BMW 118

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 20 model years from 298,463 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

84%

Total Tests

298,463

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (93%)

Years Covered

About the BMW 118

The BMW 118 was MOT tested 298,463 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 20 model years (2004 to 2023), with an average pass rate of 84%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93% from 38,549 tests. The 2004 model has the lowest at 70%. With a 23 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 118s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2004) averages 148,682 miles, while the newest (2023) averages 13,490 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the BMW brand average of 88%, the 118 is 4 points lower, placing it among the less reliable BMW models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1499cc)

£1,401

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,856

Per month£155/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.88p petrol and 199.52p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 5 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2023 details

How reliable is the BMW 118?

vs average of all models+2% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average-4% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread23 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW 118 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2023	94%	33	13,490 mi
2022	97%	1,535	20,147 mi
2021	93%	27,185	25,932 mi
2020	93%	38,549	32,639 mi
2019	91%	19,885	38,849 mi
2018	89%	20,178	47,347 mi
2017	89%	26,900	56,377 mi
2016	88%	25,974	64,731 mi
2015	88%	21,089	73,906 mi
2014	85%	9,053	91,808 mi
2013	84%	11,748	91,745 mi
2012	81%	12,666	102,109 mi
2011	80%	19,268	108,308 mi
2010	80%	21,005	113,821 mi
2009	78%	15,547	118,268 mi
2008	78%	11,516	122,044 mi
2007	77%	6,740	124,540 mi
2006	74%	5,578	137,684 mi
2005	74%	3,433	137,158 mi
2004	70%	581	148,682 mi

Questions about the BMW 118

Is the BMW 118 reliable?

Across its 20 model years in our data (2004 to 2023), the BMW 118 averages an 84% MOT pass rate, from 298,463 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 93%.

Which year BMW 118 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 BMW 118 has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 70%, a 23 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.