If I’m being really honest, buying a used BMW i3 isn’t a good choice for most individuals. Yes, it is inexpensive and you can purchase an all-electric, carbon-tipped BMW for a very little cost. But besides having a tiny cabin and a very limited range, it will also see some very severe depreciation. One group of individuals, nevertheless, would profit from having an i3.
I’ll admit it; I’m one of them. Everything I need is within five or ten miles of where I reside. Sometimes, a maximum of 25 miles. I also hardly ever drive if I’m not testing a press car. I can leave my car unlocked for a full week. In addition, my driveway is large enough to house a Level 2 charging station. Therefore, I could always have the i3 charged and only seldom use it, saving a ton of money on petrol. My wife has a small crossover (the Volkswagen Tiguan), which makes things even simpler by providing us with a family vehicle when necessary.
A BMW i3 would undoubtedly come in handy for someone like me who lives in a city or a small town, has convenient access to charging stations, and only travels short distances. A secondhand i3 is unexpectedly an excellent choice for someone like me who wants an affordable second vehicle. For everyone else, however, there would be numerous issues that would need to be resolved, and numerous concessions would need to be made. Which probably makes it a bad idea.
In This Article...
Should you choose the REx or the ordinary i3? What year model?
A 2018 BMW i3 that has been certified as pre-owned is a great deal at half the price and offers great handling, rapid acceleration, and, most importantly, a three-year bumper-to-bumper guarantee.
The starting price of the BMW i3 REx after its makeover in 2018 was $49,300, but used car prices today are much, much lower. This evaluation vehicle, a 2018 i3 REx with the “Giga World” interior and the add-on sunroof, was given by Hendrick BMW Charlotte. Expect to pay a little bit extra because it is the range-extender model, specifically around the low to mid $20s. Prices can drop as low as $20,000 without the range-extender. It is crucial to comprehend the distinctions because the price difference is around several thousand dollars.
What you may expect to save when purchasing a used 2015 BMW i3
Although the 2015 BMW i3 lacks many of the features included in the 2020 model, it still offers the majority of the features found in the 2019 model, making it a must-see used vehicle. Choosing a used 2015 model won’t be too stressful because the pricing is great and about 60% less than the original price. But without all of the cutting-edge technology, you’re essentially purchasing a BMW electric car without the wow.
Verdict
The BMW i3 is still stylish and futuristic after several years on the market, and as it was one of the first electric vehicles, it may someday be considered a classic. However, because of their extremely limited range, the very first versions are only somewhat functional (which will have further decreased with age).
Because of this, we suggest the updated model with the 33kWh battery as a daily driver. There are many used i3 computers available, and reliability appears to be solid because the model did well in the UK. Although it isn’t the most affordable choice, it is one of the more intriguing and appealing ways to purchase a used electric vehicle.
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.
Is the BMW i3’s maintenance pricey?
The BMW i3 is a fantastic choice for individuals seeking a more environmentally friendly vehicle because it is an all-electric vehicle. However, compared to more conventional BMWs, the i3 will need slightly different upkeep, which will cost owners an average of $1,173 a year.
The most common fault with the 2017 BMW i3 is that the adaptive cruise control does not function well, despite the requirement for more specialized maintenance. Despite this, the i3 remains one of BMW’s most dependable cars. Electrical issues are also reportedly occurring. There haven’t been enough reported problems, yet, to calculate an average repair cost. The i3 has also been subject to recalls, the most recent of which was for the 2019 model year due to a potential crash-causing unexpected power shutdown.
Are BMW i3 repairs expensive?
A BMW i3’s annual maintenance costs $1,173. Costs for repairs and upkeep vary according on age, mileage, location, and shop. There are no known issues with the BMW i3.
With what does BMW plan to replace the i3?
As a sort of successor to the i3, BMW teases the new electric BMW iX1, which will make its appearance later this year alongside a new ICE X1.
The innovative, if somewhat dated, BMW i3 will likely continue to be sold until 2024, according to BMW. However, they later had a change of heart and announced last year that i3 manufacture would stop in July. But what will take the i3’s place?
Therefore, we need to look at the BMW X1 as the foundation for an i3 replacement. It will be updated this year and will be available not only in ICE versions but also as the BMW iX1 with an EV drivetrain. As BMW’s EVs start to really roll out, any i3 will now be a saloon take on the i4.
BMW has created a teaser sketch (above) to give us a preview of that arrival later this year. Although we already know what it will look like without the need for a BMW insider.
