BMW 116

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 19 model years from 212,923 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

83%

Total Tests

212,923

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (92%)

Years Covered

About the BMW 116

The BMW 116 was MOT tested 212,923 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 19 model years (2004 to 2022), with an average pass rate of 83%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92% from 5,141 tests. The 2005 model has the lowest at 75%. With a 17 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 116s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2004) averages 110,096 miles, while the newest (2022) averages 28,603 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the BMW brand average of 88%, the 116 is 5 points lower, placing it among the less reliable BMW models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1496cc)

£1,219

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,674

Per month£140/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2022 details

How reliable is the BMW 116?

vs average of all models+1% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average-5% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread17 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW 116 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	94%	66	28,603 mi
2021	92%	2,886	35,245 mi
2020	92%	5,141	44,251 mi
2019	88%	2,802	50,343 mi
2018	89%	4,387	58,950 mi
2017	88%	16,193	68,625 mi
2016	86%	22,967	78,552 mi
2015	85%	28,417	82,890 mi
2014	85%	39,076	86,633 mi
2013	84%	22,205	92,870 mi
2012	81%	14,552	98,817 mi
2011	80%	12,733	102,932 mi
2010	79%	11,573	107,394 mi
2009	78%	10,634	103,948 mi
2008	78%	4,773	98,095 mi
2007	77%	5,414	108,373 mi
2006	77%	5,542	111,975 mi
2005	75%	2,666	110,359 mi
2004	76%	896	110,096 mi

Questions about the BMW 116

Is the BMW 116 reliable?

Across its 19 model years in our data (2004 to 2022), the BMW 116 averages an 83% MOT pass rate, from 212,923 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 92%.

Which year BMW 116 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 BMW 116 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 75%, a 17 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.