CarCostCheck

BMW 318 (1991)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 40 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

83%

Total Tests (2024)

40

Avg Mileage

104,481 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,867

Is the 1991 BMW 318 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

At 33 years old, 83% of BMW 318s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 40 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 104,481 miles.

How does the 1991 BMW 318 compare?

Rank among all 1991 cars74th out of 179(top 41%)
Rank among all BMW models1243th out of 1,564(top 79%)
vs national average+1% (82% avg)
vs 1991 cars average+5% (78% avg)
vs BMW average-5% (88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 1991 BMW 318 has 104,481 miles on the clock, 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.

Best year to buy a BMW 318?

The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1991 sits between the two at 83%.

How much does a 1991 BMW 318 cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)
£1,327
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£1,867
Per month£156/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

BMW 318 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202188%20840,912 mi
202088%1,09749,297 mi
201991%3,09852,537 mi
201889%5,00358,152 mi
201788%4,88268,955 mi
201688%1,59572,449 mi
201589%8083,406 mi
201488%69101,643 mi
201380%4690,437 mi
201277%88117,928 mi
201181%119102,017 mi
201079%97129,804 mi
200972%74116,519 mi
200875%89109,429 mi
200770%73106,943 mi
200694%3593,688 mi
199775%3285,018 mi
199183%40104,481 mi
199076%38113,579 mi

Checking a specific BMW 318?

Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

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About the 1991 BMW 318

The 1991 BMW 318 is a premium with a 1796cc petrol engine. 40 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 104,481 miles at 33 years old, BMW 318 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 318 Fuel Costs

The 1796cc 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 1991 BMW 318?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,867 (£156/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 318 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 318s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1991 BMW 318

At 33 years old, the BMW 318 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. Note: with only 40 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Alternatives to the 1991 BMW 318

If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: