BMW 318d SE (2009)
2009 BMW 318d SE
CarHunch analysed 146 real MOT records for the 2009 BMW 318d SE. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2009 BMW 318D SE is a serious reliability concern: only 25.4% pass their MOT first time, nearly three times worse than the UK average of 80%. With no dangerous defects recorded across the 146 vehicles analysed, safety isn't the immediate worry—but the diesel engine appears particularly trouble-prone at this age.
At 127,000 miles average, these cars are well-used, and the 0.47 failures per vehicle suggests systematic wear issues rather than isolated problems. Before buying, get a full pre-purchase inspection from a BMW specialist and budget for repairs; if it has already failed MOT once, walk away unless the seller can prove the work was done properly.
What to check before buying a 2009 BMW 318d SE
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 318d SE
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (99%) | 145 | 25.1% | 0.46 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (1%) | 1 | 71.4% | 2 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2009 BMW 318d SE 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 2009 BMW 318d SE vehicles fall between 93,483 and 149,678 miles.
2009 BMW 318d SE — Still on the Road
21 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 51% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific BMW 318d SE?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.