The new IX3 isn’t that dissimilar from the current model, which has a large kidney grille that has been squared off, blue highlights around the grille, and air vents that are likely to be closed off.
Although there are currently no data on the power or battery capacity, BMW claims that the iX1 will have a range of 250–270 miles and share its platform with the ICE X1 vehicles.
In the weeks and months ahead of the iX1’s release, which will happen shortly after the new ICE X1 comes, expect additional information about the device.
Can the BMW i3 handle snow?
The BMW i3 might appear to be terrible in the snow at first glance. It’s an all-electric BMW with rear-wheel drive, so its rapid torque may easily rip the rear tires off. It weighs about 2,800 lbs., which makes it relatively light and prevents it from pressing through the snow and into the pavement like heavier cars do. So it seems sense that the i3 is a little dicey during the winter. The small i3, though, isn’t all that horrible when the roads turn white, as this video from TFLC demonstrates.
In this video, a brief overview of the BMW i3 REx’s performance in the snow is shown when it is equipped with Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires. Winter tires are essential for all vehicles in the snow, especially rear-wheel drive electric vehicles, thus that last sentence is significant.
The tiny i3 is actually quite good in powder when outfitted with those Blizzaks. Acceleration is acceptable as long as you don’t pin the throttle, as said in the video, and it will really take off from a stop with little to no drama. The BMW i3 actually has good braking in the snow. Regenerative braking, which substantially slows down the wheels without actually engaging the brakes, helps the vehicle’s brakes, it is true.
The BMW i3 maintains a remarkable level of composure—even when trying to perform donuts in a deserted, wintry parking lot. You would assume it would slip all over the place and perform careless donuts. Though it struggles, the traction control of the i3 cannot be completely overpowered. That simply shows that the traction control on the BMW i3 will probably save your snowy electric butt if you do slide the car around in the snow by accident.
Overall, the i3 isn’t as horrible in the snow as most people believe. Even though the BMW i3 is rear-wheel drive, lightweight by today’s standards, and boasts quick electric torque, it is surprisingly capable in winter conditions—as long as you have the proper tires.
The BMW i3 is produced where?
After eight and a half years and 250,000 units produced, the production of the BMW i3/i3s has ended.
The BMW i3 was created in the BMW Group facility in Leipzig, Germany, and distributed to more than 74 nations.
It was a ground-breaking vehicle for the business as it was one of the first standalone all-electric models to hit the market and the first series battery-electric model from BMW.
A passenger cell built of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and an aluminum chassis made the BMW i3 a distinctive vehicle.
The business also marketed a REx (range-extender version) of the i3/i3s, which has a small gasoline engine for emergency use, in addition to the 100% electric i3/i3s (sporty version). The car’s battery capacity increased over time, from 21.6 kWh in the first iteration to 33.2 kWh (27.2 kWh useable) and 42.2 kWh for up to 307 km (191 miles) of WLTP range.
According to BMW, it is also the most popular electric vehicle in the world in the premium compact sector with 250,000 units sold worldwide.
BMW i3 production ceased at the end of June 2022. The last 10 are unique BMW i3s HomeRun Edition models. The completion of the automobiles in the assembly hall was open to customers.
HomeRun Edition trim for the BMW i3:
- Frozen Dark Grey or Frozen Dark Red II are two new BMW Individual paint colors.
- Double-spoke light alloy wheels measuring 20 inches in diameter
- a glass roof that is electrically powered
- solar-controlling glass
- LED headlights that can adjust
- Vernasca Dark Truffle leather upholstery, a leather instrument panel, a leather steering wheel with galvanized detailing, a Carum Grey roof lining, ambient lighting, and the welcome light are all examples of the high-quality interior design of the suite.
- The Comfort package, Driving Assistant Plus, Professional navigation, wireless charging for phones, a Harman Kardon hi-fi sound system, and online entertainment with music flat rate are all included.
Some BMW i3/i3s electric vehicle components, such as battery modules or drive units, were also utilised in other EVs. The MINI Cooper SE specifically uses e-drive components (although in the front-wheel-drive configuration). Additionally, battery modules can be found in Torqeedo electric motorboats, Turkish Karsan electric buses, and Streetscooter vehicles used by the German postal service.
Due to the planned release of the next-generation fully electric MINI Countryman, the BMW Group Plant Leipzig will become the first BMW Group facility to produce both BMW and MINI vehicles.
Why is BMW ending production of the i3?
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.