BMW 318 (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 5,003 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Total Tests (2024)
5,003
Avg Mileage
58,152 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,732
Is the 2018 BMW 318 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%.
At 6 years old, 89% of BMW 318s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 5,003 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 58,152 miles.
How does the 2018 BMW 318 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 BMW 318 has 58,152 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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 2018 sits between the two at 89%.
How much does a 2018 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 2018 BMW 318
The 2018 BMW 318 is a premium with a 1499cc petrol engine. 5,003 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 58,152 miles at 6 years old, BMW 318 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2018 BMW 318 Fuel Costs
The 1499cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2018 BMW 318?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,732 (£144/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £190 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 BMW 318
At 6 years old, the BMW 318 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. With 5,003 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2018 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:
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2016) 81% pass rate (-8%) from 133,045 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2016) 87% pass rate (-2%) from 109,880 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (-3%) from 100,176 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2016) 85% pass rate (-4%) from 92,988 tests