Part of the BMW 118i F40 (2019–2024) guide: best and worst years compared.
2021 BMW 118i: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW 118i first registered in 2021: we looked at the 23,602 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2021 BMW 118i MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 BMW 118i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres25% 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.
- Brakes6% 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 electrics2% 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 mirrors2% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension1% 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.
Known faults on the 2021 BMW 118i
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.
- All engines
Electrical and warning light faults
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.
- Diesel
Particulate filter warnings (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.
- Some cars
Airbag and camshaft recalls (2020)
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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 BMW 118i
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 118i?
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 118i compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 816 | Tyres 10% |
| 2022 | 10,128 | Tyres 24% |
| 2020 | 47,771 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 25,440 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 25,430 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 27,324 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 24,759 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 18,089 | Tyres 29% |
| 2014 | 2,031 | Tyres 26% |
| 2013 | 2,166 | Tyres 28% |
| 2012 | 2,901 | Tyres 29% |
| 2011 | 3,594 | Tyres 31% |
| 2010 | 4,852 | Tyres 31% |
| 2009 | 4,406 | Tyres 32% |
| 2008 | 4,328 | Brakes 39% |
| 2007 | 2,970 | Brakes 41% |
| 2006 | 2,162 | Brakes 46% |
| 2005 | 1,247 | Brakes 42% |
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 118i cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score