BMW I3 (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 6,807 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Total Tests (2024)
6,807
Avg Mileage
19,684 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£945
Is the 2021 BMW I3 reliable?
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 3 years old, 93% of BMW I3s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 6,807 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 19,684 miles.
How does the 2021 BMW I3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 BMW I3 has 19,684 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-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 2021 sits between the two at 93%.
How much does a 2021 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 2021 BMW I3
The 2021 BMW I3 is a electric with a 0cc electric engine. 6,807 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 19,684 miles at 3 years old, BMW I3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
What does it cost to own a 2021 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 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 2021 BMW I3
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 6,807 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2021 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 (2021) 88% pass rate (-5%) from 39,444 tests
- JAGUAR I-PACE (2020) 96% pass rate (+3%) from 18,488 tests
- TESLA MODEL 3 STANDARD RANGE + (2021) 88% pass rate (-5%) from 15,258 tests
- TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE AWD (2020) 87% pass rate (-6%) from 12,320 tests