BMW 116 (2006)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 5,542 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Total Tests (2024)
5,542
Avg Mileage
111,975 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,827
Is the 2006 BMW 116 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 18 years old, 77% of BMW 116s from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 5,542 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 111,975 miles.
How does the 2006 BMW 116 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2006 BMW 116 has 111,975 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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%. The 2006 sits between the two at 77%.
How much does a 2006 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 2006 BMW 116
The 2006 BMW 116 is a premium with a 1596cc petrol engine. 5,542 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 111,975 miles at 18 years old, BMW 116 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2006 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 2006 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 77% 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 2006 BMW 116
At 18 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 5,542 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2006 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 FIESTA (2008) 72% pass rate (-5%) from 109,443 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2008) 73% pass rate (-4%) from 90,659 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2008) 73% pass rate (-4%) from 84,782 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2007) 80% pass rate (+3%) from 55,686 tests