BMW was one of the first car manufacturers to debut a mass-market EV, the i3, in 2013. Like every non-Tesla EV from that era, the i3 was a quirky, hatchback-type thing with a city car range. However, the i3 had some qualities that still make it feel fresh and interesting more than a decade later, like its carbon-fiber construction and its sophisticated, sustainably sourced interior.
BMW ended i3 production in 2021, making way for more modern EVs like the i4 sedan. But used versions can still be a compelling option for those looking for an affordable EV to travel relatively short distances. Almost every used BMW i3 can qualify for a $4,000 used EV federal tax credit (as of this writing), assuming you personally make less than the income cap.
Are you thinking about buying a used BMW i3? Here’s everything you need to know.
Which BMW i3 Are You Buying?
There were two main trims of the BMW i3: the i3 and the i3s. The i3 was the standard EV, making 170 horsepower. The i3s, introduced in 2018, was the “sport” version. It received a performance bump to 181 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque over the standard 170 hp and 184 lb-ft. It also had some modifications like a sport mode, a lowered sport suspension and a wider track. The mods cost it a bit of range compared to the standard model.
BMW also sold REx range extender versions of both vehicles. Those vehicles came with a 647-cc two-cylinder gas motor (derived from a BMW scooter motor) and a 2.4 gallon (1.9 gallon before 2017) gas tank. The motor couldn’t power the wheels directly, but could help charge the battery for longer trips.
Which Battery Size Are You Getting In Your i3?
The BMW i3 offered three different battery sizes during its production. The initial model from 2014-16 featured an 18.2-kWh pack offering 81 miles of EV range or up to 150 miles if you used the generator in the REx model. Note that BMW did not offer DC fast charging as standard on 2014 models.
2017-18 BMW i3s used a 27.2-kWh battery delivering 107-114 miles of EV range, or up to 180 miles with a REx. Final versions from 2019-21 had a 37.9-kWh pack, good for 153 miles of EV range and up to 200 total miles if you had a topped off range extender.
How Much Does A Used BMW i3 Cost?
The BMW i3 is relatively affordable as used EVs go. Early 2014-16 models with the 18.2-kWh pack typically cost about $6,000 to $12,000. 2017-18 models with the larger 27.2-kWh pack run from $12,000 to $18,000. 2019-21 models with the largest 37.9-kWh pack tend to be listed between $18,000 and $25,000. Occasionally, an i3s model will be listed above $25,000.
Does The BMW i3 Come With Warranty Coverage?
The BMW i3 battery came with an 8-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty. That warranty is transferable to a new owner. It covers repair costs when the battery dips below 70 percent of its initial capacity. An i3 fit with a range extender may have additional coverage in CARB states: California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. Those states classify the i3 as a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV), which mandates a 10-year or 150,000-mile warranty coverage on the battery.
BMW also provided the i3 with a four-year or 50,000-mile comprehensive warranty. That should be expired for almost every i3, which left production after the 2021 model year. However, BMW offers a one-year, unlimited mileage comprehensive warranty for certified pre-owned i3s.
Should You Worry About Battery Degradation With A Used BMW i3?
Broadly, yes. All lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. Every BMW i3 has been on the road for a substantial amount of time; the newest models are still four to five years old. The i3 isn’t an EV with much spare range to sacrifice when new. And an out-of-warranty battery repair may cost more than the vehicle itself. It’s worth pressing the dealer to do an independent range test before buying, or at least try to do a degradation test on the battery.
That said, BMW i3 batteries—particularly later models—should be relatively resilient. Unlike early Nissan Leafs, the i3 had an active thermal management system with liquid coolant to help maintain optimal battery temperatures. And there are anecdotal reports of i3 owners running up the miles with very little degradation.
Are There Any Known Issues With The BMW i3?
Yes, the BMW i3 can be susceptible to a problem known as “the Black Death” when the air conditioning compressor fails. The failure can send metal filings throughout the AC system, including the refrigerant that regulates the batteries. If that happens, you may need to replace the entire system, which can cost more than $10,000, often totaling the vehicle. We don’t know how common this failure is, and there’s usually not much warning. But if you hear any noise from the A/C compressor, get it fixed before it goes bad.
The BMW i3 is also known for being particularly hard on its tires. Early owners reported having to replace their i3’s all-season tires on the i3 after less than 20,000 miles.
Conclusion
The BMW i3 is a relatively solid option for people who want a cool, fun city car. Like all used cars, there are a few trouble spots to look out for. The Black Death—though seemingly rare—is a more serious and expensive problem than most, and range degradation on early models seems to be higher. If you can avoid those issues, though, the i3 is by all accounts a fun car to daily drive, and a good EV.
