BMW 318 (2015)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 80 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,077
£173/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Diesel
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £2,077/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
89% of MOT tests on BMW 318s from 2015 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 9 years old. That's based on 80 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 83,406 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
83,406
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2015 BMW 318 had 83,406 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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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 2015 scores 89%. 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
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About the 2015 BMW 318
The 2015 BMW 318 is a premium car. Our records list a 1995cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 80 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2015, the average MOT pass rate is 83%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 83,406 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 318 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2015 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 £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2015 BMW 318?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,077 (£173/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2015 BMW 318
At 11 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 80 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.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskWith an average of 83k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 2015 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(2015) | 89% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,077 |
| Volkswagen Golf(2017) | 91% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,674-£403 |
| Vauxhall Astra(2013) | 79% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,227+£150 |
| Audi A3(2015) | 88% | £1,219 | £170 | Grp 12-25 | £1,794-£283 |
| BMW 3 Series(2013) | 85% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,077same |
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 2015 BMW 318
Is the 2015 BMW 318 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2015 BMW 318s ended in a pass, from 80 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2015 BMW 318 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,077 a year (£173 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2015 BMW 318?
89% of 80 MOT tests on the 2015 BMW 318 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 178th of 515 models first registered in 2015 (top half).
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 2015 BMW 318?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2015 BMW 318 is 83,406 miles, which is above the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Related BMW Models
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