BMW I3 (2016)
2016 BMW I3
CarHunch analysed 2,376 real MOT records for the 2016 BMW I3. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
What to check before buying a 2016 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.
- ⚠️ 22.1% 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) (74%) | 1,760 | 89.9% | 0.87 |
| Electric (26%) | 616 | 76.9% | 0.65 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2016 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 2016 BMW I3 vehicles fall between 29,396 and 56,012 miles.
2016 BMW I3 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 2,095 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 98% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2016 BMW I3
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
28.1%
Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
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27.4%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
26.7%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
25.5%
Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
15.3%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
14.1%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
12.2%
Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
11.6%
Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016. 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.