BMW 116 (2021)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,886 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,674

£140/month

MOT Pass Rate

92%

Excellent

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1496cc Diesel

Great Choice

92% pass rate, £1,674/year to run. 10 points above average.

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Diesel1496cc5 years old2,886 tests35k 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

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,674

Per month£140/mo

Per week£32/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

92% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.

92% of MOT tests on BMW 116s from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 2,886 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 35,245 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2021 models1803rd of 3,336(bottom half)

Rank among BMW models459th of 1,548(top half)

vs average of all models+10%(82% avg)

vs 2021 models average+0%(92% avg)

vs BMW average+4%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

35,245

Average miles

22,200

Expected for age

The average 2021 BMW 116 had 35,245 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.

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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 2021 scores 92%. 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

Ford Focus

2019 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

-3%

Mercedes A

2019 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

-1%

Volkswagen Polo

2019 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

-3%

Kia Sportage

2019 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

-3%

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About the 2021 BMW 116

The 2021 BMW 116 is a premium car. Our records list a 1496cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,886 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 35,245 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 116 owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.

2021 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 2021 BMW 116?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,674 (£140/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

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 2021 BMW 116

At 5 years old, the BMW 116 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. 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

Medium risk

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

Low risk

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

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 2021 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(2021)	92%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674
Ford Focus(2019)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824+£150
Mercedes A(2019)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674same
Volkswagen Polo(2019)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824+£150
Kia Sportage(2019)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824+£150

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 2021 BMW 116

Is the 2021 BMW 116 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 2021 BMW 116s ended in a pass, from 2,886 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2021 BMW 116 cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,674 a year (£140 a month): £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 BMW 116?

92% of 2,886 MOT tests on the 2021 BMW 116 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 1803rd of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (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 2021 BMW 116?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 BMW 116 is 35,245 miles, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.