Used car guide · 2011–2019

BMW 118d F20: best and worst years, and what goes wrong

How each year of the BMW 118d F20 did at the MOTs done during 2023–2025, compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 123,306 MOT tests.

2013best year: 72% pass first time, 5 points above all 2013 cars
2018weakest year: 82% pass first time, 1 points below all 2018 cars
Wheelsthe weak spot that shows up in 6 different years

Which BMW 118d F20 years are best and worst at their MOT?

First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the BMW 118d F20, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.

50%75%100%2011: 67% pass first time (all 2011 cars: 62%) 67% 2011*2012: 65% pass first time (all 2012 cars: 64%) 65% 20122013: 72% pass first time (all 2013 cars: 67%) 72% 20132014: 74% pass first time (all 2014 cars: 70%) 74% 20142015: 79% pass first time (all 2015 cars: 74%) 79% 20152016: 81% pass first time (all 2016 cars: 77%) 81% 20162017: 82% pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%) 82% 20172018: 82% pass first time (all 2018 cars: 83%) 82% 20182019: 85% pass first time (all 2019 cars: 85%) 85% 2019*
This model, first-time pass rate All cars registered that year · * changeover year: some cars are the previous or next generation
YearPass first timeAll cars that yearStands outMOT tests
2011*67%62% +5Shock absorbers 2.8× usual23,918
201265%64% +1Shock absorbers 2.9× usual14,274
201372%67% +5Steering rack inner joints 4.6× usual14,323
201474%70% +4Steering rack inner joints 5.2× usual11,098
201579%74% +5Transmission oil leaks 8.5× usual14,538
201681%77% +4Transmission oil leaks 9× usual16,180
201782%80% +2Transmission oil leaks 10.3× usual16,429
201882%83% -1Headlight aim 2.8× usual7,407
2019*85%85% +0Transmission oil leaks 13.5× usual5,139

Common BMW 118d F20 MOT failures, year after year

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.

  • Wheelsup to 2.9× usual

    Stands out in 6 years: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012.

    Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Transmission oil leaksup to 14× usual

    Stands out in 4 years: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Steering rack inner jointsup to 5.2× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2014, 2013, 2012.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Shock absorbersup to 2.9× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2016, 2013, 2012.

    Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

  • Headlight aimup to 2.8× usual

    Stands out in 2 years: 2018, 2017.

    Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

What usually goes wrong with the BMW 118d F20?

From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.

  • EGR valve leak (diesel)

    The EGR valve on diesels can leak and, in rare cases, has caused fires. BMW issued recalls.

    Check: Ask a BMW dealer whether the recall work was done. Watch for a strange smell or rough running.

    Source: Parkers: BMW 1 Series (2011-2019) used review

  • Engine and lights cutting out

    An electrical fault could cut the engine and exterior lights. There have been three recalls.

    Check: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm the recall work. Flickering lights on the dash can be an early sign.

    Source: Parkers: BMW 1 Series (2011-2019) used review

  • Propshaft joint

    The front propshaft joint can fail and leave the car stranded.

    Check: Listen for clunks or vibration from under the middle of the car.

    Source: Parkers: BMW 1 Series (2011-2019) used review

  • Water getting in

    Blocked drains at the base of the windscreen can let water damage the electrics. Lights can mist up inside.

    Check: Look for condensation in the lights and damp carpets.

    Source: Parkers: BMW 1 Series (2011-2019) used review

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score

Looking at a BMW 118d?

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