BMW 118 (2021)
2021 BMW 118
CarHunch analysed 12,333 real MOT records for the 2021 BMW 118. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2021 BMW 118 passes its MOT first time in 93.8% of cases, well above the UK average of 80%, and only 7.6% have ever recorded a dangerous defect—suggesting this generation is mechanically sound. Petrol models edge out diesels slightly (94.0% vs 92.6% pass rate), though the difference is marginal.
These cars are running light at around 26,000 miles median, typical for their age, and when they do fail it's rarely catastrophic: just 0.2 failures per vehicle on average, with most attention needed for minor issues flagged in the 1.4 advisories per car. If you're considering one, a pre-purchase inspection is still worthwhile, but don't expect major structural problems—focus instead on servicing history and whether advisory items like suspension wear have been addressed.
What to check before buying a 2021 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 (90%) | 11,071 | 94% | 0.2 |
| Diesel (10%) | 1,261 | 92.6% | 0.25 |
| Hybrid Electric (Clean) (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2021 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 2021 BMW 118 vehicles fall between 19,036 and 35,015 miles.
2021 BMW 118 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 12,003 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 100% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2023–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2021 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 2021. 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.