BMW I8 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The BMW I8 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 166 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 42 of 442, and 11.0% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is tread depth (3.3% of tests).
Ranked 42 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 2,176 BMW I8s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 11.0% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the BMW I8 is 40% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
11.0%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
5,400
Typical age at test: 7 years
BMW I8 MOT failure rate by age
Most common BMW I8 MOT faults
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.3% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.2% of tests
- Registration plates: does not conform to the specified requirements1.1% of tests
- Headlamp aim: too high1.0% of tests
- Side repeaters: not working0.8% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.7% of tests
What the BMW I8 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 4.5% | About average |
| Lights and electrics | 2.3% | ▼ 53% less often |
| Visibility | 2.0% | ▼ 41% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.9% | ▼ 20% less often |
| Brakes | 0.9% | ▼ 75% less often |
| Suspension | 0.5% | ▼ 88% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.5% | ▼ 66% less often |
| Wheels | 0.2% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.2% | ▼ 47% less often |
| Steering | 0.0% | ▼ 100% less often |
How much is road tax on a BMW I8?
Any BMW I8 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 I8?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other BMW models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the BMW I8 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the BMW I8 is 40% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 166 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the BMW I8?
The most common MOT fault is “Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm”, found in 3.3% of tests.
›How much is road tax on a BMW I8?
Any BMW I8 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
›How many BMW I8s fail their MOT?
11.0% of BMW I8s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the BMW I8 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0). How we calculate the league.