BMW 218I SE (2019)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,958 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1499cc Petrol
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £1737/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 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 7 points above the national average of 82%.
At 7 years old, 89% of BMW 218I SEs from 2019 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,958 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 39,759 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
39,759
Average miles
51,800
Expected for age
The average 2019 BMW 218I SE has 39,759 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
BMW 218I SE by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2019 BMW 218I SE
The 2019 BMW 218I SE is a premium with a 1499cc petrol engine. 1,958 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2019, the average MOT pass rate is 90%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 39,759 miles at 7 years old, BMW 218I SE owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2019 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 2019 BMW 218I SE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2019 BMW 218I 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2019 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 2019 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(2019) | 89% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1737 |
| FORD FOCUS(2017) | 89% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1732-£5 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£187 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2017) | 82% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 8-20 | £1732-£5 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£155 |
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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