Common BMW 218I Sport Problems, Faults, and Repair Costs
Typical MOT issues to check on the BMW 218I Sport, with rough repair costs, and its MOT pass rate for each model year. Based on 3,940 MOT tests across 4 model years (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Segment: premium | Fuel: Petrol
91%
BMW 218I Sport pass rate
88%
BMW average
82%
All-model average
The BMW 218I Sport has an average MOT pass rate of 91%, which is 3 points above the BMW average and 9 points above the average across all models in our data. The BMW 218I Sport has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
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Common MOT Issues to Check on the BMW 218I Sport
Typical issues for a car of this age and type, estimated from its age, fuel type and engine size (not counted from its MOT records), with rough repair costs
Brakes
High likelihood£80 - £450
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Brake discs worn, brake pads thin, handbrake adjustment needed
Failure points:
Brake disc excessively worn, brake pipe corroded, brake efficiency below minimum
Lights
High likelihood£15 - £200
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Headlamp aim slightly out, lens deteriorated
Failure points:
Headlamp not working, brake light not functioning, indicator failure
Suspension
Moderate likelihood£150 - £600
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Suspension arm bush worn, shock absorber misting, spring corroded
Failure points:
Coil spring broken, ball joint excessive play, shock absorber leaking
Tyres
Moderate likelihood£50 - £300
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Tyre approaching legal limit, slight damage to sidewall
Failure points:
Tyre below minimum tread depth, tyre has a cut exposing ply
Exhaust & Emissions
Moderate likelihood£80 - £800
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Exhaust mounting corroded, slight exhaust leak
Failure points:
Exhaust emissions exceed limits, catalytic converter efficiency low, DPF warning
Steering
Moderate likelihood£100 - £500
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Track rod end has slight play, steering rack boot deteriorated
Failure points:
Steering rack leaking, track rod ball joint worn beyond limits
Body & Structure
Lower likelihood£200 - £1200
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Surface corrosion on subframe, slight body panel damage
Failure points:
Structural corrosion, body mounting corroded through, chassis weakness
Windscreen & Wipers
Lower likelihood£10 - £350
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Minor windscreen chip, wiper blade deteriorated
Failure points:
Windscreen crack in swept area, wiper does not clear windscreen
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BMW 218I Sport Reliability by Year
MOT pass rate for each model year, from DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024 (retests included). Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger. Highest and lowest are marked among years with 100+ tests that were at least three years old when tested. Fuel and engine size are a guide only.
BMW 218I Sport Running Costs
Want to know the full annual running costs for the BMW 218I Sport? Including fuel, road tax, the MOT and predicted repairs based on MOT pass rates, plus an estimated insurance group.
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What are the most common BMW 218I Sport problems?
Typical issues to check on a BMW 218I Sport of this age and type are brakes and lights. These are estimated from its age, fuel type and engine size, not counted from its MOT records. Across 3,940 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), 91% ended in a pass.
Is the BMW 218I Sport reliable?
The BMW 218I Sport has an average MOT pass rate of 91%, from 3,940 MOT tests. That is 9 points above the average across all models in our data (82%), a better than average result. Pass rates fall as cars age, so compare it with cars of a similar age.
Which year BMW 218I Sport is the most reliable?
Of the years with at least 100 tests that were old enough for a routine MOT, the 2019 BMW 218I Sport has the highest MOT pass rate: 92% of its 989 tests ended in a pass. The 2018 is level on 92%. The 2020 has the lowest at 90%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so the pass rate is only part of the picture.
How much does it cost to fix common BMW 218I Sport faults?
As a rough guide, brake work on a BMW 218I Sport typically costs £80-£450 and suspension repairs £150-£600, while exhaust and emissions fixes can cost £80-£800. Lighting and wiper fixes are usually under £200.
Check a Specific BMW 218I Sport
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Other BMW Models
Common problems pages for other BMW models