BMW 118 (2020)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 38,549 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Total Tests (2024)
38,549
Avg Mileage
32,639 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,482
Is the 2020 BMW 118 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 4 years old, 93% of BMW 118s from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 38,549 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 32,639 miles.
How does the 2020 BMW 118 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2020 BMW 118 has 32,639 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-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 2020 sits between the two at 93%.
How much does a 2020 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 2020 BMW 118
The 2020 BMW 118 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 38,549 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 32,639 miles at 4 years old, BMW 118 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 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).
What does it cost to own a 2020 BMW 118?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,482 (£124/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2020 BMW 118
At 4 years old, the BMW 118 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 97%. With 38,549 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2020 BMW 118
The BMW 118 is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel premiums from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2018) 92% pass rate (-1%) from 111,972 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2019) 89% pass rate (-4%) from 93,803 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2018) 84% pass rate (-9%) from 79,867 tests
- FORD KUGA (2019) 91% pass rate (-2%) from 72,831 tests