Across 20,138 MOT tests of the BMW i3 in the DfT's 2023 MOT data (initial tests, retests excluded), 11.9% failed — about 1 in 8. The parts that fail most are tyres (5.2% of tests), lights and electrics (3.5%), wipers, windscreen and mirrors (2.3%), brakes (0.7%) and suspension (0.6%).
Allowing for age and mileage, the BMW i3 has 24% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage.
The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.
i3 (2013–2022)
MOT: 11.9% of 20,138 initial tests failed — 24% fewer failures than the average car of the same age and mileage
| # | Part / area | Share of MOT tests failing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | tyres | 5.2% |
| 2 | lights and electrics | 3.5% |
| 3 | wipers, windscreen and mirrors | 2.3% |
| 4 | brakes | 0.7% |
| 5 | suspension | 0.6% |
Questions
What fails most on a BMW i3 at MOT?
The most common MOT failure is tyres: 5.2% of BMW i3 MOT tests in the 2023 data failed on tyres. Next come lights and electrics (3.5%) and wipers, windscreen and mirrors (2.3%).
How often does a BMW i3 fail its MOT?
11.9% of BMW i3 MOT tests in the 2023 data failed (about 1 in 8), counting initial tests only, across 20,138 tests. Allowing for age and mileage, that is 24% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage.
Is the BMW i3 reliable?
On MOT results, the BMW i3 has 24% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. MOT data covers safety and emissions items, not engines or gearboxes.
Does this BMW i3 data cover engine and gearbox problems?
No. The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.