BMW 218 (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 16,646 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Total Tests (2024)
16,646
Avg Mileage
44,521 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,582
Is the 2018 BMW 218 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%.
At 6 years old, 91% of BMW 218s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 16,646 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 44,521 miles.
How does the 2018 BMW 218 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 BMW 218 has 44,521 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a BMW 218?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 86%. The 2018 sits between the two at 91%.
How much does a 2018 BMW 218 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 218 by Year
Checking a specific BMW 218?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2018 BMW 218
The 2018 BMW 218 is a premium with a 1499cc petrol engine. 16,646 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 44,521 miles at 6 years old, BMW 218 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 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 2018 BMW 218?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,582 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2018 BMW 218
At 6 years old, the BMW 218 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 16,646 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2018 BMW 218
The BMW 218 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2016) 81% pass rate (-10%) from 133,045 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2016) 87% pass rate (-4%) from 109,880 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (-5%) from 100,176 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2016) 85% pass rate (-6%) from 92,988 tests