Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2018 BMW 8 Series?

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 2018 BMW 8 Series?

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 2018 BMW 8 Series?

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.

How many 2018 BMW 8 Series vehicles have had dangerous defects recorded?

35% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Search the registration on CarHunch — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.

Is the 2018 BMW 8 Series reliable?

Based on MOT data from 215 vehicles, the 2018 BMW 8 Series has a first-time MOT pass rate of 88.9%, 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 2018 BMW 8 Series?

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 8 Series (2018)

215 real MOT outcomes analysed • 88.9% first-time pass rate

2018 BMW 8 Series

CarHunch analysed 215 real MOT records for the 2018 BMW 8 Series. 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 Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2018 BMW 8 Series passes its MOT first time at 88.9%, well above the UK average of 80%, which is impressive—but one in three of these cars (34.9%) has recorded a dangerous defect at some point, making that a genuine buyer concern worth investigating on any used example you're considering. The diesel engines, which make up the vast majority of the cohort, maintain that strong 89% pass rate, suggesting good powertrain durability overall.

At just over 34,000 miles median, these cars are running relatively light use for their age, yet they're averaging 0.73 failures per test and 2.7 advisories, suggesting wear items and minor issues are starting to emerge. When you buy, get a full pre-purchase inspection focused on the documented dangerous defects in this cohort—suspension and brake components are typical weak points on premium saloons at this mileage—and verify the service history carefully.

We have limited data for the 2018 BMW 8 Series — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

88.9%

UK average ~80%

Better than average

Dangerous (ever)

34.9%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.73

Over 5.7 tests on record

Moderate

Typical mileage

34k

Middle half: 26k–42k

For context

These stats describe 215 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.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 215 BMW 8 Series cars.

Before you buy a 2018 BMW 8 Series

Based on MOT data from 215 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 34.9% 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
Diesel (87%)	188	89.1%	0.72

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,840 BMW 8 Series vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 29.9%

551

Black 29.8%

549

Grey 16.9%

311

White 10.5%

194

Orange 6.3%

116

Red 2.6%

Green 1.8%

Silver 1.7%

Purple 0.3%

Mileage Distribution

Most 2018 BMW 8 Series 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.

34,336

typical

25,880

low mileage

42,326

high mileage

Half of all 2018 BMW 8 Series vehicles fall between 25,880 and 42,326 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 25,880 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.

✓ 25,880–42,326 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2018 BMW 8 Seriess sit.

⚠ Over 57,140 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2018 BMW 8 Series — Still on the Road

Almost all 2018 BMW 8 Seriess are still on the road.

Strong survival — 199 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 99% 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

5.7

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.73

Avg failures per vehicle

2.7

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — BMW 8 Series: All 8 Series years → Which year to buy? →

2019 2020

Or browse all models: BMW →

Compare with another model

See how the 2018 BMW 8 Series stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing