2020 BMW 318i: common problems and MOT failures

Common 2020 BMW 318i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2020 BMW 318i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  23% 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
  14% 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 electrics
  3% 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 mirrors
  3% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Suspension
  2% 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
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

Known faults on the 2020 BMW 318i

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 infotainment glitches

  All engines

  In What Car?'s survey 13% of petrol and plug-in hybrid cars had a fault, mostly minor electrical, engine and infotainment glitches.

  At the viewing: Test the infotainment and all the electrics, and make sure no warning lights show.

  Source: What Car?: BMW 3 Series (2019 on) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 BMW 318i

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?