BMW 116 (2018)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 4,387 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,824

£152/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1496cc Diesel

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £1,824/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Diesel1496cc8 years old4,387 tests59k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1496cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,824

Per month£152/mo

Per week£35/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

89% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

89% of MOT tests on BMW 116s from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 4,387 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 58,950 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2018 models374th of 607(bottom half)

Rank among BMW models785th of 1,548(bottom half)

vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)

vs 2018 models average+0%(89% avg)

vs BMW average+1%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

58,950

Average miles

44,400

Expected for age

The average 2018 BMW 116 had 58,950 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2018 scores 89%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+2%

Ford Focus

2019 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

same

Mercedes A

2019 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+2%

Mercedes A-Class

2017 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,824/year

88%

-1%

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About the 2018 BMW 116

The 2018 BMW 116 is a premium car. Our records list a 1496cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 4,387 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 58,950 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 116 owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2018 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 £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2018 BMW 116?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,824 (£152/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 116 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 116s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2018 BMW 116

At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

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.

Suspension Wear

Medium risk

Shock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.

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 2018 BMW 116 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW 116(2018)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£150
Ford Focus(2019)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824same
Mercedes A(2019)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£150
Mercedes A-Class(2017)	88%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2018 BMW 116

Is the 2018 BMW 116 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2018 BMW 116s ended in a pass, from 4,387 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2018 BMW 116 cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,824 a year (£152 a month): £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 BMW 116?

89% of 4,387 MOT tests on the 2018 BMW 116 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 374th of 607 models first registered in 2018 (bottom half).

Which year BMW 116 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 BMW 116 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2005 the lowest at 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2018 BMW 116?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 BMW 116 is 58,950 miles, which is above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.