BMW 116 (2015)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 28,417 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,707
£142/month
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Good
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Diesel
Solid Option
85% pass rate, £1707/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1995cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 11 years old, 85% of BMW 116s from 2015 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 28,417 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 82,890 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
82,890
Average miles
81,400
Expected for age
The average 2015 BMW 116 has 82,890 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-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 2015 sits between the two at 85%.
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
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About the 2015 BMW 116
The 2015 BMW 116 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 28,417 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2015, the average MOT pass rate is 83%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 82,890 miles at 11 years old, BMW 116 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2015 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 2015 BMW 116?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,707 (£142/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% 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 2015 BMW 116
At 11 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 28,417 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2015 BMW 116's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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
Medium riskWith an average of 83k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 2015 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(2015) | 85% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1707 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£357 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013) | 79% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£20 |
| AUDI A3(2015) | 88% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£262 |
| FORD TRANSIT(2017) | 81% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1632-£75 |
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.
Related Bmw Models
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