2013 · 11 years old at test · Hybrid mostly

2013 BMW i3 MOT pass rate and common faults

116 MOT tests in 2024. 80.2% passed first time, compared with 66.8% for all cars the same age.

120Well above average
Passed first time80.2%
Failed or needed repairs19.8%
Typical mileage at test58,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 116 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords4.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.4%
    6 marked dangerous
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.4%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.6%
  5. Brake pads: worn down to wear indicator1.7%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.7%
  7. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.7%
  8. Locking devices: locking device ineffective0.9%
  9. Headlamp: not working on main beam0.9%
  10. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.9%
    1 marked dangerous

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Tyres9.5%
  2. Suspension4.3%
  3. Emissions & leaks3.4%
  4. Brakes2.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.6%
  6. Lights & electrics1.7%
  7. Steering0.9%
  8. Body & chassis0.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened18.1%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure16.4%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.9%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.8%
  5. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All i3 years2014 i3 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2013 BMW i3?

In 2024, 80.2% of 2013 BMW i3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 116 tests. The average for all 11-year-old cars was 66.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2013 BMW i3?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2013 BMW i3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 120, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).