2020 · 4 years old at test · Electric mostly

2020 BMW i3 MOT pass rate and common faults

4,089 MOT tests in 2024. 89.6% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time89.6%
Failed or needed repairs10.4%
Typical mileage at test23,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,089 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. Headlamp aim: too high1.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
    100 marked dangerous
  4. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.7%
    39 marked dangerous
  6. Side repeaters: not working0.5%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.4%
    19 marked dangerous
  8. Size/type: of different sizes are fitted on the same axle.0.3%
  9. Washers: not working0.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.0%
  2. Lights & electrics2.9%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.9%
  4. Brakes0.6%
  5. Wheels0.2%
  6. Body & chassis0.1%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.1%
  8. Suspension0.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.0%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.3%
  4. Road Wheels - condition: badly distorted2.3%
  5. Tread depth: tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm2.0%

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 2020 BMW i3?

In 2024, 89.6% of 2020 BMW i3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,089 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 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; headlamp aim: too high; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2020 BMW i3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).