2018 · 6 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2018 BMW 2 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

20,757 MOT tests in 2024. 84.7% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time84.7%
Failed or needed repairs15.3%
Typical mileage at test42,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 20,757 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.0%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.8%
    590 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.4%
    401 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.2%
    345 marked dangerous
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.2%
    342 marked dangerous
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.8%
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.7%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.5%
  9. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.5%
  10. Headlamp aim: too low0.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Tyres7.8%
  2. Lights & electrics5.3%
  3. Brakes2.3%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.6%
  5. Suspension1.3%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.2%
  7. Wheels0.6%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.7%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.2%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.7%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.0%
  5. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 BMW 2 Series?

In 2024, 84.7% of 2018 BMW 2 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 20,757 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 BMW 2 Series?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2018 BMW 2 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).