Used BMW i3 2013-2022 reliability
Category: Electric car
It may be one of the older electric cars, but the BMW i3 still looks futuristic and has a stunning interior. Range is limited, though.
What should I look for in a used BMW i3 hatchback?
The i3 will mostly have been used in urban areas, so check that futuristic bodywork for any scuffs caused by taking on multi-storey car parks with excessive zeal. It’s worth checking the interior for wear and tear and also the wheels for any signs of contact with kerbs. Also make sure the rear-hinged doors work as they should.
What are the most common problems with a used BMW i3 hatchback?
Handling may not behave as expected
A small number of i3s produced between 9 October 2015 and 4 November 2015 had an issue where the regenerative braking system designed to help send energy back to the battery while slowing down can be too aggressive, causing the rear of the car to oversteer in slippery conditions. Affected vehicles are to have updated software installed to rectify this.
Fuel tank ventilation line may chafe
On range-extender models produced between 17 September 2013 and 30 December 2016, the ventilation line from the fuel tank can chafe against the positive battery terminal, which could potentially lead to a leak of fuel vapour into the engine bay. In extreme cases, this might cause a fire. Dealers are to inspect the line for damage and replace it if necessary. They’ll also install additional clips to prevent this problem from happening again.
Check with your local BMW dealer on these and any other recalls and make sure all remedial work has been carried out.
Is a used BMW i3 hatchback reliable?
According to our most recent reliability survey, the i3 scored 94.5%, which put it in sixth place in a class of 18 electric cars. It finished below the Mini Electric, Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen ID 3, but above the Hyundai Ionoq and Renault Zoe.
Reliability rating 94.5%
The BMW i3 was the brand's first foray into the pure electric world, and it's proving a fairly dependable option. According to our survey, 21% of i3s had a fault, but two-thirds of issues were fixed in less than a week. The main problem areas were the bodywork, non-motor electrics and suspension. While 77% of remedial work was done for free, some owners paid up to £300 and 8% had to find up to £1500.
BMW as a brand finished eighth place out of 31 manufacturers – a respectable result and better than it has achieved in recent years. Its overall score was 94%. This put it above rivals like Audi, Mercedes and Volkswagen but below Honda, Kia, Tesla and Volvo.
Used BMW i3 reliability: the owners' view
As part of our annual Reliability Survey, What Car? readers described the i3 as generally reliable, though some owners reported issues specific to its electric and hybrid systems.
A recurring fault mentioned was with the charging system, including problems with charging ports and cables, which led to difficulty in maintaining consistent battery performance. Some owners also highlighted issues with the range extender models, citing engine faults and warning lights as common concerns.
BMW dealerships received mixed reviews for their handling of these issues. While many readers praised the professionalism and technical expertise of staff, others expressed frustration over the high cost of repairs and delays caused by the limited availability of specialized parts. Additionally, a few readers reported dissatisfaction with the lack of proactive support in addressing recurring problems.
Overall, the BMW i3’s innovative design remains appealing, but reliability concerns and mixed dealer experiences suggest room for improvement in aftersales support.
If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
