BMW I8 (2019)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 695 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,587
£132/month
MOT Pass Rate
96%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1499cc Hybrid
Great Choice
96% pass rate, £1587/year to run. 14 points above average.
Check a specific BMW I8
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
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.
Get an insurance quote for this BMW I8
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 14 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 7 years old, 96% of BMW I8s from 2019 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 695 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 18,062 miles.
Got a BMW I8 you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
18,062
Average miles
51,800
Expected for age
The average 2019 BMW I8 has 18,062 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Looking at a specific BMW I8?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
BMW I8 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Bmw I8
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2019 BMW I8
The 2019 BMW I8 is a premium with a 1499cc hybrid engine. 695 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 11% of all 2019 cars for reliability.
With an average of 18,062 miles at 7 years old, BMW I8 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2019 BMW I8 Fuel Costs
The 1499cc hybrid engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2019 BMW I8?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,587 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 96% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
BMW I8 Reliability Trend
The BMW I8 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2019 BMW I8
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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2019 BMW I8's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Hybrid Battery Health
Medium riskAfter 7 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Low riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
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 I8 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW I8(2019) | 96% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1587 |
| MERCEDES C(2017) | 89% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1922+£335 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2018) | 91% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 8-20 | £1582-£5 |
| MINI COOPER S(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£5 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2019) | 94% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772+£185 |
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.
Related Bmw Models
Explore other Bmw cars or similar models in the same category.
BMW 3 SERIES
2013 · 1995cc Diesel
BMW 5 SERIES
2018 · 2998cc Petrol
BMW 116
2014 · 1995cc Diesel
MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
TOYOTA YARIS
2018 · 1349cc Hybrid
MINI COOPER S
2019 · 1499cc Hybrid
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Bmw I8.
How to Prepare for Your MOT: 20 Checks That Could Save You Money
8 min read
Buying GuideCars That Hold Their Value UK 2026 (Up to 71% After 3 Years)
10 min read
Buying GuideCars That Lose Value Fastest: Models to Avoid for Depreciation
8 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific BMW I8
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a BMW I8? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data