Is the 2009 BMW 116 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of BMW 116s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 10,634 tests. That's 4 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2009 BMW 116 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2009 BMW 116?

The 2009 BMW 116 has a 78% MOT pass rate based on 10,634 tests in 2026. This ranks 249 out of 575 cars from 2009.

Which year BMW 116 is most reliable?

The 2022 BMW 116 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%. The least reliable year is 2005 at 75%.

What is the average mileage for a 2009 BMW 116?

The average mileage for a 2009 BMW 116 is 103,948 miles, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

BMW 116 (2009)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 10,634 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £1857/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel1995cc17 years old10,634 tests104k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 1995cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,857

Per month£155/mo

Per week£36/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 17 years old, 78% of BMW 116s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 10,634 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,948 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 cars249th of 575(top 43%)

Rank among BMW models1404th of 1,564(top 90%)

vs national average-4%(82% avg)

vs 2009 cars average+3%(75% avg)

vs BMW average-10%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

103,948

Average miles

125,800

Expected for age

The average 2009 BMW 116 has 103,948 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2009 sits between the two at 78%.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2011 · 1896cc Diesel

£1,727/year

78%

same

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£1,727/year

74%

-4%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,595/year

74%

-4%

BMW 3 SERIES

2011 · 2000cc Diesel

£1,577/year

81%

+3%

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About the 2009 BMW 116

The 2009 BMW 116 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 10,634 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 103,948 miles at 17 years old, BMW 116 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2009 BMW 116 Fuel Costs

The 1995cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2009 BMW 116?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 2009 BMW 116

At 17 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 10,634 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2009 BMW 116's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 104k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2009 BMW 116 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
BMW 116(2009)	78%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1857
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2011)	78%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010)	74%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)	74%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1595-£262
BMW 3 SERIES(2011)	81%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1577-£280

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.