2020 BMW i3 · 8,000 MOT tests
2020 BMW i3 reliability
2020 BMW i3s fail 9.2% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 8 i3 years (8,000 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW i3s: 11.7%)
- 9.2%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW i3s: 11.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 17% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 21,792
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 8,000
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2020 against the years either side
- 2019 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does worse)
- 2021 cars: 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 4.8% of tests fail here (24% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 50% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2020 car carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
Common problems
What fails on a 2020 BMW i3
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.8%
- Lights and electrics2.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.5%
- Brakes0.3%
- Number plates and VIN0.2%
- Wheels0.2%
- Body, chassis and structure0.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.36%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Headlamp aim set too high 1.2%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.99%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.61%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.41%
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 0.33%
A failed side repeater means other road users cannot see your intended direction change, which is dangerous and must be fixed.
Common advisories
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.5%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.29%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (1.4%) · Road wheel slightly distorted (1.31%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (1.2%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (1.2%)
Is a 2020 BMW i3 reliable?
2020 BMW i3s fail 9.2% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 8 i3 years (8,000 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2020 BMW i3 MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.36% of tests), headlamp aim set too high (1.2% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (0.99% of tests).
How many miles should a 2020 BMW i3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2020 BMW i3 shows 21,792 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2020 car?
A car first registered in 2020 carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
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