Used car guide

2022 BMW 118d: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW 118d first registered in 2022: we looked at the 512 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

512MOTs of 2022 cars, done in 2023–2025
91%pass first time (all 2022 cars: 89%)
10,000typical miles a year
25%had tyres flagged

Common 2022 BMW 118d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2022 BMW 118d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    25% 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
    5% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    4% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Lights and electrics
    2% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Suspension
    1% 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.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    1% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2022 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.

  • Electrical and warning light faults

    All engines

    The main faults reported are electrical: warning lights with no clear cause and infotainment faults.

    At the viewing: Test the screen and check no warning lights stay on.

    Source: What Car?: used BMW 1 Series (2019 on) reliability

  • Particulate filter warnings (diesel)

    Diesel

    Diesels have more problems, including DPF warnings and engine management faults.

    At the viewing: Ask what journeys it does, and watch for warning lights.

    Source: What Car?: used BMW 1 Series (2019 on) reliability

  • Airbag and camshaft recalls (2020)

    Some cars

    Recalls covered the driver's airbag fabric (about 1,100 cars) and camshaft bearing cap screws that could come loose (39 cars).

    At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm the recalls were done.

    Source: What Car?: used BMW 1 Series (2019 on) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2022 BMW 118d

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. 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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20212,749Tyres 25%
20205,931Tyres 28%
20195,139Tyres 27%
20187,407Tyres 29%
201716,429Tyres 29%
201616,180Tyres 30%
201514,538Tyres 30%
201411,098Tyres 33%
201314,323Tyres 34%
201214,274Tyres 34%
201123,918Tyres 35%
201025,309Suspension 38%
200918,076Suspension 42%
200812,323Brakes 48%
20077,136Brakes 50%
20065,943Brakes 54%
20053,799Brakes 51%
2004777Brakes 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 2022. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score