BMW I3 (2019)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 7,676 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£950
£79/month
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
0cc Electric
Great Choice
93% pass rate, £950/year to run. 11 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 7 years old, 93% of BMW I3s from 2019 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 7,676 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 32,266 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
32,266
Average miles
51,800
Expected for age
The average 2019 BMW I3 has 32,266 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-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 2019 sits between the two at 93%.
BMW I3 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2019 BMW I3
The 2019 BMW I3 is a electric with a 0cc electric engine. 7,676 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2019, the average MOT pass rate is 90%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 32,266 miles at 7 years old, BMW I3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
What does it cost to own a 2019 BMW I3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £950 (£79/month), broken down as £500 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% 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 2019 BMW I3
At 7 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 7,676 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2019 BMW I3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Battery Degradation
Watch outAfter 7 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.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock 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 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 2019 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(2019) | 93% | £500 | £195 | Grp 1-8 | £950 |
| TESLA MODEL 3 LONG RANGE AWD(2021) | 88% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1095+£145 |
| JAGUAR I-PACE(2020) | 96% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £945-£5 |
| TESLA MODEL 3 STANDARD RANGE +(2021) | 88% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1095+£145 |
| TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE AWD(2020) | 87% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1095+£145 |
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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