BMW 118 (2015)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 21,089 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,707
£142/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Diesel
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £1707/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1995cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 11 years old, 88% of BMW 118s from 2015 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 21,089 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 73,906 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
73,906
Average miles
81,400
Expected for age
The average 2015 BMW 118 has 73,906 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-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 2015 sits between the two at 88%.
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
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About the 2015 BMW 118
The 2015 BMW 118 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 21,089 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2015, the average MOT pass rate is 83%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 73,906 miles at 11 years old, BMW 118 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2015 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 2015 BMW 118?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,707 (£142/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% 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 2015 BMW 118
At 11 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 21,089 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2015 BMW 118's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2015 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(2015) | 88% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1707 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£357 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013) | 79% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£20 |
| AUDI A3(2015) | 88% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£262 |
| FORD TRANSIT(2017) | 81% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1632-£75 |
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.
Related Bmw Models
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