BMW 218 (2020)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,615 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,587
£132/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1499cc Petrol
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £1587/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 6 years old, 92% of BMW 218s from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,615 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 27,385 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
27,385
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2020 BMW 218 has 27,385 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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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 2020 sits between the two at 92%.
BMW 218 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2020 BMW 218
The 2020 BMW 218 is a premium with a 1499cc petrol engine. 4,615 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 27,385 miles at 6 years old, BMW 218 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2020 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 2020 BMW 218?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,587 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% 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 2020 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2020 BMW 218's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 2020 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(2020) | 92% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1587 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£5 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2018) | 85% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 8-20 | £1732+£145 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2018) | 87% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£37 |
| FORD KUGA(2018) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£5 |
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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