BMW i3 Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)

The BMW i3 is a hatchback with an electric drivetrain and rear-wheel drive, introduced in 2013.

As the first zero-emission vehicle produced by BMW, it was designated with the “i” prefix as part of a sub-brand for electric vehicles.

We have gathered information that identifies typical pricing and mileage for used models.

VIDEO: BMW i3S Three-Year Review

BMW i3 Best and Worst Years

The BMW i3 should be avoided at all costs, according to MotorBiscuit.com, because of its short all-electric range and fewer than 200 total horsepower. The model year 2016 BMW i3, on the other hand, is an excellent deal for a used model, according to CoPilotSearch.com, with an average used price of $17,276 and a savings of $32,034 or 65% compared to the MSRP when new. Following the suggested maintenance schedule is crucial for preserving a BMW i3, as is keeping up with regular maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. Online discussion boards like the BimmerFest BMW Forum can offer advice from existing BMW owners. Additionally, it is advised to look up the vehicle’s service history to ensure it has been kept current, particularly in recent years. Owners can increase the safety and dependability of a BMW i3 models by keeping up with routine maintenance and essential repairs.

The best years for the BMW i3

The BMW i3 has amassed above-average dependability ratings and good safety scores over the years, claims MotorBiscuit.com.

The performance and utility of the 2017 BMW i3 make it one of the best model years to purchase used. The 2016 BMW i3 is another model that CoPilotSearch.com suggests as a good used deal, with an average used price of $17,276 and a savings of $32,034 or 65% compared to the MSRP when new.

According to Yourbmwblog.com, the Z4 should be generally dependable despite the various years advised to avoid. The Z4 had an overall reliability score of 3 out of 5, which is considered ordinary and puts it on par with a BMW 3 series.

When considering a used BMW i3 or Z4, it’s crucial to ensure all the spark plugs, filters, fluids, battery pack, and other parts have been replaced.

You should also examine the electric vehicle’s service history to ensure it has been maintained up to date.

The worst years for the BMW i3

The BMW i3 should be avoided at all costs, according to MotorBiscuit.com, because of its short all-electric range and fewer than 200 total horsepower.

However, the 2017 BMW i3 is considered one of the finest model years to purchase secondhand due to its performance and usefulness. Although the BMW i3’s worst years are unknown, staying away from the gasoline-powered engine is advised because it can be problematic and has trouble climbing hills.

It is significant to remember that the BMW i3 has, over the years, received above-average reliability ratings and good safety rankings.

The 2016 BMW i3 is also an excellent deal for a used model, according to CoPilotSearch.com, with an average used price of $17,276 and a savings of $32,034 or 65% compared to the MSRP when new.

Owners can increase the safety and dependability of a BMW i3 by keeping up with routine maintenance and essential repairs.

How Safe Is BMW i3?

According to DrivingElectric.com, the 2013 Euro NCAP rating for the BMW i3 electric hatchback was four stars, with ratings for both adult and child protection of 86% and 81%, respectively. Nevertheless, the i3 received a 57% rating for its protection of pedestrians from, i3 owner.

Despite this, the 2017 i3 received above-average reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and good overall crash-test safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The BMW i3 electric model is also renowned for its vivacious and snappy motor mount making it practical and entertaining to drive.

It is important to remember that the BMW i3 has received above-average reliability ratings and good safety rankings over the years.

Owners can increase the safety and dependability of a BMW i3 by keeping up with routine maintenance and essential repairs, especially on the battery capacity and other great deal feature for this great car.

Reliability of BMW i3

The BMW i3 has received above-average dependability ratings over the years, according to MotorBiscuit.com.

The i3 should be more dependable than a petrol or diesel vehicle because it has fewer moving components than a typical internal combustion vehicle.

Additionally, the i3’s repair percentage is lower than that of the best-performing internal-combustion BMW on its books, the BMW 1 Series, at 18% for all its active warranties.

The i3, however, needed to sell more units to qualify as a single model for the Driver Power customer satisfaction poll in 2022. The BMW i3 has a four-star Euro NCAP rating, with adult protection receiving an 86% rating and child protection receiving an 81% rating.

Despite this, the 2017 i3 received above-average reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and good overall crash-test safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Owners can increase the safety and dependability of a BMW i3 by keeping up with routine maintenance and essential repairs.

How To Find The Best Deals on BMW i3?

It is advised to consider buying a used BMW i3 to locate the most significant discounts. The BMW i3 has a three-year depreciation rate of 60.4%, while the class average is 50%, and has the most excellent three-year depreciation rate among the most recent electric vehicles, according to MotorBiscuit.com.

A 2017 BMW i3 can be purchased under $20,000, depending on the mileage.

The 2016 BMW i3 is suggested by CoPilotSearch.com as the best-used vehicle overall, with an average used price of $17,276 and a savings of $32,034 or 65% off the MSRP when new.

An excellent location to look for used BMW i3s for sale is CarGurus.com. It’s also critical to take the BMW i3’s dependability into account.

The electric i3’s running gear is more straightforward and has fewer moving parts than a conventional internal combustion engine automobile.

Thus it should be more reliable than a petrol or diesel vehicle. The i3 has received above-average reliability ratings over the years by keeping in mind these aspects and continuing.

Tips for Maintaining your BMW i3

Regular maintenance and necessary repairs are required to maintain the BMW i3’s dependability and safety. The i3 should be more dependable than a petrol or diesel vehicle because it has fewer moving parts than a typical internal combustion vehicle, according to MotorBiscuit.com.

However, due to the pricey materials in its manufacturing, accident damage can be difficult and expensive to repair.

Therefore, follow the suggested maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer, which calls for frequent oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections.

Furthermore, since letting the battery go entirely flat can harm it, it is crucial to maintain the battery charged. Regular tire pressure checks are also advised because underinflated tires can lower a vehicle’s range.

Owners can increase the safety and dependability of a BMW i3 by keeping up with routine maintenance and essential repairs.

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful.

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title.

The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title.

However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history.

Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back.

While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.

You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot.

You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem.

Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new. It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls.

Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.

The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop.

Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out. This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon.

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon.

A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

BMW i3 FAQ’s

When did the BMW i3 receive a larger battery?

The 2017 model year (MY) BMW i3 will have a 94 Ah/33 kWh (27.2 kW net useable) battery, allowing for enhanced range, according to a May 2016 announcement from BMW. Without changing the external dimensions, the battery pack capacity was raised by more than 50%.

How long will a battery for a BMW i3 last?

3–5 years from now, in 2021 Battery life for the BMW i3 is typically three to five years, although it can vary based on factors including driving style, weather, battery type, and more. Keep your car indoors and away from sudden changes in temperature or weather to extend the life of your i3 battery.

What is the BMW i3’s reliability?

Reliability of BMW i3

BMW’s performance as a brand has declined recently, ranking 21st out of 29 manufacturers in the poll with 19.2% of owners reporting a fault in the first year of ownership. Too few i3 owners participated in our 2021 Driver Power satisfaction survey for the car to be specifically highlighted.

What is the BMW i3’s optimal range?

The EPA estimates that the BMW i3 has a range of 153 miles. The electric-only range is reduced to 126 miles when the two-cylinder gas engine range extender is added, but the overall range is increased to 200 miles. This still falls short of cars powered by batteries like the Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt.

Is the BMW i3 dated?

BMW said in January 2022 that it would completely stop producing the i3, focusing instead on larger, longer-range EV options like the i4 and iX, which are designed to resemble the brand’s other vehicles. Over the course of the i3’s nine years on the US market, slightly more than half of sales were to people purchasing their first BMW.