Part of the BMW 118d F20 (2011–2019) guide: best and worst years compared.
2012 BMW 118d: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW 118d first registered in 2012: we looked at the 14,274 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 BMW 118d?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 BMW 118d than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Shock absorbers2.9× usualBMW 118d16.9% All 2012 cars5.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 1.6% of all 2012 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.
- Steering rack inner joints3.4× usualBMW 118d6.8% All 2012 cars2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
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.
- Side repeaters2.3× usualBMW 118d2.7% All 2012 cars1.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Link ball joint covers1.7× usualBMW 118d3.3% All 2012 cars2%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Wheels1.8× usualBMW 118d2.9% All 2012 cars1.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
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.
Coil springs: 3.2% here, against 8.5% of all 2012 cars. Rigid brake pipes: 1.7% here, against 5% of all 2012 cars.
Common 2012 BMW 118d MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 BMW 118d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres34% 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.
- Suspension31% 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.
- Brakes28% 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.
- Lights and electrics25% 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 mirrors10% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Steering7% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
Known faults on the 2012 BMW 118d
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 BMW 118d
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 shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2012 BMW 118d as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2012 BMW 118d as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 BMW 118d as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 118d?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the BMW 118d compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 512 | Tyres 25% |
| 2021 | 2,749 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 5,931 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 5,139 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 7,407 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 16,429 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 16,180 | Tyres 30% |
| 2015 | 14,538 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 11,098 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 14,323 | Tyres 34% |
| 2011 | 23,918 | Tyres 35% |
| 2010 | 25,309 | Suspension 38% |
| 2009 | 18,076 | Suspension 42% |
| 2008 | 12,323 | Brakes 48% |
| 2007 | 7,136 | Brakes 50% |
| 2006 | 5,943 | Brakes 54% |
| 2005 | 3,799 | Brakes 51% |
| 2004 | 777 | Brakes 50% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW 118d cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score