BMW I3 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The BMW I3 is a supermini. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 128 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 115 of 442, and 13.0% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is condition (2.1% of tests).
Ranked 115 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 1 of 31 superminis
In 2024, 22,563 BMW I3s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 13.0% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the BMW I3 is 22% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 11.5% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
13.0%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
11.5%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
7,200
Typical age at test: 5 years
BMW I3 MOT failure rate by age
Most common BMW I3 MOT faults
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.1% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0% of tests
- Headlamp aim: too high1.4% of tests
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.1% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.8% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed0.7% of tests
What the BMW I3 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 6.0% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 3.1% | ▼ 28% less often |
| Visibility | 2.5% | ▼ 22% less often |
| Brakes | 0.9% | ▼ 70% less often |
| Suspension | 0.9% | ▼ 69% less often |
| Wheels | 0.6% | ▲ 2.8× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.5% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.3% | ▼ 73% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.2% | ▼ 76% less often |
| Steering | 0.1% | ▼ 89% less often |
How much is road tax on a BMW I3?
Any BMW I3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
Work out tax for a specific carBuying a used BMW I3?
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Compare the BMW I3 with other superminis
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other BMW models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the BMW I3 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the BMW I3 is 22% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 128 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the BMW I3?
The most common MOT fault is “Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords”, found in 2.1% of tests.
›How much is road tax on a BMW I3?
Any BMW I3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
›How many BMW I3s fail their MOT?
13.0% of BMW I3s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 11.5% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the BMW I3 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0). How we calculate the league.