BMW 4 SERIES (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 405 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,042
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
96%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2979cc Petrol
Great Choice
96% pass rate, £2042/year to run. 14 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 14 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 8 years old, 96% of BMW 4 SERIESs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 405 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 25,751 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
25,751
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 BMW 4 SERIES has 25,751 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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BMW 4 SERIES by Year
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About the 2018 BMW 4 SERIES
The 2018 BMW 4 SERIES is a premium performance with a 2979cc petrol engine. 405 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 13% of all 2018 cars for reliability.
With an average of 25,751 miles at 8 years old, BMW 4 SERIES owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2018 BMW 4 SERIES Fuel Costs
The 2979cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 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 4 SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,042 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 96% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
BMW 4 SERIES Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 4 SERIESs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 BMW 4 SERIES
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 BMW 4 SERIES's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 8 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2018 BMW 4 SERIES stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 4 SERIES(2018) | 96% | £1592 | £195 | Grp 30-42 | £2042 |
| BMW 5 SERIES(2018) | 91% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£5 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2018) | 93% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£5 |
| BMW X3(2019) | 92% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£5 |
| MERCEDES GLC(2019) | 93% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£5 |
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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