BMW 218D SE (2019)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 91 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,487
£124/month
MOT Pass Rate
95%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Diesel
Great Choice
95% pass rate, £1487/year to run. 13 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 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 13 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 7 years old, 95% of BMW 218D SEs from 2019 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 91 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 48,368 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
48,368
Average miles
51,800
Expected for age
The average 2019 BMW 218D SE has 48,368 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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BMW 218D SE by Year
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About the 2019 BMW 218D SE
The 2019 BMW 218D SE is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 91 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 17% of all 2019 cars for reliability.
With an average of 48,368 miles at 7 years old, BMW 218D SE owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2019 BMW 218D SE 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 2019 BMW 218D SE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,487 (£124/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 95% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2019 BMW 218D SE
At 7 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. Note: with only 91 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2019 BMW 218D SE'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
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2019 BMW 218D SE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 218D SE(2019) | 95% | £1037 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1487 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£137 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£13 |
| FORD TRANSIT(2017) | 81% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1632+£145 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2018) | 84% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£13 |
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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