2017 · 7 years old at test · Hybrid mostly

2017 BMW i3 MOT pass rate and common faults

3,113 MOT tests in 2024. 85.5% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time85.5%
Failed or needed repairs14.5%
Typical mileage at test48,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,113 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
    99 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.8%
  3. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.8%
    29 marked dangerous
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.7%
  6. Headlamp aim: too high0.7%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.4%
    19 marked dangerous
  8. Road Wheels - condition: fractured0.4%
    13 marked dangerous
  9. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.4%
  2. Lights & electrics3.3%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.2%
  4. Brakes1.5%
  5. Suspension1.2%
  6. Wheels1.0%
  7. Emissions & leaks0.6%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.1%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.0%
  5. Road Wheels - condition: badly distorted2.8%

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: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. 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 2017 BMW i3?

In 2024, 85.5% of 2017 BMW i3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,113 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 BMW i3?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; washers: provides insufficient washer liquid. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2017 BMW i3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).