BMW 518 (2017)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 33 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Total Tests (2024)
33
Avg Mileage
93,782 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,632
Is the 2017 BMW 518 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 7 years old, 82% of BMW 518s from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 33 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 93,782 miles.
How does the 2017 BMW 518 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2017 BMW 518 has 93,782 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
Best year to buy a BMW 518?
The most reliable year is the 2015 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2017 sits between the two at 82%.
How much does a 2017 BMW 518 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 518 by Year
Checking a specific BMW 518?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2017 BMW 518
The 2017 BMW 518 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 33 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 87% of 2017 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 93,782 miles at 7 years old, 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.
2017 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 £1,037 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 2017 BMW 518?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,632 (£136/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 518 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 518s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2017 BMW 518
At 7 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 90%. Note: with only 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2017 BMW 518
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2017) 91% pass rate (+9%) from 127,682 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2019) 89% pass rate (+7%) from 93,803 tests
- AUDI A3 (2015) 88% pass rate (+6%) from 80,797 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (2017) 81% pass rate (-1%) from 80,031 tests