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MOT performance

2020 BMW i3: MOT pass rate and common failures

Of 8,308 MOT tests on 2020-registered BMW i3s in 2023–2024 (on average 2.7 years old at test, median 20,060 miles), 89.0% passed first time, 1.5 points higher than the BMW i3 overall. Allowing for age, mileage and fuel, 2020 BMW i3s failed 7% less often than comparable cars.

8,308 MOT tests on 4,217 vehicles, 2023–2024 · Source: DVSA (Open Government Licence) · Analysis: 73 Auto

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At a glance

2020 BMW i3 MOT results at a glance
FigureValueBasis
First-time pass rate89.0%±0.7 pts (95%), n = 8,308
All BMW i3s87.5%n = 43,497
Failures vs similar cars0.93×same age, mileage and fuel = 1.00
Tests with a dangerous defect3.2%n = 8,308
Average age at test2.7 yearsn = 8,308

Where 2020 BMW i3s fail

2020 BMW i3 MOT failures by area
AreaTests failed on itvs similar cars
Tyres5.5%-19%
Lights, reflectors and electrical3.9%+70%
Driver's view of the road1.7%-24%
Brakes0.3%-55%
Road wheels0.2%+97%
Registration plates and VIN0.2%-23%
Body, chassis and structure0.1%-26%
Seat belts and airbags0.1%-42%
Suspension0.1%-87%
Steering0.0%-51%
Noise, emissions and leaks0.0%+91%

Most common failure items

Most common 2020 BMW i3 MOT failure items
ItemAreaShare of tests
Headlamp aim: too highLights, reflectors and electrical2.77%
Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cordsTyres2.27%
Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres1.64%
Washers: provides insufficient washer liquidDriver's view of the road1.00%
Condition: has ply or cords exposedTyres0.75%

Check a specific 2020 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.