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2018 BMW I3 0.6L Hybrid electric · AD18 GWU

AD18 GWU

2018 BMW I3 (0.6L, hybrid electric). First registered 01 Mar 2018. Recorded mileage 42,763 miles. MOT valid until 06 Mar 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.

Make & Model
BMW I3
Year / Origin
2018 · Peterborough
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 06 Mar 2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
Recorded Mileage
42,763 mi
ULEZ Compliance
ULEZ Exempt (Zero Emissions)
Fuel & Engine
HYBRID ELECTRIC · 0.6L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 06 Mar 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Apr 2027
Fuel Type
HYBRID ELECTRIC
Year
2018
Engine
600cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The most recent MOT test conducted in February 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded. Reviewing the full inspection history from 2021 through to 2026, the vehicle demonstrates an exceptionally stable and consistent maintenance trend. The absence of any recorded failures or even minor advisories over a six-year period suggests that the vehicle has been well-maintained or has been subjected to very gentle usage, meeting all essential safety and environmental standards without any noted deterioration in structural integrity or mechanical performance. With a recorded mileage of 42,763 miles for an eight-year-old vehicle, the annual average of approximately 5,345 miles is significantly lower than the UK national average. While this low mileage implies reduced wear on consumable items such as brake pads, discs, and suspension components, it also indicates that the vehicle may have spent considerable time stationary. For an electric vehicle like the BMW i3, this usage profile means that while the electric motor and drivetrain may have low mechanical wear, the primary concerns shift from mileage-based exhaustion to age-related degradation of rubber, fluids, and electrical systems. As the MOT history is entirely clear, your physical inspection should focus on age-related issues rather than wear-induced defects. Closely examine the tyres for any signs of perishing, such as sidewall cracking or hardening, as low-mileage tyres can lose their grip and structural integrity due to age even if the tread depth is substantial. You should also inspect the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or pitting, which is common in vehicles that are not driven frequently, and listen for any signs of binding calipers or unusual noises during the test drive. It is essential to verify the service history to confirm that time-based maintenance, such as brake fluid replacements, has been performed according to the manufacturer's schedule regardless of the low mileage. Additionally, pay particular attention to the condition of the 12V auxiliary battery, as these are susceptible to failure in vehicles that undergo long periods of standing. During your test drive, listen for any clunks or knocks from the suspension, which could indicate that rubber bushes have perished or hardened over time. Finally, check the charging port and all electrical connections for any signs of corrosion or degradation. Because the vehicle has not been heavily used, the risk is not mechanical fatigue from distance, but rather the chemical and physical effects of time on the vehicle's various components.
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AD18 GWU Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 17/02/2026
  • 42,763 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

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AD18 GWU MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 2 Sept 2026, 12:13
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2018 BMW I3 (AD18 GWU) between March 2022 and February 2026.

The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.

No failures or advisories appear anywhere in the recorded tests, so the documented MOT record is relatively clean.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

AD18 GWU Mileage History

  1. 01/03/202215,387 mi
  2. 03/03/202322,053 mi+6,666 mi
  3. 22/02/202429,260 mi+7,207 mi
  4. 20/02/202536,513 mi+7,253 mi
  5. 17/02/202642,763 mi+6,250 mi

Average of roughly 6,900 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

ULEZ Compliant

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Reliability & Known Issues

Known faults for BMW i3 (I01)

Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
93
/ 100 · Excellent
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

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EXPORTED MARKER

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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
85/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£1,400-£1,800
Mileage
At 42,763 miles over roughly 8 years, th...

Our Verdict

This AD18GWU BMW i3 is a low-risk purcha

With five clean MOT passes and no recorded advisories, this AD18GWU i3 presents a reassuring baseline, but MOT history alone does not cover the powertrain. The i3 uses a hybrid electric system, and a thorough battery health check is essential: ask the seller for a diagnostic report showing State of Health (SOH) for the high-voltage battery, as degradation directly impacts range. For the 2018 i3, real-world range from the battery-plus-range-extender setup is a key concern, so verify that the range-extender (if equipped) engages correctly and that the petrol engine starts on demand.

Inspect the lightweight CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) body panels for cracking or impact damage, as these are expensive to replace and often a sign of prior accident damage. Inside, check the suicide rear doors for smooth operation, the infotainment system for pixel damage, and the air-con, which is a common failure point on the i3. Service history should show BMW i-specific maintenance including brake fluid changes every two years and, where applicable, a clear record of any high-voltage system work.

When negotiating, use the clean MOT record as leverage, but be aware that the 2018 i3 is now eight years old, and battery health is the single largest variable affecting future value. Budget for tyre replacement (a known failure point per the aggregate data) and consider requesting an independent BMW specialist inspection before purchase, particularly for the charging port, high-voltage cables, and the range-extender engine if fitted.

As a plug-in hybrid, this i3 offers very low running costs in electric-only mode, with the petrol range-extender providing a safety net for longer journeys. The 600cc engine is registered for tax as an 'alternative fuel' vehicle, which historically offered a small discount, though standard road tax rules now apply. Insurance is typically group 21-23 for the i3, sitting at the lower end of the scale for a premium-badged hatchback.

Typical annual running costs including electricity, minimal petrol, road tax (currently around £180 for hybrids without the £10 expensive car supplement, though post-2025 emissions-based rules vary), insurance, and maintenance generally total £1,400-£1,800. Maintenance is lower than a conventional car due to fewer moving parts in the electric drivetrain, but BMW specialist labour rates are higher than average garages. Tyres are a regular cost as noted in the model's MOT failure data, and the i3's narrow eco-tyres can be £400-£600 per set fitted.

Start with a physical walkaround: check the distinctive i3 suicide rear doors for smooth opening and closing, look for cracks in the carbon fibre body panels, and inspect the alloy wheels for kerb damage. The 2018 model year i3 used a relatively early-generation battery, so request a State of Health (SOH) reading from a BMW dealer or specialist using ISTA diagnostic software — values above 80% are considered good, below 70% may indicate future replacement costs.

For the MOT-related items highlighted in the aggregate data (tyres, coil springs, washer system), visually inspect all four tyres for even wear (the i3 can wear inner edges due to its narrow track), check for any knocking or sagging that could indicate worn coil springs, and test the washer jets to confirm they deliver a clean spray to the windscreen. Also verify all lighting functions, horn operation, and that the brake fluid reservoir is at the correct level with fluid that is not discoloured.

Finally, take an extended test drive covering at least 30 minutes to assess both pure-electric and range-extender modes. Listen for any unusual noises from the rear (where the electric motor sits), check the dashboard for warning lights, particularly the eDrive and high-voltage battery warnings, and confirm that the infotainment screen displays correctly. The i3's regenerative braking should feel smooth and progressive, and any harshness suggests the brake energy regen system needs attention.

This 2018 BMW i3 (hybrid electric, 600cc) has recorded five consecutive MOT passes between March 2022 and February 2026, with no defects or advisories at any test. The current odometer reading of 42,763 miles equates to roughly 5,400 miles per year since first registration, which is below the model average of 6,372 miles annually. The clean MOT record across the most recent three years of testing suggests the vehicle has not developed the common i3 failure points flagged in the aggregate data, namely tyres, coil springs, and washer system issues.

The BMW i3 has a 90% aggregate MOT pass rate across 26,879 vehicles analysed, which is competitive for a premium-badged electric vehicle. The most common failures relate to tyres, coil springs, and windscreen washer issues, all relatively minor items rather than major structural or mechanical problems.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

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