2018 BMW I3 Electric · 777 HD

As a pure electric vehicle (EV), this BMW i3 benefits from zero road tax under current UK vehicle excise duty guidelines for zero-emission cars, and it is exempt from London Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fees. Energy costs will depend heavily on whether you charge primarily at home using an overnight off-peak tariff or rely on higher-cost public rapid chargers.

Insurance costs should be checked against insurance group ratings for the i3 variant, which typically sit in moderate to high brackets due to the lightweight carbon-fibre construction and specialised repair requirements. Routine maintenance is generally lower than petrol or diesel alternatives due to fewer moving parts, though tyres and brake components still require regular inspection.

Estimated annual running costs, covering home charging electricity, insurance, periodic maintenance, and consumables, are expected to be in the region of £900-£1,200, subject to annual mileage and insurance profile.

Pay close attention to the tyres during your physical inspection, as tyre wear is listed as one of the top MOT failure reasons for the BMW i3 model nationally. Although no tyre defects were flagged during the 2025 test at 48,367 miles, check tread depth and sidewall condition across all four corners.

Inspect the windscreen and washer system carefully, as windscreen washer faults form part of the common failure categories for this vehicle line. Verify that the front and rear wash-wipe functions operate correctly and that the glass is free from chips or major pitting.

Examine the suspension components, specifically checking for signs of coil spring wear or corrosion, which represent another frequent advisory and failure point in the aggregate model data. Test all electronic systems, window regulators, and climate control features to ensure complete functionality.