BMW I3 (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 5,879 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
5,879
Avg Mileage
40,834 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£945
Is the 2018 BMW I3 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 6 years old, 92% of BMW I3s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 5,879 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 40,834 miles.
How does the 2018 BMW I3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 BMW I3 has 40,834 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a BMW I3?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 87%. The 2018 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2018 BMW I3 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW I3 by Year
Checking a specific BMW I3?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2018 BMW I3
The 2018 BMW I3 is a electric with a 0cc electric engine. 5,879 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 40,834 miles at 6 years old, BMW I3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
What does it cost to own a 2018 BMW I3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £945 (£79/month), broken down as £500 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2018 BMW I3
At 6 years old, the BMW I3 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 5,879 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2018 BMW I3
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable electric cars with similar engines:
- TESLA MODEL 3 LONG RANGE AWD (2020) 89% pass rate (-3%) from 22,032 tests
- JAGUAR I-PACE (2020) 96% pass rate (+4%) from 18,488 tests
- TESLA MODEL 3 STANDARD RANGE + (2020) 89% pass rate (-3%) from 12,949 tests
- TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE AWD (2020) 87% pass rate (-5%) from 12,320 tests