BMW 218I SE
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 4 model years from 3,210 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
91%
Total Tests
3,210
Highest Pass Rate
2020 (92%)
Years Covered
4
About the BMW 218I SE
The BMW 218I SE was MOT tested 3,210 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 4 model years (2018 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 91%. That's comfortably above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92% from 475 tests. The 2019 model has the lowest at 89%. With just a 3 point gap, pass rates are similar across these years. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Reliability Trend
The BMW 218I SE has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (2018) averages 40,911 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 23,840 miles.
Estimated Running Costs
Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 2021 detailsHow reliable is the BMW 218I SE?
BMW 218I SE by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the BMW 218I SE
Is the BMW 218I SE reliable?
Across its 4 model years in our data (2018 to 2021), the BMW 218I SE averages a 91% MOT pass rate, from 3,210 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 92%.
Which year BMW 218I SE has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 BMW 218I SE has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2019 model has the lowest at 89%, a 3 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer BMW 218I SEs more reliable?
The BMW 218I SE has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.
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