BMW 218I SE (2020)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 475 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
475
Avg Mileage
30,650 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,582
Is the 2020 BMW 218I SE reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 4 years old, 92% of BMW 218I SEs from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 475 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 30,650 miles.
How does the 2020 BMW 218I SE compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2020 BMW 218I SE has 30,650 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
How much does a 2020 BMW 218I SE cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW 218I SE by Year
Checking a specific BMW 218I SE?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2020 BMW 218I SE
The 2020 BMW 218I SE is a premium with a 1499cc petrol engine. 475 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 30,650 miles at 4 years old, BMW 218I SE owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 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 2020 BMW 218I SE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,582 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% 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 2020 BMW 218I SE
At 4 years old, the BMW 218I SE offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Alternatives to the 2020 BMW 218I SE
The BMW 218I SE is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (same) from 89,653 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2018) 85% pass rate (-7%) from 86,266 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2018) 87% pass rate (-5%) from 78,522 tests
- FORD KUGA (2018) 90% pass rate (-2%) from 67,605 tests