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MOT performance

2017 BMW i3: MOT pass rate and common failures

Of 6,321 MOT tests on 2017-registered BMW i3s in 2023–2024 (on average 5.9 years old at test, median 44,198 miles), 86.5% passed first time, 1 points lower than the BMW i3 overall. Allowing for age, mileage and fuel, 2017 BMW i3s failed 16% less often than comparable cars.

6,321 MOT tests on 3,168 vehicles, 2023–2024 · Source: DVSA (Open Government Licence) · Analysis: 73 Auto

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At a glance

2017 BMW i3 MOT results at a glance
FigureValueBasis
First-time pass rate86.5%±0.8 pts (95%), n = 6,321
All BMW i3s87.5%n = 43,497
Failures vs similar cars0.84×same age, mileage and fuel = 1.00
Tests with a dangerous defect4.3%n = 6,321
Average age at test5.9 yearsn = 6,321

Where 2017 BMW i3s fail

2017 BMW i3 MOT failures by area
AreaTests failed on itvs similar cars
Tyres5.7%-6%
Lights, reflectors and electrical3.1%-26%
Driver's view of the road2.7%-19%
Brakes1.2%-47%
Suspension0.9%-68%
Road wheels0.8%+269%
Noise, emissions and leaks0.4%+107%
Seat belts and airbags0.3%+14%
Registration plates and VIN0.3%+24%
Body, chassis and structure0.2%-34%
Steering0.1%-72%

Most common failure items

Most common 2017 BMW i3 MOT failure items
ItemAreaShare of tests
Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres1.96%
Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cordsTyres1.80%
Washers: provides insufficient washer liquidDriver's view of the road1.16%
Headlamp aim: too highLights, reflectors and electrical0.93%
Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectivelyDriver's view of the road0.85%

Check a specific 2017 BMW i3

Enter a UK registration to see that car's own MOT history and what it is likely to cost to own. Your first check is free and shows the vehicle summary and its headline ownership cost. The category-by-category breakdown is part of a paid check.

UK number plate or 17-character VIN

About this data. These are MOT test results, not a measure of mechanical reliability: a car's MOT outcome reflects its condition on the day, which depends on how it has been maintained and driven as well as how it was built. Figures cover class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans), normal tests only (retests excluded), outcomes pass, fail and pass after rectification at the station; vehicles at least 2.5 years old at test. Tests from 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-30. “Compared with similar cars” means compared with the national rate for cars of the same age, mileage band and fuel. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Makes and models are matched to 73 Auto's vehicle catalogue; tests that can't be matched are left out rather than guessed. See how the MOT figures are produced.