Is the 2010 BMW 318 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of BMW 318s from 2010 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 97 tests. That's 3 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2010 BMW 318 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2010 BMW 318?

The 2010 BMW 318 has a 79% MOT pass rate based on 97 tests in 2026. This ranks 280 out of 575 cars from 2010.

Which year BMW 318 is most reliable?

The 2019 BMW 318 has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%. The least reliable year is 2007 at 70%.

What is the average mileage for a 2010 BMW 318?

The average mileage for a 2010 BMW 318 is 129,804 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

BMW 318 (2010)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 97 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £1857/year to run. Close to the national average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific BMW 318

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Diesel1995cc16 years old97 tests130k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 1995cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,857

Per month£155/mo

Per week£36/wk

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

🛡️

Get an insurance quote for this BMW 318

Compare quotes and find the best deal

Reliability Verdict

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

At 16 years old, 79% of BMW 318s from 2010 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 97 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 129,804 miles.

Got a BMW 318 you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2010 cars280th of 575(top 49%)

Rank among BMW models1387th of 1,564(top 89%)

vs national average-3%(82% avg)

vs 2010 cars average+4%(75% avg)

vs BMW average-9%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

129,804

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2010 BMW 318 has 129,804 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Looking at a specific BMW 318?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2010 sits between the two at 79%.

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

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2012 · 1896cc Diesel

£1,577/year

80%

+1%

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£1,727/year

74%

-5%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,595/year

74%

-5%

BMW 3 SERIES

2012 · 2000cc Diesel

£1,577/year

82%

+3%

Check a Specific Bmw 318

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2010 BMW 318

The 2010 BMW 318 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 97 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2010, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 129,804 miles at 16 years old, BMW 318 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2010 BMW 318 Fuel Costs

The 1995cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2010 BMW 318?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% 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 2010 BMW 318

At 16 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 97 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2010 BMW 318's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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

Watch out

With an average of 130k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 2010 BMW 318 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
BMW 318(2010)	79%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1857
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2012)	80%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1577-£280
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010)	74%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)	74%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1595-£262
BMW 3 SERIES(2012)	82%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1577-£280

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.