BMW i3 (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,852 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£980

£82/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

Electric

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £980/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Electric10 years old3,852 tests56k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Electricity

Home charging at about 7.5p a mile

£555

Road Tax

Band A (zero emission)

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£980

Per month£82/mo

Per week£19/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), home charging at about 7.5p a mile, GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

88% of MOT tests on BMW i3s from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 3,852 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 55,666 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models253rd of 539(top half)

Rank among BMW models891st of 1,548(bottom half)

vs average of all models+6%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average+3%(85% avg)

vs BMW average+0%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

55,666

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 BMW i3 had 55,666 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 87%. The 2016 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW i3 by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volvo XC90

2018 · Electric

£1,160/year

89%

+1%

Hyundai Kona

2018 · Electric

£1,010/year

91%

+3%

Mercedes B-Class

2015 · Electric

£980/year

86%

-2%

Smart (MCC) Fortwo

2017 · Electric

£1,160/year

88%

same

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About the 2016 BMW i3

The 2016 BMW i3 is an electric car. Our records list it as electric. 3,852 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 55,666 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW i3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

What does it cost to own a 2016 BMW i3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £980 (£82/month), broken down as £555 electricity, £20 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Battery Degradation

Watch out

After 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 risk

Charging connectors and ports can develop issues from regular use. Check both AC and DC charging work correctly before purchasing.

Software Updates

Medium risk

Older 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 risk

EVs 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 out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

Always 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW i3(2016)	88%	£555	£20	n/a	£980
Volvo XC90(2018)	89%	£555	£200	n/a	£1,160+£180
Hyundai Kona(2018)	91%	£555	£200	n/a	£1,010+£30
Mercedes B-Class(2015)	86%	£555	£20	n/a	£980same
Smart (MCC) Fortwo(2017)	88%	£555	£200	n/a	£1,160+£180

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2016 BMW i3

Is the 2016 BMW i3 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2016 BMW i3s ended in a pass, from 3,852 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 BMW i3 cost to run?

Our estimate is £980 a year (£82 a month): £555 electricity, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 BMW i3?

88% of 3,852 MOT tests on the 2016 BMW i3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 253rd of 539 models first registered in 2016 (top half).

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% and the 2013 the lowest at 87%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2016 BMW i3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 BMW i3 is 55,666 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.