BMW 118 (2019)

10,148 real MOT outcomes analysed • 90.1% first-time pass rate

2019 BMW 118

CarHunch analysed 10,148 real MOT records for the 2019 BMW 118. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2019 BMW 118 passes its MOT significantly more often than the UK average, with a 90.1% first-time pass rate well ahead of the 80% benchmark—though 19% of these cars have recorded at least one dangerous defect, which is worth factoring into your inspection checklist. Petrol models edge out diesels (90.3% vs 89.1% pass rate), suggesting marginally better reliability in the fuel type that dominates this cohort.

At around 30,000 miles median mileage for cars now four years old, these are moderate-mileage examples, and the average of 0.56 failures per test reflects a generally straightforward maintenance picture. The 3.4 advisories per car point to the usual minor wear items, but before committing to any purchase, have a pre-buy inspection focus on brake components, suspension geometry, and electrical connections—the areas where BMW 118s most commonly rack up MOT concerns.

Average reliability 10.1% above UK average
90.1%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
30,395
typical mileage
22,338–40,532 middle half
19%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.56
avg MOT failures per car
over 4.7 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2019 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.
  • 📄 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
Petrol (83%) 8,459 90.3% 0.54
Diesel (17%) 1,689 89.1% 0.62

Mileage Distribution

Most 2019 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.

22,338
low mileage
30,395
typical
40,532
high mileage

Half of all 2019 BMW 118 vehicles fall between 22,338 and 40,532 miles.

2019 BMW 118 — Still on the Road

Strong survival — 9,810 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 100% of the peak.

9,770 9,810 2022 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2022–2025.

MOT History Averages

4.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.56
Avg failures per vehicle
3.4
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 2019 BMW 118

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 22%
    Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
  • 21.9%
    Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
  • 11.8%
    Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
  • 11%
    Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
  • 10.9%
    Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
  • 10.3%
    Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
  • 10.2%
    Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
  • 9.3%
    Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2019. 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.

UK

Other model years — BMW 118:

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2020 2021 2022 2023