2018 · 6 years old at test · Hybrid mostly

2018 BMW i3 MOT pass rate and common faults

3,036 MOT tests in 2024. 88.1% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time88.1%
Failed or needed repairs11.9%
Typical mileage at test37,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,036 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
    125 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.1%
  3. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.3%
  4. Headlamp aim: too high1.0%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.8%
    36 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
    21 marked dangerous
  7. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
    32 marked dangerous
  8. Side repeaters: not working0.4%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.7%
  2. Lights & electrics2.4%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.2%
  4. Brakes1.0%
  5. Suspension0.7%
  6. Wheels0.6%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.3%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.1%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.5%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.7%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.7%
  5. Road Wheels - condition: badly distorted2.4%

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 2018 BMW i3?

In 2024, 88.1% of 2018 BMW i3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,036 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 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 2018 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).