Is the BMW i3 ULEZ Compliant?
Based on 20,145 MOT tests, around 100% of BMW i3s still on the road are likely to meet London's ULEZ standards, and about 0% are likely to be charged.
The fuel mix matters: tested cars were 58% electric, 42% hybrid (petrol). Electric i3s are always compliant. Every hybrid (petrol) i3 in the data (2013 onwards) is likely to be compliant.
- Likely compliant
- 100%
- Likely charged
- 0%
- Depends on the car
- 0%
- MOT tests analysed
- 20,145
Check a specific i3
Year and fuel type are a guide. Enter the registration to check that car's own record.
i3 ULEZ compliance by year and fuel
Estimated from the year of first registration. Numbers show how many i3s of each type were MOT tested, as a guide to how common they are.
| First registered | Electric | Hybrid (petrol) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Compliant186 tested | – |
| 2020 | Compliant4,202 tested | – |
| 2019 | Compliant3,919 tested | Likely compliant230 tested |
| 2018 | Compliant1,108 tested | Likely compliant1,944 tested |
| 2017 | Compliant868 tested | Likely compliant2,273 tested |
| 2016 | Compliant469 tested | Likely compliant1,678 tested |
| 2015 | Compliant505 tested | Likely compliant1,428 tested |
| 2014 | Compliant459 tested | Likely compliant746 tested |
| 2013 | Compliant50 tested | Likely compliant75 tested |
How ULEZ rules apply to the i3
Cars that miss the standard pay £12.50 for each day they're driven in the zone. Petrol and petrol-hybrid cars need Euro 4 (most from 2006). Electric versions always comply.
- Electric (58% of i3s tested): always compliant.
- Hybrid (petrol) (42% of i3s tested): every year in our data is likely to comply.
Thinking of buying one? Check how i3s fare at the MOT too: see the BMW i3 MOT failure rate.
Buying a used BMW i3 for London: what the MOT data shows
The BMW i3s in this data were first registered between 2013 and 2021. 2020 was the most common year, with 4,202 tests (21% of the total), and half were registered in 2018 or later.
Every i3 in the data is from a year likely to comply, so age and condition matter more than ULEZ when choosing one. The newest (2021) passed first time 90% of the time at 16,409 miles on average, and the oldest (2013) passed 84% at 57,412 miles.
Whichever year you choose, check the i3's weak spots. The most common MOT failures were tyres: "has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords" (1.8% of tests) and "tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" (1.8%); lights and electrics: "too high" (1.8%). The most frequent advisory was "tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm", on 12.3% of tests.
Overall, 88% of i3s passed first time, well above the 71% average for all cars, and they had covered 35,906 miles on average, fewer than the 73,145-mile average.
ULEZ compliance for other models
Other BMW models
About this data
Based on 20,145 first MOT tests of the BMW i3 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
ULEZ results are estimates from fuel type and year of first registration. Transport for London makes the final decision.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
What 20,145 MOT tests say about the BMW i3 and London's ULEZ.
Is the BMW i3 ULEZ compliant?
In our data about 100% of i3s on the road are likely compliant and 0% likely to be charged. Petrol and petrol-hybrid cars need Euro 4 (most from 2006).
How can I check if a specific i3 is ULEZ compliant?
Enter its registration in our free ULEZ check, which uses the vehicle's DVLA record. Always confirm with TfL before relying on it.
Related guides
- ULEZ · 6 min readULEZ explained: which cars are compliant and what it costsSince August 2023 the ULEZ covers every London borough. Which cars comply, what the daily charge costs if yours doesn't, and what you can do about it.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readMOT for new cars: when is the first MOT due?The first MOT is due three years after registration, not purchase. Pre-registered, ex-demo and imported cars are where owners most often get the date wrong.Read the guide
Is your i3 ULEZ compliant?
Enter the registration for a check based on that car's own DVLA record.