BMW 318

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 19 model years from 16,763 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

83%

Total Tests

16,763

Highest Pass Rate

2019 (91%)

Years Covered

About the BMW 318

The BMW 318 was MOT tested 16,763 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 19 model years (1990 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 83%. That's slightly above 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 91% from 3,098 tests. The 2011 model has the lowest at 81%. The 10 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 318s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 3 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 113,579 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 40,912 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the BMW brand average of 88%, the 318 is 5 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

£350

Total per year£2,002

Per month£167/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 318?

vs average of all models+1% (82% avg)

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

Best to worst year spread10 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW 318 by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	88%	208	40,912 mi
2020	88%	1,097	49,297 mi
2019	91%	3,098	52,537 mi
2018	89%	5,003	58,152 mi
2017	88%	4,882	68,955 mi
2016	88%	1,595	72,449 mi
2015	89%	80	83,406 mi
2014	88%	69	101,643 mi
2013	80%	46	90,437 mi
2012	77%	88	117,928 mi
2011	81%	119	102,017 mi
2010	79%	97	129,804 mi
2009	72%	74	116,519 mi
2008	75%	89	109,429 mi
2007	70%	73	106,943 mi
2006	94%	35	93,688 mi
1997	75%	32	85,018 mi
1991	83%	40	104,481 mi
1990	76%	38	113,579 mi

Questions about the BMW 318

Is the BMW 318 reliable?

Across its 19 model years in our data (1990 to 2021), the BMW 318 averages an 83% MOT pass rate, from 16,763 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2019 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 91%.

Which year BMW 318 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 BMW 318 has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 81%, a 10 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.