BMW 318 (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 35 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,211

£184/month

MOT Pass Rate

94%

Excellent

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Petrol

Great Choice

94% pass rate, £2,211/year to run. 12 points above average.

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Petrol1995cc20 years old35 tests94k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1995cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,211

Per month£184/mo

Per week£43/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

94% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.

94% of MOT tests on BMW 318s from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 35 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 93,688 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models19th of 554(top 4%)

Rank among BMW models314th of 1,548(top 21%)

vs average of all models+12%(82% avg)

vs 2006 models average+21%(73% avg)

vs BMW average+6%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

93,688

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 BMW 318 had 93,688 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 81%. The 2006 scores 94%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2008 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

-21%

BMW 3 Series

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

-14%

MINI

2008 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

74%

-20%

Renault Clio

2007 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

68%

-26%

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About the 2006 BMW 318

The 2006 BMW 318 is a premium car. Our records list a 1995cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 35 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 4% of all 2006 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 93,688 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 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 2006 BMW 318?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,211 (£184/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 3 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2006 BMW 318

At 20 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.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 20 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 94k 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 2006 BMW 318 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 318(2006)	94%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,211
Ford Focus(2008)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£17
BMW 3 Series(2007)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361+£150
MINI(2008)	74%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£17
Renault Clio(2007)	68%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711+£500

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 2006 BMW 318

Is the 2006 BMW 318 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 94% of MOT tests on 2006 BMW 318s ended in a pass, from 35 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 BMW 318 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,211 a year (£184 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 BMW 318?

94% of 35 MOT tests on the 2006 BMW 318 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 19th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (top 4%).

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% and the 2011 the lowest at 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2006 BMW 318?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 BMW 318 is 93,688 miles, 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.