BMW 218I SE (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 721 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,587
£132/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1499cc Petrol
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £1587/year to run. 9 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 9 points above the national average of 82%.
At 8 years old, 91% of BMW 218I SEs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 721 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 40,911 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
40,911
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 BMW 218I SE has 40,911 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2020 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2019 model has the lowest at 89%. The 2018 sits between the two at 91%.
BMW 218I SE by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 BMW 218I SE
The 2018 BMW 218I SE is a premium with a 1499cc petrol engine. 721 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 40,911 miles at 8 years old, BMW 218I SE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2018 BMW 218I SE 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 218I SE?
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 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
BMW 218I SE Reliability Trend
The BMW 218I SE has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 BMW 218I SE
At 8 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 BMW 218I SE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 2018 BMW 218I SE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 218I SE(2018) | 91% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1587 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2016) | 81% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572-£15 |
| FORD FOCUS(2016) | 87% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677+£90 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£37 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2016) | 85% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£197 |
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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