2015 · 9 years old at test · Hybrid mostly

2015 BMW i3 MOT pass rate and common faults

1,876 MOT tests in 2024. 82.4% passed first time, compared with 73.5% for all cars the same age.

112Well above average
Passed first time82.4%
Failed or needed repairs17.6%
Typical mileage at test56,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,876 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
    95 marked dangerous
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.1%
  3. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  5. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.3%
  6. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.7%
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.7%
    17 marked dangerous
  8. Coil spring: fractured or broken0.7%
  9. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.6%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Tyres6.3%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.9%
  3. Lights & electrics4.0%
  4. Brakes3.6%
  5. Seat belts & airbags2.7%
  6. Suspension2.3%
  7. Wheels1.2%
  8. Emissions & leaks0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.8%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.9%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.8%
  5. Road Wheels - condition: badly distorted3.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2015 BMW i3?

In 2024, 82.4% of 2015 BMW i3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,876 tests. The average for all 9-year-old cars was 73.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2015 BMW i3?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2015 BMW i3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 112, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).