Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2009 BMW 318d Es?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2009 BMW 318d Es?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2009 BMW 318d Es?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2009 BMW 318d Es reliable?

Based on MOT data from 122 vehicles, the 2009 BMW 318d Es has a first-time MOT pass rate of 75.5%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2009 BMW 318d Es?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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BMW 318d Es (2009)

122 real MOT outcomes analysed • 75.5% first-time pass rate

2009 BMW 318d Es

CarHunch analysed 122 real MOT records for the 2009 BMW 318d Es. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2009 BMW 318D ES is a reliability red flag: only 14.2% pass the MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%. This dramatic shortfall suggests significant underlying mechanical issues that prospective buyers should treat as a serious warning sign.

At 136,000 miles on the odometer, these cars have covered typical mileage for their age, yet they're still averaging 0.34 failures per test—roughly triple the failure density you'd expect from a healthy 15-year-old diesel. Before considering one of these, get a full pre-purchase inspection from a BMW specialist and budget for immediate remedial work; the low first-time pass rate indicates problems are the norm, not the exception.

We have limited data for the 2009 BMW 318d Es — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

75.5%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.34

Over 2.1 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

136k

Middle half: 113k–157k

For context

These stats describe 122 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 122 BMW 318d Es cars.

Before you buy a 2009 BMW 318d Es

Based on MOT data from 122 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 0% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Mileage Distribution

Most 2009 BMW 318d Es vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

136,031

typical

112,942

low mileage

157,476

high mileage

Half of all 2009 BMW 318d Es vehicles fall between 112,942 and 157,476 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 112,942 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 112,942–157,476 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2009 BMW 318d Ess sit.

⚠ Over 212,592 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2009 BMW 318d Es — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 55% of 2009 BMW 318d Ess are still active.

12 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2024 — 55% of the peak remain.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2024.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

2.1

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.34

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Compare with another model

See how the 2009 BMW 318d Es stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?