BMW 316 (2001)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 615 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests (2024)
615
Avg Mileage
100,456 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 2001 BMW 316 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 23 years old, 74% of BMW 316s from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 615 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 100,456 miles.
How does the 2001 BMW 316 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2001 BMW 316 has 100,456 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a BMW 316?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2001 sits between the two at 74%.
How much does a 2001 BMW 316 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific BMW 316?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2001 BMW 316
The 2001 BMW 316 is a premium with a 1895cc petrol engine. 615 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 100,456 miles at 23 years old, BMW 316 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 BMW 316 Fuel Costs
The 1895cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2001 BMW 316?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 316 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 316s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2001 BMW 316
At 23 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%.
Alternatives to the 2001 BMW 316
The BMW 316 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2003) 72% pass rate (-2%) from 25,713 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2003) 68% pass rate (-6%) from 22,313 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2003) 67% pass rate (-7%) from 21,166 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2003) 70% pass rate (-4%) from 14,502 tests