BMW 316

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 27 model years from 21,165 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

80%

Total Tests

21,165

Highest Pass Rate

2018 (91%)

Years Covered

About the BMW 316

The BMW 316 was MOT tested 21,165 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 27 model years (1990 to 2019), with an average pass rate of 80%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 91% from 606 tests. The 1995 model has the lowest at 72%. With a 19 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 316s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 115,728 miles, while the newest (2019) averages 64,483 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the BMW brand average of 88%, the 316 is 8 points lower, placing it among the less reliable BMW models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,852

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 2019 details

How reliable is the BMW 316?

vs average of all models-2% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average-8% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread19 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW 316 by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	91%	70	64,483 mi
2018	91%	606	72,417 mi
2017	90%	1,237	81,552 mi
2016	86%	948	97,386 mi
2015	86%	1,313	101,106 mi
2014	86%	2,914	95,868 mi
2013	85%	2,489	95,027 mi
2012	80%	952	123,221 mi
2011	83%	396	138,097 mi
2010	78%	548	146,511 mi
2009	73%	284	136,836 mi
2005	87%	115	80,365 mi
2004	72%	1,262	90,985 mi
2003	74%	1,265	93,504 mi
2002	76%	686	96,942 mi
2001	74%	615	100,456 mi
2000	73%	527	105,144 mi
1999	77%	803	107,610 mi
1998	78%	831	105,029 mi
1997	75%	757	107,650 mi
1996	75%	587	108,605 mi
1995	72%	467	90,008 mi
1994	74%	304	114,145 mi
1993	75%	292	129,047 mi
1992	82%	146	112,349 mi
1991	82%	241	116,990 mi
1990	82%	510	115,728 mi

Questions about the BMW 316

Is the BMW 316 reliable?

Across its 27 model years in our data (1990 to 2019), the BMW 316 averages an 80% MOT pass rate, from 21,165 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2018 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 91%.

Which year BMW 316 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 BMW 316 has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 72%, a 19 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.