2017 · 7 years old at test · Hybrid mostly

2017 BMW i8 MOT pass rate and common faults

226 MOT tests in 2024. 88.5% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time88.5%
Failed or needed repairs11.5%
Typical mileage at test37,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 226 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
    13 marked dangerous
  2. Registration plates: does not conform to the specified requirements2.2%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
  4. Side repeaters: not working1.3%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.9%
    3 marked dangerous
  6. Headlamp aim: too high0.4%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively fluctuating0.4%
  8. Headlamp aim: too far to the right0.4%
  9. Headlamp aim: too low0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics4.4%
  2. Tyres4.0%
  3. Number plates & VIN2.2%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.8%
  5. Brakes1.3%
  6. Body & chassis0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.0%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.1%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.5%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3.1%
  5. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre2.2%

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: 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 i8?

In 2024, 88.5% of 2017 BMW i8 cars passed their MOT first time, across 226 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 BMW i8?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; registration plates: does not conform to the specified requirements; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2017 BMW i8 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).