BMW 218i SE Auto (2018)
2018 BMW 218i SE Auto
CarHunch analysed 298 real MOT records for the 2018 BMW 218i SE Auto. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2018 BMW 218i SE Auto passes its MOT first time at 84%, comfortably ahead of the UK average of 80%, which is a solid result for a six-year-old car. The dangerous defect rate of 12.1% is moderate and not a major red flag, though roughly one in eight of these vehicles has picked up something potentially serious during its MOT history.
These cars are running at a median of 34,056 miles, which is reasonable for their age, and they're averaging just 0.68 failures per vehicle—suggesting most get through without major issues. When they do need work, advisories (3.7 per car on average) outnumber failures, indicating wear rather than sudden breakdowns; a pre-purchase inspection focusing on suspension, brakes, and trim condition will tell you whether the specific car you're looking at has been properly maintained.
What to check before buying a 2018 BMW 218i SE Auto
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 218i SE Auto
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 (97%) | 289 | 83.6% | 0.7 |
| Other (3%) | 9 | 97.2% | 0.11 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2018 BMW 218i SE Auto 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 2018 BMW 218i SE Auto vehicles fall between 22,572 and 66,028 miles.
2018 BMW 218i SE Auto — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 258 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 97% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific BMW 218i SE Auto?
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