2017 BMW 218d: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW 218d first registered in 2017: we looked at the 12,845 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2017 BMW 218d MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2017 BMW 218d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres30% 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.
- Brakes17% 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.
- Suspension9% 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.
- Lights and electrics8% 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 mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2017 BMW 218d
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
Blocked particulate filter (diesel)
Diesels mostly used for short trips can block their particulate filter.
At the viewing: Ask how the car was used, and watch for a DPF warning.
Source: What Car?: used BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (2014-2021) reliability
- All engines
Trim and electrical faults
Interior trim was the most common complaint in What Car?'s survey, then electrics and infotainment. On the Active Tourer the boot floor panel can come loose and its plastic flaps break.
At the viewing: Check the boot floor and test the screen and electrics.
Source: What Car?: used BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (2014-2021) reliability
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 BMW 218d
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 218d?
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 218d compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 827 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 1,323 | Tyres 28% |
| 2020 | 1,929 | Tyres 27% |
| 2019 | 4,927 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 9,042 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 16,248 | Tyres 30% |
| 2015 | 14,781 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 5,387 | Tyres 31% |
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 218d cars first registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score