2021 BMW i3 · 1,702 MOT tests
2021 BMW i3 reliability
2021 BMW i3s fail 9.3% of first MOT tests, 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 8 i3 years (1,702 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW i3s: 11.7%)
- 9.3%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW i3s: 11.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 10% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 19,531
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,702
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2021 against the years either side
- 2020 cars: 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2021 car does worse)
- Weak spot: lights and electrics, 3.6% of tests fail here (58% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 47% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2021 car carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
Common problems
What fails on a 2021 BMW i3
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.4%
- Lights and electrics3.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.5%
- Wheels0.3%
- Suspension0.1%
- Seat belts and airbags0.1%
- Number plates and VIN0.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Headlamp aim set too high 1.23%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.06%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.88%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.71%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 0.65%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.53%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.35%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.82%) · Road wheel slightly distorted (0.94%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (0.88%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (0.88%) · Brake pads wearing thin (0.65%)
Is a 2021 BMW i3 reliable?
2021 BMW i3s fail 9.3% of first MOT tests, 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 8 i3 years (1,702 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2021 BMW i3 MOT?
Most often headlamp aim set too high (1.23% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.06% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (0.88% of tests).
How many miles should a 2021 BMW i3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2021 BMW i3 shows 19,531 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2021 car?
A car first registered in 2021 carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
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