BMW 218I SE AUTO (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 88 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Total Tests (2024)
88
Avg Mileage
21,693 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,582
Is the 2021 BMW 218I SE AUTO reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 3 years old, 97% of BMW 218I SE AUTOs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 88 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 21,693 miles.
How does the 2021 BMW 218I SE AUTO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 BMW 218I SE AUTO has 21,693 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
How much does a 2021 BMW 218I SE AUTO 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 AUTO by Year
Checking a specific BMW 218I SE AUTO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2021 BMW 218I SE AUTO
The 2021 BMW 218I SE AUTO is a premium with a 1499cc petrol engine. 88 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 12% of all 2021 cars for reliability.
With an average of 21,693 miles at 3 years old, BMW 218I SE AUTO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 BMW 218I SE AUTO 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 2021 BMW 218I SE AUTO?
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 97% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
BMW 218I SE AUTO Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 218I SE AUTOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 BMW 218I SE AUTO
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. Note: with only 88 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2021 BMW 218I SE AUTO
The BMW 218I SE AUTO 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 (-5%) from 89,653 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2019) 88% pass rate (-9%) from 68,639 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2020) 93% pass rate (-4%) from 52,321 tests
- MINI COOPER (2019) 92% pass rate (-5%) from 52,140 tests