BMW 318 (2020)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,097 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,637
£136/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Diesel
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £1637/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 6 years old, 88% of BMW 318s from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,097 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 49,297 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
49,297
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2020 BMW 318 has 49,297 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2020 sits between the two at 88%.
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 2020 BMW 318
The 2020 BMW 318 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 1,097 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 81% of 2020 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 49,297 miles at 6 years old, BMW 318 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 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 2020 BMW 318?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,637 (£136/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% 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 2020 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2020 BMW 318's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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
Medium riskDiesel 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.
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 2020 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(2020) | 88% | £1037 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1637 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2018) | 92% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£155 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£137 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2018) | 84% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£137 |
| FORD KUGA(2019) | 91% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£155 |
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.
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