BMW M235I (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 100 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2979cc Petrol
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £2427/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2979cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 88% of BMW M235Is from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 100 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 57,019 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
57,019
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 BMW M235I has 57,019 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2016 model has the lowest at 88%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
BMW M235I by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 BMW M235I
The 2016 BMW M235I is a premium performance with a 2979cc petrol engine. 100 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 57,019 miles at 10 years old, BMW M235I owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2016 BMW M235I 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 2016 BMW M235I?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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 M235I Reliability Trend
Older BMW M235Is tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 8 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 2016 BMW M235I
At 10 years old, the BMW M235I 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 BMW M235I's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 10 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.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
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 2016 BMW M235I stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M235I(2016) | 88% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2427 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2014) | 87% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£180 |
| BMW 5 SERIES(2018) | 91% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£390 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2018) | 93% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£390 |
| AUDI TT(2016) | 92% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2097-£330 |
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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