BMW 518 (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 509 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,077

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,077/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Diesel1995cc10 years old509 tests112k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,077

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/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.

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 518s from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 509 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 112,019 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models263rd of 539(top half)

Rank among BMW models921st of 1,548(bottom half)

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

vs 2016 models average+3%(85% avg)

vs BMW average+0%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

112,019

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 BMW 518 had 112,019 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2015 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 82%. The 2016 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 518 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2017	82%	33	93,782 mi
2016	88%	509	112,019 mi
2015	90%	1,003	120,415 mi
2014	87%	1,559	126,361 mi
2013	82%	621	122,687 mi
1995	69%	90	120,162 mi
1994	71%	58	140,924 mi
1992	65%	40	129,755 mi
1990	71%	38	88,970 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+3%

Vauxhall Astra

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

79%

-9%

Ford Focus

2018 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

+1%

Audi A3

2015 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

88%

same

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About the 2016 BMW 518

The 2016 BMW 518 is a premium car. Our records list a 1995cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 509 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 112,019 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 518 owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.

2016 BMW 518 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 2016 BMW 518?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,077 (£173/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 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 518 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 518s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2016 BMW 518

At 10 years old, the BMW 518 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 90%.

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

Watch out

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

Watch out

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

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 112k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

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 2016 BMW 518 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 518(2016)	88%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£403
Vauxhall Astra(2014)	79%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£133
Ford Focus(2018)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824-£253
Audi A3(2015)	88%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£283

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 2016 BMW 518

Is the 2016 BMW 518 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2016 BMW 518s ended in a pass, from 509 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 2016 BMW 518 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,077 a year (£173 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 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 2016 BMW 518?

88% of 509 MOT tests on the 2016 BMW 518 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 263rd of 539 models first registered in 2016 (top half).

Which year BMW 518 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 BMW 518 has the highest MOT pass rate at 90% and the 2013 the lowest at 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2016 BMW 518?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 BMW 518 is 112,019 miles, which is well above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.