BMW 218D LUXURY AUTO (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 31 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,637
£136/month
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Diesel
Solid Option
87% pass rate, £1637/year to run. 5 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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 close to the national average of 82%.
At 5 years old, 87% of BMW 218D LUXURY AUTOs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 31 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 43,394 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
43,394
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 BMW 218D LUXURY AUTO has 43,394 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2019 model has the lowest at 94%. The 2021 sits between the two at 87%.
BMW 218D LUXURY AUTO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 BMW 218D LUXURY AUTO
The 2021 BMW 218D LUXURY AUTO is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 31 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 89% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 43,394 miles at 5 years old, BMW 218D LUXURY AUTO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 BMW 218D LUXURY AUTO 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 2021 BMW 218D LUXURY AUTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,637 (£136/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 218D LUXURY AUTO Reliability Trend
Older BMW 218D LUXURY AUTOs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 2021 BMW 218D LUXURY AUTO
At 5 years old, the BMW 218D LUXURY AUTO 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 98%. Note: with only 31 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 BMW 218D LUXURY AUTO'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
Medium riskDiesel 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
Low riskExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 2021 BMW 218D LUXURY AUTO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 218D LUXURY AUTO(2021) | 87% | £1037 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1637 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£137 |
| FORD KUGA(2019) | 91% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£155 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£137 |
| FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM(2019) | 87% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1632-£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
Explore other Bmw cars or similar models in the same category.
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FORD FOCUS
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
FORD KUGA
2019 · 1997cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
2019 · 1598cc Diesel
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