Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2009 BMW 318i SE?

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 318i SE?

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 318i SE?

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 318i SE reliable?

Based on MOT data from 100 vehicles, the 2009 BMW 318i SE has a first-time MOT pass rate of 85.6%, 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 318i SE?

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.

CarHunch

Get Started

BMW 318i SE (2009)

100 real MOT outcomes analysed • 85.6% first-time pass rate

2009 BMW 318i SE

CarHunch analysed 100 real MOT records for the 2009 BMW 318i SE. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page

AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2009 BMW 318i SE fails first-time MOT at a notably higher rate than the UK average, with only 66.8% passing versus the national 80%, which signals more frequent repairs and testing costs ahead. The absence of dangerous defects is reassuring, but the pattern is still concerning for prospective buyers.

At nearly 89,000 miles median, these cars are well-used for their age, and they're showing 0.76 failures per vehicle on average—a sign that ageing components are starting to demand attention. Before purchasing one, get a pre-buy inspection focused on suspension, cooling system, and electrical gremlins, which are common failure points on this generation BMW at this mileage.

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

First-time pass

85.6%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.76

Over 5.1 tests on record

Moderate

Typical mileage

89k

Middle half: 66k–105k

For context

These stats describe 100 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.

A solid choice — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 100 BMW 318i SE cars.

Before you buy a 2009 BMW 318i SE

Based on MOT data from 100 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

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Other (78%)	78	85.6%	0.97

Mileage Distribution

Most 2009 BMW 318i SE 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.

88,599

typical

66,401

low mileage

105,136

high mileage

Half of all 2009 BMW 318i SE vehicles fall between 66,401 and 105,136 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 66,401 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.

✓ 66,401–105,136 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2009 BMW 318i SEs sit.

⚠ Over 141,933 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 318i SE — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 47% of 2009 BMW 318i SEs are still active.

Numbers are declining — 33 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (47% of peak).

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
* 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

5.1

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.76

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — BMW 318i SE: All 318i SE years → Which year to buy? →

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2006 2007

Or browse all models: BMW →

Compare with another model

See how the 2009 BMW 318i SE stacks up against a rival.

A solid choice — agree?