2018 BMW 118 1.5L Petrol · NJ18 YHP

The 1.5-litre petrol BMW 118 typically returns around 50 mpg on a combined cycle, though real-world figures for the three-cylinder unit tend to sit between 42 and 48 mpg depending on driving style. Road tax for a 2018 petrol of this engine size falls in a relatively modest VED band, and the car should not be subject to the premium car supplement as it falls under the £40,000 threshold at list price.

Insurance for the BMW 118 typically sits in groups 18 to 22, so expect premiums in the £500 to £800 range for a driver with a clean licence and average no-claims history. Routine maintenance on the 1.5-litre engine is generally cheaper than its four-cylinder siblings, but BMW main dealer servicing will still cost £250 to £400 per visit, with independent specialists offering equivalent work for £150 to £250.

Factor in replacement tyres around £400 per set, brake discs and pads at the rear axle every 30,000 to 40,000 miles, and the typical £200 to £400 cost of an annual service. Overall, budgeting £900 to £1,200 annually for fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance should be realistic for a car driven below-average miles.

The most common MOT failure items across the BMW 118 range are headlamp issues (alignment, blown bulbs, or cracked lenses), an inoperative engine management indicator, and fluid leaks. With this specific car, the absence of any recorded MOT advisories at its December 2021 test is a positive starting point, but you should still physically inspect the headlamp alignment and check for condensation inside the units, which can lead to an MOT failure later on.

Lift the bonnet and inspect the oil filler cap and surrounding areas for any signs of white or milky residue, which could indicate head gasket concerns, though these are uncommon on the B38 engine. Check the coolant expansion tank for any staining that might suggest a slow leak, and examine the area around the oil filter housing, which is a known source of drips on this engine family. Pull the dipstick and confirm the oil is a normal colour and at the correct level.

Finally, run a scan tool or request one be connected — the most frequently recorded MOT failure reason of 'engine mil inoperative' means a dashboard warning lamp either failed to illuminate when it should have or stayed on when it shouldn't. A healthy B38 should show no engine management lights at idle or during a short drive.