2016 BMW i3 · 7,541 MOT tests
2016 BMW i3 reliability
2016 BMW i3s fail 13.8% of first MOT tests, 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 8 i3 years (7,541 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW i3s: 11.7%)
- 13.8%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW i3s: 11.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 29% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- 45,840
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 7,541
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2016 against the years either side
- 2015 cars: 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- 2017 cars: 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does better)
- Strong point: suspension, 74% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2016 car carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Common problems
What fails on a 2016 BMW i3
Fail rate by area
- Tyres5.5%
- Lights and electrics3.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3%
- Brakes1.4%
- Suspension1.1%
- Seat belts and airbags0.7%
- Wheels0.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.7%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.5%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.06%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.95%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.77%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Side repeater not working 0.7%
A failed side repeater means other road users cannot see your intended direction change, which is dangerous and must be fixed.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.83%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.58%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.63%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.55%) · Road wheel slightly distorted (2.74%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (1.82%)
Is a 2016 BMW i3 reliable?
2016 BMW i3s fail 13.8% of first MOT tests, 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 8 i3 years (7,541 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2016 BMW i3 MOT?
Most often tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.7% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.5% of tests), windscreen washer fluid insufficient (1.06% of tests).
How many miles should a 2016 BMW i3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 7, a typical 2016 BMW i3 shows 45,840 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2016 car?
A car first registered in 2016 carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
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