The BMW i3 was and is still a fairly distinctive vehicle. It stands out wherever it goes thanks to its monocoque carbon-fiber structure, unique design, and unusual wheels. All of those things were done, though, in order to make the i3 the ideal city car. And most owners believe it to be. How well the work was done from the beginning is evidenced by the fact that the automobile is almost 8 years old and is still selling rather well.
The fact is, purchasing a BMW i3 today results in a few significant variations from the original. The current i3 can store more energy since its battery pack has a larger capacity. Since it must fit in the same space designated under the floor, the battery’s size hasn’t changed between the initial and most recent updates.
As a result, many people have been wondering whether it’s possible to quadruple your range by merely switching out your battery pack rather than purchasing a new one. According to the video below, the answer appears to be yes, but you cannot do it yourself in your garage. The Czech town of Havrla has produced a brief video that explains what has to be done for this to function. And it’s surely not a simple task.
If you plan to get a battery from an i3 with a salvage title, you’ll have to deal with cooling ducts, you’ll need a scanner and a way to replace the battery management system, you’ll need to figure out how to unlock the battery (which is likely to be locked by BMW), and you might also need to do some coding. That’s undoubtedly challenging, but if you’re determined enough, you might succeed in the end. Of course, there is also the possibility that the car’s warranty will be nullified.
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How much does a new BMW i3 battery cost?
- On eBay, a battery pack for a BMW i3 that had a capacity of 22 kWh at one point but is now only about 17.14 kWh is going for $2,500. This works out to about $145 per kWh. A
- According to a 2016 BMW study, a new i3 battery would cost roughly $16,000. This was for the 22 kWh packs used in the 2013–2016 model years, which came out to $727 per kWh in actual 2016 currency. A
- According to a 2015 InsideEV study, a 21.6 kWh battery pack would cost $13,725 or $635 per kWh. These costs were computed using data from an internet parts retailer. A
When was the BMW i3 battery upgraded?
The i3 battery’s warranty has been extended by BMW. The Munich-based automaker has increased the maximum mileage in Europe included in the eight-year warranty period from the previous 100,000 to 160,000 kilometers, effective immediately.
This information was released in a press release from the German manufacturer, and some of the first users who have each driven their BMW i3 over 200,000 miles share their experiences. BMW already highlighted in December that the electric car’s manufacture would be continued through 2024. After that year, there won’t be a replacement, though.
BMW’s decision to forgo a direct successor was first revealed in a September leak. However, at the time it sounded like a much shorter manufacturing run, which is why Oliver Zipse, the CEO of BMW, refuted the rumors in October and referred to the vehicle as an icon. Sales figures for the i3 have increased gradually over time as a result of the expanding variety and improved availability of charging stations. According to BMW headquarters, since the tiny electric car’s production began in Leipzig in 2013, over 165,000 vehicles have been sold globally.
The Bavarians now claim that in relation to the battery’s extended guarantee “The range that can be achieved with the original battery only slightly reduces over time, according to customer experience, even after extensive usage. A BMW i3’s high-voltage battery has never before needed to be changed owing to early aging “. The warranty promises for the battery in new BMW i3 vehicles in Europe have now been extended once more because the battery’s potential has not yet been fully utilized after the predicted 100,000 kilometers to date.
In September 2018, the German auto and motorcycle manufacturer delivered the BMW i3 and the i3s sports variant even another battery upgrade: by utilizing new Samsung cells with 120 Ah, the overall capacity increased by approximately 30% to 42.2 kWh. The values were still 60 Ah and 22.6 kWh when the market was first introduced in 2013. 2016 saw the release of the first battery update, which has 94 Ah and 33 kWh. According to BMW, the range has grown to 285 to 310 kilometers, or 260 kilometers in normal driving, based on WLTP data. Comparing this to the BMW i3 with a first-generation high-voltage storage system results in an increase of almost 50%. BMW revealed in the process of extending production until 2024 that another battery update for the i3 is still due.
It’s interesting to note that the USA has previously increased the maximum guarantee for battery use to 160,000 km (100,000 miles), which is now the standard in Europe. It is unclear whether this is because American roads are generally straighter than the older, curved European highways or because better technology or measuring cycles are being used.
How much do batteries for the BMW i3 cost?
Estimated cost to replace the battery in a BMW i3. A new battery for a BMW i3 typically costs between $290 and $316. While parts are priced at $191, labor costs are predicted to range between $99 and $125. Taxes and levies are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or special location taken into account.
What is the battery warranty for a BMW i3?
BMW provides an 8 year, 100,000 mile warranty against errors or severe battery degradation. The guarantee provides protection from degradation that exceeds 70% of the coverage. With the sale of the car, the remaining warranty is also transferable. Although many of these do not cover battery replacements, supplemental insurance is available for certified pre-owned i3 purchases.
How long will the battery in a BMW i3 last?
The typical battery life of a 2021 BMW i3 is three to five years, however this might vary depending on factors including driving style, weather, battery type, and more.
Tesla batteries: are they upgradeable?
Can a Tesla battery be upgraded? Yes, firmware updates can extend the range of Tesla batteries. If not, you will need to buy a new battery.
Is the BMW i3 quick?
The BMW i3 is surprisingly quick as well thanks to its potent electric motor and carbon fiber chassis that keeps the weight from ballooning even further. Rapid acceleration is made possible by the electric motor’s quick torque, which enables a 0-62 mph pace of 7.3 seconds.
How long does the battery in a 2014 BMW i3 last?
BMW claims a range of 182 miles, which was once astounding, but vehicles like the Peugeot e-208 can travel more than 200 miles and are far more affordable. Despite this, the i3 is efficient and typically achieves near to the 182-mile claimed range because to its lightweight body.
The BMW i3 is being retired for what reason?
It is extremely heartbreaking to see BMW discontinue its little electric hatchback after nine years on the market given how great it was.
In 2011, as interest in electric vehicles increased, the BMW i3 was first unveiled as a concept car. The design was later evolved into a working model that was released for purchase in 2013 as a 2014 model. The BMW i3 has enjoyed considerable success since that time. The compact electric hatchback from BMW has sold over 250,000 units and was named the World Car Design and World Green Car of the Year winners at the 2014 World Car Awards.
Unfortunately, all wonderful things must eventually come to an end. BMW terminated the i3 in all markets in July 2022 after ceasing manufacturing for the US market in July 2021. The company cited consumer demand for larger-than-the-i3 electric automobiles as justification for the withdrawal. Another reason is that the manufacturer wants to move away from the i3’s distinctive appearance and produce electric vehicles with more traditional styling. The BMW i4 and BMW iX models are taking the place of the i3 as a result. We are sad to see the i3 depart, but there are other reasons as well.
Can the BMW i3 have a range extender added?
Increases driving enjoyment: The BMW i3’s optional Range Extender, which is situated next to the electric motor in the back of the vehicle, can extend the vehicle’s range in COMFORT Mode from up to 125 miles to a total of 205 miles. The BMW i3 can continue to operate only on electricity thanks to the compact, noiseless two-cylinder petrol engine that powers a generator that keeps the high-voltage battery’s charge level constant. When the battery level is low, the Range Extender automatically turns on.
Is the BMW i3 a trustworthy vehicle?
Is a pre-owned BMW i3 hatchback trustworthy? The i3 placed fourth out of nine electric vehicles in its class, receiving a score of 94.1% in our most recent dependability study. A solid achievement for BMW as a brand, placing 13th out of 30 manufacturers.