2020 BMW 116 1.5L Diesel · FJ20 TYW

The 1.5-litre diesel engine in the BMW 116d is one of the more economical premium hatchbacks on the market, with official combined fuel economy figures around 65-70 mpg achievable in real-world mixed driving. Annual road tax is likely to fall into a low bracket given the engine's modest CO2 output. Insurance sits in a relatively affordable group for the class, typically around group 15-18 depending on the driver's profile.

Maintenance costs are higher than for mainstream alternatives — expect BMW main dealer servicing to cost £250-£400 per visit, with independent specialists charging £150-£250. Common wear items such as brake discs and pads, tyres, and diesel filter replacements should be budgeted for. A realistic annual running cost covering fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance would be in the region of £1,500-£2,000 for a typical driver covering around 10,000 miles per year.

Start with a cold-start check — listen carefully for any timing chain rattle from the B37 engine, which would suggest the chain and tensioner may need replacement (a £600-£900 job). Inspect the exhaust for any smoke on start-up; blue smoke could indicate turbo or piston ring wear on higher-mileage units. Check the DPF by reading the live data for soot loading — diesel cars used predominantly around town are prone to DPF clogging, which can result in expensive replacement.

Physically inspect the seat belt webbing on the offside rear (as flagged in the 2026 MOT advisory) and check all other belts for similar fraying. Examine the rear brake discs and pads for wear — these tend to last longer than the fronts but should still be checked at this mileage. Look under the car for any oil residue around the engine sump and oil filter housing, and check the coolant level for any signs of contamination. Finally, examine all four tyres for even wear, as the model aggregate data suggests tyres are a common MOT failure point for this vehicle.