BMW i3 (2018)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 5,879 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,010

£84/month

MOT Pass Rate

92%

Excellent

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

Electric

Great Choice

92% pass rate, £1,010/year to run. 10 points above average.

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Electric8 years old5,879 tests41k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Electricity

Home charging at about 7.5p a mile

£555

Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,010

Per month£84/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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

92% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.

92% of MOT tests on BMW i3s from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 5,879 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 40,834 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2018 models206th of 607(top half)

Rank among BMW models445th of 1,548(top half)

vs average of all models+10%(82% avg)

vs 2018 models average+3%(89% avg)

vs BMW average+4%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

40,834

Average miles

44,400

Expected for age

The average 2018 BMW i3 had 40,834 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-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 2018 scores 92%. 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

Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd

2020 · Electric

£1,160/year

89%

-3%

Jaguar I-Pace

2020 · Electric

£1,010/year

96%

+4%

Nissan Leaf

2020 · Electric

£1,010/year

92%

same

Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +

2020 · Electric

£1,160/year

89%

-3%

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About the 2018 BMW i3

The 2018 BMW i3 is an electric car. Our records list it as electric. 5,879 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 40,834 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 2018 BMW i3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,010 (£84/month), broken down as £555 electricity, £200 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 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 2018 BMW i3

At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. With 5,879 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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 8 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.

Suspension Wear

Medium risk

Shock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.

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 2018 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(2018)	92%	£555	£200	n/a	£1,010
Tesla Model 3 Long Range Awd(2020)	89%	£555	£200	n/a	£1,160+£150
Jaguar I-Pace(2020)	96%	£555	£200	n/a	£1,010same
Nissan Leaf(2020)	92%	£555	£200	n/a	£1,010same
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range +(2020)	89%	£555	£200	n/a	£1,160+£150

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 2018 BMW i3

Is the 2018 BMW i3 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 2018 BMW i3s ended in a pass, from 5,879 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2018 BMW i3 cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,010 a year (£84 a month): £555 electricity, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 BMW i3?

92% of 5,879 MOT tests on the 2018 BMW i3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 206th of 607 models first registered in 2018 (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 2018 BMW i3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 BMW i3 is 40,834 miles, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.