BMW i8

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 7 model years from 6,589 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

94%

Total Tests

6,589

Highest Pass Rate

2019 (96%)

Years Covered

About the BMW i8

The BMW i8 was MOT tested 6,589 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 7 model years (2014 to 2020), with an average pass rate of 94%. That's comfortably above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list hybrid versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 96% from 695 tests. The 2018 model has the lowest at 92%. With just a 4 point gap, pass rates are similar across these years. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The BMW i8 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2014) averages 48,849 miles, while the newest (2020) averages 16,078 miles.

Compared to the BMW brand average of 88%, the i8 performs 6 points better, making it one of the more reliable options in the BMW range.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Hybrid, 1499cc)

£1,398

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,853

Per month£154/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2020 details

How reliable is the BMW i8?

vs average of all models+12% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average+6% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread4 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

BMW i8 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	96%	178	16,078 mi
2019	96%	695	18,062 mi
2018	92%	1,017	30,978 mi
2017	94%	805	39,912 mi
2016	94%	1,359	47,474 mi
2015	93%	1,877	49,217 mi
2014	93%	658	48,849 mi

Questions about the BMW i8

Is the BMW i8 reliable?

Across its 7 model years in our data (2014 to 2020), the BMW i8 averages a 94% MOT pass rate, from 6,589 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2019 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 96%.

Which year BMW i8 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 BMW i8 has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 2018 model has the lowest at 92%, a 4 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.