2019 · 5 years old at test · Electric mostly

2019 BMW i3 MOT pass rate and common faults

4,000 MOT tests in 2024. 89.3% passed first time, compared with 84.9% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time89.3%
Failed or needed repairs10.7%
Typical mileage at test30,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,000 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 cords2.4%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
    99 marked dangerous
  3. Headlamp aim: too high1.5%
  4. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.0%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.6%
    25 marked dangerous
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken0.6%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
    24 marked dangerous
  8. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.3%
    22 marked dangerous
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.1%
  2. Lights & electrics2.5%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.8%
  4. Suspension0.8%
  5. Brakes0.4%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.2%
  7. Body & chassis0.2%
  8. Wheels0.1%

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 structure13.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3.9%
  4. Road Wheels - condition: badly distorted2.4%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.2%

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 2019 BMW i3?

In 2024, 89.3% of 2019 BMW i3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,000 tests. The average for all 5-year-old cars was 84.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2019 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; headlamp aim: too high. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2019 BMW i3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).