BMW 218I SE Auto

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 4 model years from 1,845 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

93%

Total Tests

1,845

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (94%)

Years Covered

About the BMW 218I SE Auto

The BMW 218I SE Auto was MOT tested 1,845 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 4 model years (2018 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 93%. 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 94% from 510 tests. The 2019 model has the lowest at 90%. With just a 4 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 Auto 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 55,600 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 21,693 miles.

Compared to the BMW brand average of 88%, the 218I SE Auto performs 5 points better, making it one of the more reliable options in the BMW range.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1499cc)

£1,398

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,853

Per month£154/mo

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 details

How reliable is the BMW 218I SE Auto?

vs average of all models+11% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average+5% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread4 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

BMW 218I SE Auto by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	97%	88	21,693 mi
2020	94%	510	41,955 mi
2019	90%	843	46,676 mi
2018	91%	404	55,600 mi

Questions about the BMW 218I SE Auto

Is the BMW 218I SE Auto reliable?

Across its 4 model years in our data (2018 to 2021), the BMW 218I SE Auto averages a 93% MOT pass rate, from 1,845 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 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 94%.

Which year BMW 218I SE Auto has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 BMW 218I SE Auto has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2019 model has the lowest at 90%, a 4 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.