BMW 316 (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 241 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,178

£182/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1596cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,178/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1596cc35 years old241 tests117k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1596cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,178

Per month£182/mo

Per week£42/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

82% of MOT tests on BMW 316s from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 241 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 116,990 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models78th of 172(top half)

Rank among BMW models1258th of 1,548(bottom 19%)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average+3%(79% avg)

vs BMW average-6%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

116,990

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 BMW 316 had 116,990 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 72%. The 1991 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 316 by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,411/year

80%

-2%

BMW 3 Series

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£2,411/year

84%

+2%

Rover Mini

1993 · 1275cc Petrol

£2,183/year

74%

-8%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+3%

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About the 1991 BMW 316

The 1991 BMW 316 is a premium car. Our records list a 1596cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 241 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 116,990 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 316 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1991 BMW 316 Fuel Costs

The 1596cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1991 BMW 316?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,178 (£182/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 316 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.

Buying a Used 1991 BMW 316

At 35 years old, the BMW 316 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 117k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 1991 BMW 316 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW 316(1991)	82%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178
Volkswagen Golf(1991)	80%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£233
BMW 3 Series(1990)	84%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,411+£233
Rover Mini(1993)	74%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,183+£5
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1991 BMW 316

Is the 1991 BMW 316 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 1991 BMW 316s ended in a pass, from 241 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 BMW 316 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,178 a year (£182 a month): £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 BMW 316?

82% of 241 MOT tests on the 1991 BMW 316 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 78th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top half).

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% and the 1995 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1991 BMW 316?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 BMW 316 is 116,990 miles, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.