BMW 318 (2021)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 208 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,002

£167/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,002/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Diesel1995cc5 years old208 tests41k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,002

Per month£167/mo

Per week£39/wk

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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

88% of MOT tests on BMW 318s from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 208 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 40,912 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2021 models2830th of 3,336(bottom 16%)

Rank among BMW models939th of 1,548(bottom half)

vs average of all models+6%(82% avg)

vs 2021 models average-4%(92% avg)

vs BMW average+0%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

40,912

Average miles

22,200

Expected for age

The average 2021 BMW 318 had 40,912 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.

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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 2021 scores 88%. 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

2019 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

+1%

Ford Kuga

2019 · 1997cc Diesel

£1,852/year

91%

+3%

Volkswagen Polo

2019 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

+1%

Kia Sportage

2019 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

+1%

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About the 2021 BMW 318

The 2021 BMW 318 is a premium car. Our records list a 1995cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 208 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 16% of 2021 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 40,912 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 318 owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.

2021 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 2021 BMW 318?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,002 (£167/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £200 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 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 2021 BMW 318

At 5 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

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 out

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

Turbo Wear

Medium risk

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

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Low risk

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

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 2021 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(2021)	88%	£1,397	£200	Grp 18-32	£2,002
Ford Focus(2019)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824-£178
Ford Kuga(2019)	91%	£1,397	£200	Grp 18-32	£1,852-£150
Volkswagen Polo(2019)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824-£178
Kia Sportage(2019)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824-£178

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 2021 BMW 318

Is the 2021 BMW 318 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2021 BMW 318s ended in a pass, from 208 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2021 BMW 318 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,002 a year (£167 a month): £1,397 fuel, £200 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 2021 BMW 318?

88% of 208 MOT tests on the 2021 BMW 318 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 2830th of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (bottom 16%).

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 2021 BMW 318?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 BMW 318 is 40,912 miles, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.