2016 BMW I3 electric: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the electric BMW I3 first registered in 2016 (electric cars only): we looked at the 1,400 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2016 BMW I3 electric MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2016 BMW I3 electric MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres31% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes14% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics7% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension4% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2016 BMW I3 electric
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Range extender (REx) models
Fuel vapour line fire-risk recall (range extender)
Range extender cars built between 17 September 2013 and 30 December 2016 were recalled because a fuel tank vent line could rub on the battery terminal and leak vapour, with a fire risk in extreme cases.
At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg.
- All versions
Regenerative braking software recall
A small number built between 9 October and 4 November 2015 needed a software update because strong regenerative braking could make the rear slide on slippery roads.
At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg.
- All versions
Charging port and cable faults
Owners report problems with charging ports and cables.
At the viewing: Plug it in and check it starts charging, with both the cable and the car's port in good order.
- Range extender (REx) models
Range extender engine faults
Engine faults and warning lights are a common complaint on range extender models.
At the viewing: Make sure no warning lights show, and ask whether the range extender has had work.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 BMW I3 electric
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the fuel vent line recall been done?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW I3?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the BMW I3 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3,065 | Tyres 23% |
| 2021 | 7,072 | Tyres 26% |
| 2020 | 12,308 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 12,085 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 9,110 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 9,394 | Tyres 30% |
| 2015 | 5,698 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 3,535 | Tyres 31% |
| 2013 | 355 | Tyres 31% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW I3 cars first registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score