BMW 318 (2006)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 35 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Total Tests (2024)
35
Avg Mileage
93,688 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,717
Is the 2006 BMW 318 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 18 years old, 94% of BMW 318s from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 35 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 93,688 miles.
How does the 2006 BMW 318 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2006 BMW 318 has 93,688 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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 2006 sits between the two at 94%.
How much does a 2006 BMW 318 cost to run?
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
| 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 |
Checking a specific BMW 318?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2006 BMW 318
The 2006 BMW 318 is a premium with a 1995cc petrol engine. 35 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 3% of all 2006 cars for reliability.
With an average of 93,688 miles at 18 years old, BMW 318 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2006 BMW 318 Fuel Costs
The 1995cc 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 2006 BMW 318?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,717 (£143/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2006 BMW 318
At 18 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 35 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2006 BMW 318
The BMW 318 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2008) 73% pass rate (-21%) from 90,659 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2007) 80% pass rate (-14%) from 55,686 tests
- MINI MINI (2008) 74% pass rate (-20%) from 54,730 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2007) 68% pass rate (-26%) from 41,223 tests