Does the BMW i3 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?

The BMW i3 records 0.61 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 3.54 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−2.93, 95% interval −3.06 to −2.81). It ranks 425 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).

Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a BMW i3 by registration

What exactly fails on suspension?

The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the BMW i3 is “A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened”, recorded 170 times in 2019–2024.

BMW i3: most frequent suspension defect wordings, 2019–2024 (30+ items each)
DVSA defect wording	Items	Per 100 tests
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened	170	0.19
A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage	138	0.16
A suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing excessively worn	42	0.05
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn	30	0.03

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 87,422 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Does the BMW i3 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?

What exactly fails on suspension?

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