BMW i3

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 10 model years from 44,266 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

91%

Total Tests

44,266

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (93%)

Years Covered

About the BMW i3

The BMW i3 was MOT tested 44,266 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 10 model years (2013 to 2022), with an average pass rate of 91%. That's comfortably above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list electric and hybrid versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93% from 7,802 tests. The 2013 model has the lowest at 87%. The 6 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW i3s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2013) averages 60,737 miles, while the newest (2022) averages 20,847 miles.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Electric)

£555

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,010

Per month£84/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2022 details

How reliable is the BMW i3?

vs average of all models+9% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average+3% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread6 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW i3 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	94%	406	20,847 mi
2021	93%	6,807	19,684 mi
2020	93%	7,802	25,168 mi
2019	93%	7,676	32,266 mi
2018	92%	5,879	40,834 mi
2017	90%	5,683	51,552 mi
2016	88%	3,852	55,666 mi
2015	87%	3,538	60,342 mi
2014	89%	2,384	64,192 mi
2013	87%	239	60,737 mi

Questions about the BMW i3

Is the BMW i3 reliable?

Across its 10 model years in our data (2013 to 2022), the BMW i3 averages a 91% MOT pass rate, from 44,266 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 93%.

Which year BMW i3 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 BMW i3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 87%, a 6 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.