2020 BMW I3 Electric · OU70 LDL

The most recent DVSA examination recorded on 2026-08-10 returned a PASS, although it was immediately preceded by a FAIL on the same date for a Major defect concerning an offside rear road wheel fixing missing. This is a significant finding, as a missing wheel stud or bolt constitutes a serious safety risk that could lead to wheel detachment under load. The fact that the vehicle passed on the same day following rectification suggests the repair was carried out promptly, but a prospective buyer should verify that the correct replacement fixings were used and that they have been torqued to the manufacturer's specification. Both the most recent pass and the 2024 test were achieved without recorded advisories, which indicates a generally stable maintenance trajectory when tyre-related items are excluded. The repeated advisories relating to rear tyre wear on edge in 2023 and 2025, alongside the cuts noted in 2026, do suggest an ongoing issue with rear tyre condition that warrants close attention. With a recorded mileage of 52,708 miles over approximately six years, this BMW i3 has averaged around 8,785 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and class. There are no substantial gaps in the recorded mileage progression, suggesting consistent rather than sporadic use, which is generally beneficial for an electric vehicle as it avoids prolonged standing periods that can degrade the 12V auxiliary battery, encourage brake disc corrosion, and lead to sticking calipers. However, the annual mileage is sufficient to bring suspension components, bushes, and drivetrain items into normal wear territory. The missing wheel fixing on the rear could potentially be attributed to a recent tyre change where a stud was either not refitted or sheared off, which would be consistent with the recurring rear tyre advisories suggesting the rear tyres are being replaced more frequently than the fronts. Given the recurring rear tyre wear advisories and the cuts recorded in the most recent test, a prospective buyer should conduct a careful physical inspection of all four tyres, paying particular attention to the rear pair for uneven shoulder wear or edge wear that could indicate a tracking or suspension geometry issue. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which could point to worn trailing arm bushes or shock absorber deterioration, both known concerns on the i3 due to its relatively high unladen weight for a small vehicle. The 2023 failure for headlamp aim being too high suggests the headlamp levelling system should be checked to confirm it is functioning correctly, particularly if automatic levelling is fitted. Inspect the headlamp lenses for UV-induced fading or crazing, which is common on vehicles of this age and can contribute to MOT failures. Beyond the documented defects, the buyer should verify the condition of the 12V auxiliary battery, as this is a known service item on the i3 and is responsible for many electrical faults as it ages. Check the high-voltage battery state of health through the diagnostic menu if possible, as degradation of the traction battery is the primary mechanical concern for any prospective electric vehicle purchaser. Given the mileage and age, confirm that brake fluid has been changed within the recommended two-year cycle, as hygroscopic fluid degradation occurs with calendar age rather than mileage, and inspect the brake discs for any corrosion pitting or binding calipers, particularly if the vehicle has spent time unused. Finally, verify a full main dealer or specialist service history, with particular attention to cooling system refreshment for the traction battery and any software updates issued for the high-voltage system, as these are critical to the long-term reliability of this model.