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BMW i3: 10 Possible Problems When Buying Used - A Long-Term Electric Car Owner’s Review
The BMW i3, introduced in 2013 and produced until 2021, was one of the pioneering electric cars that made an impact in the EV world. It was designed with sustainability in mind, offering a unique combination of carbon-fiber construction, a compact size, and an all-electric (or Range Extender) drivetrain. Despite its innovative design and appeal, like any used car, there are potential concerns buyers should be aware of when considering a second-hand BMW i3.
Here’s a rundown of 10 possible problems you might encounter when buying a used BMW i3:
1. Battery Degradation
Issue: Over time, lithium-ion batteries degrade and lose their capacity to hold a charge.
What to Look For: The original i3 models came with a 22 kWh battery, while later models offered larger batteries, up to 42.2 kWh. Depending on the model and mileage, the range may have significantly reduced, especially in the earlier models.
Solution: Check the battery health report (if available) and look for signs of reduced range. Some owners opt for battery replacement, but it can be expensive.
2. Limited Range
Issue: The i3’s range is relatively short compared to modern EVs. Early models had a real-world range of about 80-100 miles (130-160 km), while later models with the larger battery achieved 150-180 miles (240-290 km).
What to Look For: If you frequently drive long distances, the i3’s range may be insufficient, even with the Range Extender (REx) version.
Solution: Consider how often you’ll need to charge based on your driving habits and whether the shorter range fits your lifestyle.
3. Expensive Repairs on Carbon Fiber Body
Issue: The i3’s unique carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) body panels are lightweight and durable but can be expensive to repair.
What to Look For: Check for any damage to the body. Small dings or scrapes could lead to costly repairs due to the specialized materials.
Solution: If damage is present, get quotes for repairs before purchasing. Carbon fiber isn’t easily fixed like steel or aluminum.
4. Range Extender (REx) Issues
Issue: The REx variant, which uses a small gasoline engine to extend the range, can have issues with the gasoline engine and fuel system.
What to Look For: Pay attention to any engine noises, rough idling, or warning lights when the REx engages. These could indicate engine wear or fuel system problems.
Solution: If the car is a REx model, ensure the engine has been maintained properly and serviced according to BMW’s schedule.
5. Charging Speed Limitations
Issue: The BMW i3’s AC charging rate is capped at 7.4 kW in many models, which is slow by today’s standards. Early models also lack DC fast charging (CCS) or have a low power rate of only 50 kW for fast charging.
What to Look For: If you plan to charge frequently at public stations or require fast charging, check whether the car supports DC fast charging and at what speed.
Solution: Opt for models that support CCS fast charging for more convenience on road trips or if you need quicker charging times.
6. High-Voltage Battery Cooling Issues
Issue: The high-voltage battery requires proper cooling for longevity. Some owners have reported issues with the cooling system, particularly in hot climates.
What to Look For: Ensure that the cooling system is functioning properly and check for any overheating warnings in the car’s system.
Solution: If the car shows signs of battery cooling issues, have it inspected by a BMW-certified technician.
7. Premature Tire Wear
Issue: The i3 uses narrow, eco-focused tires (155mm width), which can wear unevenly or quickly if not properly maintained. The unique tire size can also make replacement expensive.
What to Look For: Check the tread wear and overall condition of the tires. Uneven wear can be a sign of misalignment or suspension issues.
Solution: Make sure to account for the cost of replacing tires if necessary and consider the availability of replacements in your area.
8. Limited Interior Space and Cargo
Issue: While the i3 is a compact car, the interior and trunk space may feel tight for some, especially for families or those who need extra cargo room.
What to Look For: Check whether the seating and cargo space meet your needs. The rear-hinged "suicide doors" make rear-seat access a bit cumbersome.
Solution: If space is a concern, test how well the interior fits your needs, especially for rear passengers and cargo.
9. Software and Infotainment Issues
Issue: The i3’s infotainment system is outdated compared to modern vehicles, and some owners report issues with software bugs, slow navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity.
What to Look For: Test the infotainment system thoroughly, including the navigation, Bluetooth pairing, and overall responsiveness.
Solution: Software updates from BMW may resolve some issues, but for a more modern experience, aftermarket upgrades or smartphone integration devices could be considered.
10. Expired Warranty on High-Voltage Components
Issue: The i3’s high-voltage battery and electric drivetrain come with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. When buying a used model, it’s crucial to know if this warranty has expired or is close to expiring.
What to Look For: Check the mileage and year of manufacture to determine how much, if any, of the warranty remains.
Solution: If the warranty is expired, factor in the potential cost of battery replacement or other electric component repairs. Consider certified pre-owned models or extended warranties.
Conclusion: Is a Used BMW i3 Worth It?
The BMW i3 is a unique electric vehicle with many advantages, such as its sustainable design, fun driving dynamics, and eco-friendly materials. However, buying a used i3 comes with a few challenges that should be carefully considered before making a purchase.
If you’re looking for a quirky, city-friendly EV with a smaller carbon footprint, the BMW i3 could still be a great option—just be sure to get a thorough inspection, especially on the battery health, charging system, and Range Extender (if applicable).
For those who prioritize long-range or modern tech features, there are newer electric vehicles on the market that may be better suited to long-term ownership.
