2018 BMW I3 Electric · YT68 YRK

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 29 May 2025, resulted in a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, indicating the vehicle was deemed roadworthy at the time of examination. The test before that, on 30 May 2024, also passed without any recorded issues, suggesting a stable and improving maintenance trend over the last two cycles. Prior to these clean results, however, there was a failure on 27 November 2023 due to dangerously low rear tyre tread depths, with both rear tyres measured below the legal 1.6mm threshold and front tyres noted as advisory for close-to-limit edge wear. The fact that the vehicle passed the subsequent test just three days later on 30 November 2023 indicates the tyres were replaced and the issue remediated. Overall, while the historical record contains this one notable tyre-related failure, the more recent tests suggest the owner has been attentive to maintaining the vehicle in a roadworthy condition. With a recorded mileage of 39,356 miles over approximately eight years, this BMW i3 has averaged around 4,920 miles per year, which is substantially below the national average for a vehicle of this age. This low annual usage figure suggests the car has either been used primarily for short urban journeys consistent with the i3's electric powertrain, or it has spent considerable periods standing idle between uses. Such low mileage can have mixed mechanical implications, as reduced driving distances tend to accelerate certain wear issues, including brake disc corrosion from underuse, tyre perishing from age rather than wear, and potential degradation of lubricants, brake fluid, and the 12V auxiliary battery due to infrequent operation. Conversely, suspension components, electric drivetrain elements, and high-voltage battery cycling are likely to have experienced less fatigue than a higher-mileage counterpart. The mileage gaps between test dates also indicate periods of limited use, which warrants attention during physical inspection. Given the clean MOT history aside from the resolved tyre issue, and the low-mileage profile, a prospective buyer should focus on age- and standing-related condition checks rather than high-wear mechanical concerns. The tyres should be carefully inspected for perishing, cracking, or sidewall deterioration, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and any tyres fitted since 2023 should be checked for manufacture date. The brake discs should be examined for surface corrosion, lipping, or binding calipers, particularly if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods, and a test drive should include firm brake applications to verify smooth operation without juddering or pulling. The 12V auxiliary battery, the high-voltage battery state of health, and the condition of the charging cables and port should also be verified, as electrical components can degrade with time even on low-mileage examples. It is also prudent to confirm that time-based servicing has been carried out irrespective of mileage, including brake fluid replacement (typically every two years), coolant systems, and any gearbox or reduction gear lubricants as specified by BMW. A check of the service book and BMW digital service history is essential to verify that these calendar-based items have been addressed. During the test drive, listen for any suspension clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which could indicate wear in bushes or coil springs from age-related drying out, and observe the vehicle for any warning messages on the instrument cluster relating to the high-voltage system or drivetrain. Finally, verify the operation of all electrical ancillaries, including climate control, infotainment, and charging functions, as these are common failure points on the i3 and can be costly to remediate if not functioning correctly.