BMW 116 (2005)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,666 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
2,666
Avg Mileage
110,359 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,827
Is the 2005 BMW 116 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 19 years old, 75% of BMW 116s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,666 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,359 miles.
How does the 2005 BMW 116 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2005 BMW 116 has 110,359 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a BMW 116?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 75%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 2005 BMW 116 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW 116 by Year
| 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 |
Checking a specific BMW 116?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2005 BMW 116
The 2005 BMW 116 is a premium with a 1596cc petrol engine. 2,666 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 110,359 miles at 19 years old, BMW 116 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 BMW 116 Fuel Costs
The 1596cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2005 BMW 116?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,827 (£152/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 116 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 116s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2005 BMW 116
At 19 years old, the BMW 116 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age.
Alternatives to the 2005 BMW 116
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2007) 73% pass rate (-2%) from 77,121 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2007) 80% pass rate (+5%) from 55,686 tests
- MINI MINI (2007) 73% pass rate (-2%) from 53,763 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2007) 68% pass rate (-7%) from 41,223 tests