BMW I3 (2015)
2015 BMW I3
CarHunch analysed 2,135 real MOT records for the 2015 BMW I3. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2015 BMW i3 passes its MOT first time at 88.1%, comfortably ahead of the UK average of 80%, though one in four examples have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a concern worth investigating on any used example you're considering. The hybrid-electric variant performs noticeably better than the pure electric version (89.3% versus 85.3% pass rates), suggesting the combustion engine backup adds reliability gains.
These cars average just over 43,000 miles, which is sensible for a 2015, and they're failing on fewer than one issue per test on average—but they rack up 7.5 advisories each, pointing to minor wear items rather than structural problems. Get a full inspection report before buying and pay particular attention to battery health and electrical systems, as these are where i3s tend to show their age.
What to check before buying a 2015 BMW I3
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 25.1% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a BMW I3
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric (Clean) (71%) | 1,510 | 89.3% | 1.03 |
| Electric (29%) | 625 | 85.3% | 0.89 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2015 BMW I3 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2015 BMW I3 vehicles fall between 31,267 and 60,332 miles.
2015 BMW I3 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 1,816 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 94% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2015 BMW I3
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
36%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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34%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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30.6%
Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
28.1%
Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
20.5%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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18.5%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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17.3%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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15.4%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2015. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific BMW I3?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.