BMW 218 (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 22,602 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,807
£151/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1499cc Petrol
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £1807/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1499cc
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 10 years old, 88% of BMW 218s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 22,602 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 62,919 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
62,919
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 BMW 218 has 62,919 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 86%. The 2016 sits between the two at 88%.
BMW 218 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 BMW 218
The 2016 BMW 218 is a premium with a 1499cc petrol engine. 22,602 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 62,919 miles at 10 years old, BMW 218 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 BMW 218 Fuel Costs
The 1499cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 BMW 218?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,807 (£151/month), broken down as £1137 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 218 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 218s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 BMW 218
At 10 years old, the BMW 218 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 22,602 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 BMW 218's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 2016 BMW 218 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 218(2016) | 88% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1807 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£85 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£130 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£257 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2015) | 82% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390-£417 |
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.
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