2016 BMW I3 0.6L Hybrid electric (clean) · LC16 VWN

A completely clean MOT history with no advisories or defects across seven tests from 2019 to late 2025 defines this 2016 BMW i3 as a vehicle that has consistently met DVSA roadworthiness standards without any flagged areas of concern. The most recent test on 5 November 2025 recorded a straightforward pass with no defects, continuing an unbroken pattern of clean outcomes that stretches back to its first recorded test in September 2019. The single advisory worth noting appeared in October 2022, when the tester observed a lower undertray fitted that prevented full inspection of the underside; this is not a mechanical defect but a procedural note that the examiner could not visually verify all underside components, so any corrosion or wear beneath that shield would have gone unrecorded on that occasion. Overall, the trend across the recorded history is one of stable, consistent roadworthiness with no deterioration between tests and no repeat advisories or component-specific wear flagged over the years. The recorded mileage of 40,510 against an approximately ten-year age equates to around 4,051 miles per year, which is notably low for any vehicle of this vintage and particularly so for an urban-focused electric car like the i3, which is typically used for short commuting and city driving. There are visible gaps in the testing record, with no MOT entries between September 2019 and December 2020, and again between late January 2022 and late October 2022, though the absence of recorded mileage progression during those intervals suggests the vehicle was either off the road or in very limited use. Light annual mileage of this nature generally means reduced wear on friction components such as brake discs and pads, which can actually be a concern on the i3 because its regenerative braking system means the friction brakes are used infrequently, leading to a tendency for discs to corrode and pads to seize in their calipers from disuse. Conversely, low mileage with long standing periods can accelerate deterioration of rubber components, suspension bushes, and underbody corrosion protection, particularly if the car has been stored outside. For a prospective buyer, the absence of any flagged suspension, brake, or corrosion advisories across seven tests is a positive indicator, but the undertray advisory from 2022 means that the true condition of the underside has never been fully verified by an MOT examiner. A physical inspection on a ramp or hoist is therefore advisable to check for any corrosion on the aluminium-intensive chassis structure, which is a known concern on i3s of this age, particularly around the rear suspension mounting points and the high-voltage battery enclosure area. On a test drive, pay particular attention to any clonks or knocks from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, as the i3 is known for rear trailing arm and wheel bearing wear, and listen for any rubbing or grinding from the brakes, which can indicate seized caliper slides from the low-mileage, light-use pattern this car has exhibited. Steering should feel precise without vibration through the wheel, and the brake pedal should not require excessive travel or feel spongy, as the hydraulic system on the i3 is shared with the brake energy regeneration system and can develop issues if the car has stood for extended periods. Beyond the mechanical items directly linked to the MOT record, a buyer should verify the state of charge of the high-voltage battery and confirm that the vehicle has been regularly charged rather than left at a low state of charge for prolonged periods, as lithium-ion cells can degrade if stored discharged. Given the multi-year gaps in testing, it is worth checking whether the 12V auxiliary battery has been replaced, as these typically fail every four to five years and a depleted 12V system can cause misleading error messages and no-start conditions on the i3. Tyres should be inspected for age-related cracking in the sidewalls, particularly if any are original or several years old, as low annual mileage does not prevent the rubber from perishing. Finally, confirming the full service history and any BMW diagnostic records will provide context beyond what the MOT history alone can reveal, but on the basis of the DVSA record presented, this i3 presents a consistent and clean roadworthiness profile with no mechanical areas of concern raised by the tester.