Is the 2009 BMW 118 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of BMW 118s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 15,547 tests. That's 4 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2009 BMW 118 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2009 BMW 118?

The 2009 BMW 118 has a 78% MOT pass rate based on 15,547 tests in 2026. This ranks 246 out of 575 cars from 2009.

Which year BMW 118 is most reliable?

The 2022 BMW 118 has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%. The least reliable year is 2004 at 70%.

What is the average mileage for a 2009 BMW 118?

The average mileage for a 2009 BMW 118 is 118,268 miles, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

BMW 118 (2009)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 15,547 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £1857/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel1995cc17 years old15,547 tests118k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 1995cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,857

Per month£155/mo

Per week£36/wk

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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 17 years old, 78% of BMW 118s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 15,547 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 118,268 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 cars246th of 575(top 43%)

Rank among BMW models1402th of 1,564(top 90%)

vs national average-4%(82% avg)

vs 2009 cars average+3%(75% avg)

vs BMW average-10%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

118,268

Average miles

125,800

Expected for age

The average 2009 BMW 118 has 118,268 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-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 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2009 sits between the two at 78%.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2011 · 1896cc Diesel

£1,727/year

78%

same

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£1,727/year

74%

-4%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,595/year

74%

-4%

BMW 3 SERIES

2011 · 2000cc Diesel

£1,577/year

81%

+3%

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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 2026, 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 17 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 £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 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 17 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2009 BMW 118's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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.

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.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 118k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

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 2009 BMW 118 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
BMW 118(2009)	78%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1857
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2011)	78%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010)	74%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)	74%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1595-£262
BMW 3 SERIES(2011)	81%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1577-£280

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.