BMW 420 (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 22,374 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Total Tests (2024)
22,374
Avg Mileage
51,167 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,482
Is the 2018 BMW 420 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%.
At 6 years old, 91% of BMW 420s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 22,374 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 51,167 miles.
How does the 2018 BMW 420 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 BMW 420 has 51,167 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a BMW 420?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 85%. The 2018 sits between the two at 91%.
How much does a 2018 BMW 420 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 420 by Year
Checking a specific BMW 420?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2018 BMW 420
The 2018 BMW 420 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 22,374 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 51,167 miles at 6 years old, BMW 420 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 BMW 420 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 2018 BMW 420?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,482 (£124/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
BMW 420 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 420s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 BMW 420
At 6 years old, the BMW 420 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 22,374 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2018 BMW 420
The BMW 420 is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel premiums from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2017) 91% pass rate (same) from 127,682 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2019) 89% pass rate (-2%) from 93,803 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (2017) 81% pass rate (-10%) from 80,031 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2018) 84% pass rate (-7%) from 79,867 tests