BMW i3s: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 2,093 BMW i3s cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2017 and 2022.
In a sample of 391 cars, 29.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, less often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (11% of inspected cars).
0.9% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
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Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 11% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 7.7% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 6.1% |
| Tyre damaged | 3.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 2.3% |
| Tyre pressures on one axle unequal | 0.8% |
| Indicator not working (properly) | 0.8% |
| Side indicator(s) not working (properly) | 0.5% |
| Covered component not assessed | 0.3% |
| Disc/drum brake binding | 0.3% |
Share of 391 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 15.6% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 1% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 2,093 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 0% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 0.9% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2017 to 2022 |
All BMW i3s passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Questions
How often does the BMW i3s fail the APK?
In a sample of 391 cars first registered 2012–2021, 29.2% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the BMW i3s?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (11%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (7.7%), tyre pressure incorrect (6.1%).
Does the BMW i3s have recalls?
No recalls are registered with the RDW for this model.
Other BMW models
3 Series · 1 Series · 5 Series · X1 · 2 Series · X5 · X3 · iX1 · 4 Series · iX3 · i4 · i3 · X2 · i5 · Z4
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.