BMW I3 (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,852 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,100
£92/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
0cc Electric
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £1100/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
Based on 0cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 88% of BMW I3s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,852 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 55,666 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
55,666
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 BMW I3 has 55,666 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 87%. The 2016 sits between the two at 88%.
BMW I3 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 BMW I3
The 2016 BMW I3 is a electric with a 0cc electric engine. 3,852 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 55,666 miles at 10 years old, BMW I3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
What does it cost to own a 2016 BMW I3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,100 (£92/month), broken down as £500 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW I3 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW I3s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 BMW I3
At 10 years old, the BMW I3 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 BMW I3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Battery Degradation
Watch outAfter 10 years, expect some battery capacity loss. Check the battery health report for state of health (SoH). Below 80% significantly reduces range.
Charging Port
Medium riskCharging connectors and ports can develop issues from regular use. Check both AC and DC charging work correctly before purchasing.
Software Updates
Medium riskOlder EVs may miss out on manufacturer software updates that improve range and features. Check the infotainment system is up to date.
12V Auxiliary Battery
Medium riskEVs still have a standard 12V battery for accessories. These drain faster than in petrol cars and can leave you stranded if flat. Replacement is £100-£200.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2016 BMW I3 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW I3(2016) | 88% | £500 | £195 | Grp 1-8 | £1100 |
| VOLVO XC90(2018) | 89% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1095-£5 |
| HYUNDAI KONA(2018) | 91% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £945-£155 |
| MERCEDES B-CLASS(2015) | 86% | £500 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £935-£165 |
| SMART (MCC) FORTWO(2017) | 88% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1095-£5 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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