registered in 2013 and 2014.
Rough price £70–£150 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
Engine oil leaks
up to 1.9× usualStands out on cars registered in 2013 and 2014.
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.
BMW 114i MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a BMW 114i
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the BMW recall work, including the EGR valve, been done?
- Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.9× as often on the BMW 114i as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the BMW 114i as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the wheels? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the BMW 114i as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 114i?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score