Used car guide · 2004–2011

BMW 118i E87: best and worst years, and what goes wrong

How each year of the BMW 118i E87 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 23,559 MOT tests.

2010best year: 71% pass first time, 11 points above all 2010 cars
2005weakest year: 65% pass first time, 8 points above all 2005 cars
Exhaust emissions (catalyst)the weak spot that shows up in 5 different years

Which BMW 118i E87 years are best and worst at their MOT?

First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the BMW 118i E87, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.

40%70%100%2005: 65% pass first time (all 2005 cars: 57%) 65% 20052006: 64% pass first time (all 2006 cars: 56%) 64% 20062007: 65% pass first time (all 2007 cars: 57%) 65% 20072008: 67% pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%) 67% 20082009: 68% pass first time (all 2009 cars: 59%) 68% 20092010: 71% pass first time (all 2010 cars: 60%) 71% 20102011: 72% pass first time (all 2011 cars: 62%) 72% 2011*
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
200565%57% +8Engine oil leaks 2.7× usual1,247
200664%56% +8Engine oil leaks 2.9× usual2,162
200765%57% +8Flexible brake hoses 5.4× usual2,970
200867%57% +10Flexible brake hoses 5.8× usual4,328
200968%59% +9Flexible brake hoses 3.4× usual4,406
201071%60% +11Shock absorbers 1.8× usual4,852
2011*72%62% +10Exhaust emissions (catalyst) 2.8× usual3,594

Common BMW 118i E87 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.

  • Exhaust emissions (catalyst)up to 5.8× usual

    Stands out in 5 years: 2010, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005.

    Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Flexible brake hosesup to 5.8× usual

    Stands out in 5 years: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005.

    Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

  • Engine oil leaksup to 2.9× usual

    Stands out in 2 years: 2006, 2005.

    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.

  • Individual direction indicatorsup to 2.8× usual

    Stands out in 2 years: 2006, 2005.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

  • Shock absorbersup to 1.8× usual

    Stands out in 2 years: 2010, 2009.

    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.

What usually goes wrong with the BMW 118i E87?

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

  • Rear axle, brake servo and airbag faults

    Faults to have been fixed: loose rear control arm joints (built May to Sept 2004), a leaking brake servo seal (built March 2006) and airbag and seatbelt wiring (built May to July 2008).

    Check: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding work.

    Source: What Car?: common BMW 1 Series (2004 on) problems

  • Power steering warning (built June 2007 to Dec 2011)

    A part in the steering control module can fail, lighting the EPS warning and making the steering heavier.

    Check: Make sure the steering light goes out and the steering feels light.

    Source: What Car?: common BMW 1 Series (2004 on) problems

  • Fuel filter heater: flat battery and fire risk (diesel, built Aug 2008 to June 2009)

    Moisture can get into an electrical connection at the fuel filter, draining the battery so it won't start, with a fire risk if it happens while parked after driving.

    Check: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm the fix was done.

    Source: What Car?: common BMW 1 Series (2004 on) problems

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 118i?

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.