2016 · 8 years old at test · Hybrid mostly

2016 BMW i3 MOT pass rate and common faults

2,122 MOT tests in 2024. 84.8% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time84.8%
Failed or needed repairs15.2%
Typical mileage at test51,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,122 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 cords1.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    66 marked dangerous
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.2%
  4. Side repeaters: not working1.0%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.9%
    26 marked dangerous
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken0.9%
  7. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault0.8%
  8. Road Wheels - condition: fractured0.7%
    15 marked dangerous
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.7%
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.6%
  2. Lights & electrics3.9%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.2%
  4. Brakes1.9%
  5. Suspension1.8%
  6. Wheels1.2%
  7. Seat belts & airbags1.0%
  8. Emissions & leaks0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.4%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.8%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.6%
  5. Road Wheels - condition: badly distorted4.3%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 BMW i3?

In 2024, 84.8% of 2016 BMW i3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,122 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 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; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2016 BMW i3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).