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BMW 218 MOT reliability
BMW 218s passed their MOT first time 81% of the time across 46,504 tests in 2025.
First-time pass rate
81%
MOTs analysed
46,504
Still licensed (GB)
–
Body type
–
Pass rate by year of first registration
In detail:
First registered
2020
2020 petrol
1,834 MOTs
Passed first time 87%. Typical mileage 32,388 (most between 23,008 and 42,804).
2021: 100% → 2022: 94% → 2023: 88% → 2024: 88% → 2025: 87%
Most common failures
- Condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (2.6%)
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (1.3%)
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick (1.2%)
- Headlamp aim: too high (1.1%)
- Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (0.9%)
2020 diesel
252 MOTs
Passed first time 90%. Typical mileage 35,982 (most between 25,375 and 47,830).
2021: 100% → 2022: 92% → 2023: 90% → 2024: 88% → 2025: 90%
Most common failures
- Condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (2.4%)
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick (0.8%)
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid (0.8%)
- Condition: has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (0.8%)
- Headlamp aim: too high (0.8%)
Where 2020 218s fail
Wheels & tyres
7.4%
Lights & electrics
2.5%
Brakes
1.8%
Visibility & wipers
1.5%
Suspension & axles
0.4%
Exhaust, emissions & leaks
0.3%
Seat belts & other equipment
0.2%
Body, structure & corrosion
0.1%
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