Along with the Leaf and the Tesla Model S, the i3 was one of the first “modern EVs” to hit the market. Older (2014) models are still available, therefore they frequently become less expensive.
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Conclusion
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.
The BMW I3 Should Be Avoided At All Costs
Popular car manufacturers have tried to make their own hybrid cars in response to the market’s growing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles. BMW achieved success with their $160,000 I8, but it wasn’t intended for the typical consumer to be accessible or achievable. On the other hand, the BMW I3 was.
The BMW I3 is a 97-mile all-electric range, compact hybrid, or all-electric vehicle with less than 200 total horsepower. There are several speedier and more attractive BMW models with base prices around $50,000, but that isn’t the only reason to steer clear of the I3.
The Tesla Model 3 is more affordable than the I3 and has double the range of the base model. In terms of features, range, power, and cost, it is not quite comparable to the competitors. Even though the I3 is a relatively recent car—its production isn’t even ten years old—it hasn’t maintained its value as most other BMW models have. If you are really that set to buy an electric or hybrid BMW, the used, low miles, clear title I3s that are available for purchase for less than $20,000 aren’t terrible for that noticeably lower price.
The BMW I3 is available as an all-electric vehicle, but buyers can also choose a regular gasoline engine to extend the vehicle’s sad range. The worst complaint from many owners who chose this supplementary engine is that the I3 struggles to climb hills and inclines on its combustion engine alone and can occasionally not be pushed over 40 mph. This wouldn’t be a problem if you only made short trips for work and didn’t plan to go more than 97 miles round-trip, but most owners at least like the ability to travel a little further. It is evident that many owners are upset and concerned about BMW’s decision to extend the car’s range by adopting a gas-powered engine.
In that sense, I guess it’s difficult to suggest that you should stay away from the car at all costs. In reality, it might not be that bad of a car for the $15,000 BMW I3s you can find for sale on the secondhand automobile market.
Many of the great things that owners have to say about the car are from people who reside in large cities and don’t have to travel far for work. Driving in traffic is said to be simple and enjoyable thanks to the car’s small size, light weight, and quick acceleration. The car is also so short that its turning radius is quite practical. On the other hand, a sizable number of owners have recounted their terrible tales of their car batteries dying on the road and their gasoline extension never activating, possibly fatal accidents, and the need for a tow.
Overall, you would be better off spending $50,000 on a Tesla or any other electric car that is probably close to that price. BMW states that they will continue to sell the I3 until 2024, although only time will tell if that is true given the vehicle’s significant value decline and declining customer bases.
Review: A used BMW i3 is the best EV available thanks to steep depreciation.
Given how inexpensive used and CPO vehicles are, the BMW i3 might be the most economical EV on the market right now.
In West Los Angeles, electric vehicles have taken the place of hybrids as the preferred eco-conscious status symbol. A Toyota Prius used to be waiting around every corner; today, a Tesla Model S, 3, X, or Y passes by every few seconds while sluggishly moving through traffic. Fortunately, I don’t have to commute to work, and when I’m not evaluating automobiles, I mostly drive for fun or to run errands—that is, when I’m not on road trips to the desert or to the mountains for ski season.
Although the dual-motor torque and all-wheel-drive combination seem too wonderful to pass up, both the Model 3 and Model Y may get quite pricey pretty soon, which just serves to reinforce my notion that I’ll never own an electric car. But I’ve been interested in the BMW i3 as a city car alternative for a while, so I was thrilled when I recently got to drive one around town on the streets of Los Angeles.
A buying service is offered by What Car?
The standard equipment for the primary trim level includes a sat-nav, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, climate control, a digital radio, a USB port, Bluetooth, automatic headlights, and wipers. However, the Loft interior, which has lighter cabin materials with blue highlights to assist lighten the inside, and the improved Professional sat-nav system with its larger screen are also recommended.
All of the i3’s basic equipment is included in the i3s model, along with 20-inch sports wheels, a second Sport driving mode, an A-pillar and roof painted in high-gloss black, a more aggressive front bumper, a black kidney grille, and—most importantly—sports suspension.
Driving can be enjoyable, though. The later 2019-on i3 offers a respectable 168 horsepower, which can propel you from zero to 62 mph in 7.3 seconds and make it easy for you to keep up with moving traffic. The i3s feels incredibly nimble and is even faster thanks to an additional 13 horsepower, reaching 62 mph from a stop in just 6.9 seconds.
It’s incredibly addictive to accelerate quickly from a stop, and the handling is fairly secure—although, to be honest, it can’t be compared to BMW’s more conventional, sportier products—in that regard. Most of its more contemporary competitors ride better than it does, especially on 20-inch wheels where its ride is a bit firm. If you can, search for an i3 from the 2018 model year because these vehicles underwent suspension upgrades that significantly boosted ride comfort.
Inside, it’s quite modern with an open layout, great visibility, and a razor-sharp screen display in front of the driver instead of traditional dials. Even the coach doors have a futuristic appearance, but because the front door must be unlocked before the rear ones can be opened and because of the high floor, access to the back seats can be a little difficult.
Is BMW i3 affordable?
You can easily find a used BMW i3 with a reasonable amount of mileage for under $15,000 on the American market. Even if you would have to travel outside of the state to purchase it, a short search for secondhand i3s will reveal that there are many options available. Any color, numerous years, and both BEV and REx models are acceptable. You may find a used BMW i3 in any configuration for a reasonable price. The only issue is if purchasing one is actually a wise decision.
The BMW i3 appears to be a bit of a mixed bag on paper. The i3 sounds like a fantastic concept for a lot of reasons, but it isn’t for one major issue in particular. So let’s examine the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a used BMW i3.
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.
Why did BMW stop producing 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.
Is the BMW i3 a trustworthy vehicle?
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, ranking 13th out of 30 manufacturers. Visit the What Car website to view the complete reliability list.
Does the BMW i3 have an end date?
Even if the inventive little BMW i3 has been on life support for some time, it is nevertheless difficult to accept BMW’s news that production has come to a stop.
Yes, the i3 has officially died eight and a half years after its debut. Just a few days ago, according to BMW, the 250,000th copy was produced in Leipzig, and the last ten vehicles received a special HomeRun edition specification.
The HomeRun variants come with 20-inch wheels, new Frozen Dark Grey or Frozen Red II paint finishes, and practically every i3 option imaginable. It sounds like certain component bins needed to be cleaned out. That entails a heated leather instrument panel, wireless charging, a rear-view camera, an electric glass roof, adaptive LED headlights, heated leather seats in “Vernasca Dark Truffle,” a Harman Kardon speaker system, and more.