BMW 116 (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 22,967 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,475
£123/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1496cc Diesel
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £1475/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1496cc
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 10 years old, 86% of BMW 116s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 22,967 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 78,552 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
78,552
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 BMW 116 has 78,552 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-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 2016 sits between the two at 86%.
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 2016 BMW 116
The 2016 BMW 116 is a premium with a 1496cc diesel engine. 22,967 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 78,552 miles at 10 years old, BMW 116 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 BMW 116 Fuel Costs
The 1496cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 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 2016 BMW 116?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,475 (£123/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% 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 2016 BMW 116
At 10 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 22,967 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 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.
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 2016 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(2016) | 86% | £905 | £165 | Grp 12-25 | £1475 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£125 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2014) | 79% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595+£120 |
| FORD FOCUS(2018) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£25 |
| MERCEDES A-CLASS(2017) | 88% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£25 |
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.
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