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The BMW i3, introduced in 2013 and produced until 2021, was one of the pioneering electric cars that made an impact in the EV world. It was designed with sustainability in mind, offering a unique combination of carbon-fiber construction, a compact size, and an all-electric (or Range Extender) drivetrain. Despite its innovative design and appeal, like any used car, there are potential concerns buyers should be aware of when considering a second-hand BMW i3.
Here’s a rundown of 10 possible problems you might encounter when buying a used BMW i3:
1. Battery Degradation
Issue: Over time, lithium-ion batteries degrade and lose their capacity to hold a charge.
What to Look For: The original i3 models came with a 22 kWh battery, while later models offered larger batteries, up to 42.2 kWh. Depending on the model and mileage, the range may have significantly reduced, especially in the earlier models.
Solution: Check the battery health report (if available) and look for signs of reduced range. Some owners opt for battery replacement, but it can be expensive.
2. Limited Range
Issue: The i3’s range is relatively short compared to modern EVs. Early models had a real-world range of about 80-100 miles (130-160 km), while later models with the larger battery achieved 150-180 miles (240-290 km).
What to Look For: If you frequently drive long distances, the i3’s range may be insufficient, even with the Range Extender (REx) version.
Solution: Consider how often you’ll need to charge based on your driving habits and whether the shorter range fits your lifestyle.
3. Expensive Repairs on Carbon Fiber Body
Issue: The i3’s unique carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) body panels are lightweight and durable but can be expensive to repair.
What to Look For: Check for any damage to the body. Small dings or scrapes could lead to costly repairs due to the specialized materials.
Solution: If damage is present, get quotes for repairs before purchasing. Carbon fiber isn’t easily fixed like steel or aluminum.
4. Range Extender (REx) Issues
Issue: The REx variant, which uses a small gasoline engine to extend the range, can have issues with the gasoline engine and fuel system.
What to Look For: Pay attention to any engine noises, rough idling, or warning lights when the REx engages. These could indicate engine wear or fuel system problems.
Solution: If the car is a REx model, ensure the engine has been maintained properly and serviced according to BMW’s schedule.
5. Charging Speed Limitations
Issue: The BMW i3’s AC charging rate is capped at 7.4 kW in many models, which is slow by today’s standards. Early models also lack DC fast charging (CCS) or have a low power rate of only 50 kW for fast charging.
What to Look For: If you plan to charge frequently at public stations or require fast charging, check whether the car supports DC fast charging and at what speed.
Solution: Opt for models that support CCS fast charging for more convenience on road trips or if you need quicker charging times.
6. High-Voltage Battery Cooling Issues
Issue: The high-voltage battery requires proper cooling for longevity. Some owners have reported issues with the cooling system, particularly in hot climates.
What to Look For: Ensure that the cooling system is functioning properly and check for any overheating warnings in the car’s system.
Solution: If the car shows signs of battery cooling issues, have it inspected by a BMW-certified technician.
7. Premature Tire Wear
Issue: The i3 uses narrow, eco-focused tires (155mm width), which can wear unevenly or quickly if not properly maintained. The unique tire size can also make replacement expensive.
What to Look For: Check the tread wear and overall condition of the tires. Uneven wear can be a sign of misalignment or suspension issues.
Solution: Make sure to account for the cost of replacing tires if necessary and consider the availability of replacements in your area.
8. Limited Interior Space and Cargo
Issue: While the i3 is a compact car, the interior and trunk space may feel tight for some, especially for families or those who need extra cargo room.
What to Look For: Check whether the seating and cargo space meet your needs. The rear-hinged "suicide doors" make rear-seat access a bit cumbersome.
Solution: If space is a concern, test how well the interior fits your needs, especially for rear passengers and cargo.
9. Software and Infotainment Issues
Issue: The i3’s infotainment system is outdated compared to modern vehicles, and some owners report issues with software bugs, slow navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity.
What to Look For: Test the infotainment system thoroughly, including the navigation, Bluetooth pairing, and overall responsiveness.
Solution: Software updates from BMW may resolve some issues, but for a more modern experience, aftermarket upgrades or smartphone integration devices could be considered.
10. Expired Warranty on High-Voltage Components
Issue: The i3’s high-voltage battery and electric drivetrain come with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. When buying a used model, it’s crucial to know if this warranty has expired or is close to expiring.
What to Look For: Check the mileage and year of manufacture to determine how much, if any, of the warranty remains.
Solution: If the warranty is expired, factor in the potential cost of battery replacement or other electric component repairs. Consider certified pre-owned models or extended warranties.
Conclusion: Is a Used BMW i3 Worth It?
The BMW i3 is a unique electric vehicle with many advantages, such as its sustainable design, fun driving dynamics, and eco-friendly materials. However, buying a used i3 comes with a few challenges that should be carefully considered before making a purchase.
If you’re looking for a quirky, city-friendly EV with a smaller carbon footprint, the BMW i3 could still be a great option—just be sure to get a thorough inspection, especially on the battery health, charging system, and Range Extender (if applicable).
For those who prioritize long-range or modern tech features, there are newer electric vehicles on the market that may be better suited to long-term ownership.
Youtube