BMW 118 (2010)
2010 BMW 118
CarHunch analysed 13,582 real MOT records for the 2010 BMW 118. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2010 BMW 118 edges out the UK average with an 80.8% first-time pass rate, marginally better than the 80% benchmark, though half of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a genuinely concerning figure that warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Petrol models perform slightly better than diesels (82.7% vs 80.5% pass rate), but the difference is modest across both camps.
At around 80,000 miles for a 14-year-old car, these 118s show typical mileage for their age, yet they're accumulating 2.98 failures and nearly 18 advisories per test on average, signalling that running costs and repair frequency climb noticeably once out of warranty. Before committing to one, get a full diagnostic scan focused on suspension, braking, and electrical systems—the areas driving that high advisory count—and factor in regular maintenance as a non-negotiable expense.
Petrol vs Diesel
Pass rate difference of 2.2 percentage points — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.
What to check before buying a 2010 BMW 118
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 50.1% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a BMW 118
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (85%) | 11,573 | 80.5% | 3.03 |
| Petrol (15%) | 2,008 | 82.7% | 2.7 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 66.7% | 2 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2010 BMW 118 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2010 BMW 118 vehicles fall between 64,298 and 101,140 miles.
2010 BMW 118 — Still on the Road
8,856 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 68% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2010 BMW 118
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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53.4%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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52.6%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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42%
Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
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38.7%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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36.9%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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35.6%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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35.4%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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33.5%
Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2010. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific BMW 118?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.