2022 BMW 118 1.5L Petrol · YY22 ACU

The 1.5-litre petrol engine in the BMW 118 typically returns around 45-50 mpg in real-world driving, with a WLTP combined figure of approximately 47 mpg. Insurance for this model usually falls within group 20-24 depending on trim, and road tax is £190 per year as a non-Euro 6 exempt petrol vehicle, although the Euro 6 AP rating means it should be ULEZ-compliant in London. BMW servicing tends to be more expensive than mainstream alternatives, with an annual service typically costing £200-£400 depending on whether it is undertaken at a main dealer or independent specialist.

Typical annual maintenance costs for a four-year-old 1 Series include brake fluid changes (£80-120), cabin filter changes (~£40-60), and periodic spark plug replacement. The estimated annual running cost for this vehicle is £1,200-£1,500.

The MOT history for this vehicle shows no recorded failures or advisories, which is positive, but the model aggregate data highlights three common failure areas worth inspecting. Headlamp issues are the top failure reason across the 1 Series, so check for condensation inside the headlamp units, correct beam alignment, and that both bulbs illuminate evenly. Shock absorber failures are the second most common issue, so test the vehicle on a variety of road surfaces for any knocking noises or excessive bouncing, and check for uneven tyre wear which can indicate worn dampers.

The third most reported issue is 'engine MIL inoperative', which relates to the engine management warning light being on or not illuminating correctly. Ask the seller to demonstrate that the engine management light functions correctly on ignition, and ideally have an OBD-II scan performed to check for any stored fault codes that may not trigger the light. Additionally, inspect the rear brake discs for corrosion if the vehicle has been used for light urban driving, as low annual mileage can lead to surface rust on brake components.