RegVerdictCheck a reg
RegVerdict Model Intelligence™

BMW 518 reliability

MOT pass rates & common faults · 3,213 real DVSA tests · 2024

Across 3,213 real DVSA MOT tests in 2024, 82% of BMW 518 cars aged 8 to 12 years pass their MOT first time — ahead of the 73% average for all cars of that age. It holds up especially well on body & structure and steering.

82%
pass first time (8 to 12 years)
Strong for its age · beats 69% of similar-age models
+8.8 pts vs fleet
Looking at a specific BMW 518? Check its own MOT history & mileage.

MOT pass rate by age

8 to 12 years
3,213 tests · fleet 73%
+8.8 pts vs fleet
82%

Where the 518 tends to fail

Share of BMW 518 cars aged 8 to 12 years with no fault in each area (higher is better). The tick is the fleet average for the same age.

Suspension97
Brakes99
Body & structure100
Steering100
Tyres96
Lights & electrics98

Holds up better than average on body & structure, steering, lights & electrics.

Common questions

Is the BMW 518 reliable?

On 2024 MOT data the BMW 518 holds up well for its age: 82% of examples aged 8 to 12 years pass first time, against a 73% fleet average. That puts it ahead of 69% of similar-age models.

What is the MOT pass rate for a BMW 518?

First-time MOT pass rates for the BMW 518 in 2024: 8 to 12 years, 82%. Pass rates fall with age across the whole fleet, so compare each figure with cars of the same age, not with a new car.

What commonly fails on a BMW 518 MOT?

No single area stands out as a recurring weakness for the BMW 518 versus other cars of the same age — its MOT failures are spread across the usual wear items (tyres, brakes, lamps).

Other BMW models

3 Series · 70%118 · 87%X5 · 73%116 · 76%X1 · 89%X3 · 89%
Check a BMW 518’s full history

← All BMW modelsAll makes