BMW 118 (2009)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 15,547 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
15,547
Avg Mileage
118,268 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,727
Is the 2009 BMW 118 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 15 years old, 78% of BMW 118s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 15,547 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 118,268 miles.
How does the 2009 BMW 118 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2009 BMW 118 has 118,268 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a BMW 118?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2009 sits between the two at 78%.
How much does a 2009 BMW 118 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW 118 by Year
| 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 |
Checking a specific BMW 118?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2009 BMW 118
The 2009 BMW 118 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 15,547 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 118,268 miles at 15 years old, BMW 118 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 BMW 118 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 2009 BMW 118?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 118 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 118s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 BMW 118
At 15 years old, the BMW 118 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 97%. With 15,547 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2009 BMW 118
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2011) 78% pass rate (same) from 97,916 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2010) 74% pass rate (-4%) from 92,611 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2010) 74% pass rate (-4%) from 75,715 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2011) 81% pass rate (+3%) from 57,568 tests