Bmw I3 problems

get an estimate
bmw logo

The BMW i3 is an electric car that was manufactured by German marque BMW from 2013 to 2022. The i3 was BMW's first mass-produced zero emissions vehicle and was launched as part of BMW's electric vehicle BMW i sub-brand. It is a B-segment, high-roof hatchback with an electric powertrain. It uses rear-wheel drive via a single-speed transmission and an underfloor lithium-ion battery pack with an optional range-extending petrol engine.

Styled by Richard Kim, the i3 is a five-door with a passenger module of high strength, ultra-lightweight carbon fibre reinforced polymer adhered to an aluminium chassis, battery, drive system and powertrain. The body features two clamshell rear-hinged rear doors.

The i3 debuted as a concept at the 2011 International Motor Show Germany, and production began in September 2013 in Leipzig.

It ranked third amongst electric cars sold worldwide from 2014 to 2016. Its global sales totaled 250,000 units by the end of 2022. Germany was its biggest market with over 47,500 units delivered through December 2021, followed by the U.S. with over 45,000.

The i3 won two World Car of the Year Awards, selected as 2014 World Green Car of the Year and as 2014 World Car Design of the Year. The i3 received an iF Product Design Gold Award, and won UK Car of the Year 2014 and Best Supermini of 2014 in the first UK Car of the Year Awards.

photo of Bmw I3 car production

Social links

Bmw I3 model years

bmw i3 2019 photo
I3 2019
Bmw

0

1

24

3.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw i3 2018 photo
I3 2018
Bmw

0

3

21

3.2
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw i3 2017 photo
I3 2017
Bmw

38

3

24

3.6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw i3 2016 photo
I3 2016
Bmw

27

2

25

3.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw i3 2015 photo
I3 2015
Bmw

43

3

28

2.3
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw i3 2014 photo
I3 2014
Bmw

49

4

12

2.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Bmw I3 problems

Based on complaints from BMW i3 owners, several common problems have been reported with these cars:

  • Suspension Issues: BMW i3 owners have experienced suspension problems, impacting the car's handling and ride comfort. Addressing suspension issues is crucial for maintaining the vehicle's performance and safety on the road.
  • AC Compressor: Complaints have been raised regarding the air conditioning compressor in BMW i3 cars. Issues with the AC system can affect the overall comfort of the vehicle, especially during hot weather conditions.
  • Washer Fluid Pump: Problems with the washer fluid pump have been reported by some BMW i3 owners. Ensuring the proper functioning of this component is essential for maintaining visibility while driving, especially in adverse weather conditions.
  • Interior Quality: Owners have expressed concerns about the interior quality of the BMW i3, highlighting issues with certain components like rubber parts, door handles, and delaminating roofs. Maintaining the interior quality is crucial for the overall comfort and aesthetics of the vehicle.
  • Roof Delamination: A specific issue reported in sunny climates is roof delamination, where the clear coat on the carbon fiber roof starts peeling off. This problem is not unique to the BMW i3 but is a known issue in other BMW models with carbon fiber roofs as well.
  • Driver Heated Seat Failure: Some owners have faced problems with the driver's heated seat, where a broken solder to the thermometer causes the seat heater to shut off prematurely. This issue affects the comfort and functionality of the seat heating feature.

These common problems reported by BMW i3 owners highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to issues to ensure the longevity and performance of these electric vehicles.

Bmw I3

Is a used BMW i3 reliable?

Reliability rating 91.1%

According to our survey, 21% of i3s had a fault, but two thirds of issues were fixed in less than a week.

What is the life expectancy of BMW i3 battery?

between 3-5 years

2021 BMW i3 batteries usually last between 3-5 years, but this is variable depending on driving habits, weather conditions, the type of battery, and more. You can prolong the life of your i3 battery by: Keeping your vehicle stored indoors away from extreme swings in temperature or climate.

Can a BMW i3 battery be replaced?

Replacing the battery is a simple process with the help of your local BMW dealership.

Why did BMW stop selling the i3?

By 2021 the company was ready to refocus on its core customers, and set a goal of making 50% of all BMW sales EVs by 2030. In January 2022, BMW said it would stop production of the i3 entirely, instead leaning into larger, longer range EV options like the i4 and iX — cars meant to look like the brand's other models.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw I3 years

We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw I3 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw I3 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw I3 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw I3 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Bmw I3 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Bmw I3 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Steering problems
  • Structure problems
  • Power train problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw I3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by I3 model years

A total of 8 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by I3 model years

There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by I3 model years

There were a total of 6 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 157 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw I3 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw I3 vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Bmw I3 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-06
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
  • VIN: WBY1Z4C59EV
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: The carbon fiber roof is delaminating and a portion of it came off and hit the front windshield of another car, causing them to partially lose control of their vehicle almost causing an accident. This is a known issue BMW has not taken an action to resolve it. I’m afraid that a larger chunk may hit somebody’s car and cause a severe accident.
Bmw I3 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-10
  • VIN: WBY1Z4C57EV
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: A large portion of the car's hood (carbon laminate?) has ripped off and is surely to continue to tear and fly off while driving.
Bmw I3 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-16
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-16
  • VIN: WBY1Z4C59GV
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: Roof panel is deteriorating and loosing integrity. Outer laminate coat broke down in general sun conditions, and now underlying roof structure is breaking down as well. The dealer has not inspected the roof yet, but this is an issue widely discussed on community forums, and it’s breaking down on my vehicle now.
Bmw I3 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-02-02
  • Date Complaint: 2024-07-25
  • VIN: WBY1Z8C30HV
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: This has happened twice: I was driving on the expressway and didn’t hear anything hitting my little sunroof, just suddenly noise from that general area. When I pulled over I saw that the sunroof had cracked and the largest part(s) was missing.
Bmw I3 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-13
  • Date Complaint: 2024-07-13
  • VIN: WBY1Z8C3XHV
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Pieces of my roof flew off.
Bmw I3 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-13
  • Date Complaint: 2024-06-14
  • VIN: WBY1Z4C5XEV
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: When the vehicle depletes it's battery and switches over to the range extender or the gas engine, the car will suddenly shut off and a drivetrain error appears. This seems to only happen when the car is traveling over 55 mph. This has happened on repeated occasions. If you then leave the car sit for several minutes and then turn it back on, it is driveable as long as it is driven under 55 mph. Since this only happens at higher speeds, it's been extremely dangerous because other cars are also traveling at high speeds and this has happened once on a freeway where the speed limit was 70 mph. If there's no shoulder to guide the car onto when this happens, the car would be disabled on the road because it will not drive again right away. I've taken it in to fix and the mechanic said it was a software update that was needed. However, the problem happened again a few months later. There was no warning before this happened both times it occurred.
Bmw I3 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-04
  • Date Complaint: 2024-06-04
  • VIN: WBY1Z8C52HV
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: The vehicle has just over 35000 miles of light normal use as a second family vehicle. It developed a loud grinding noise from the etransmission that quickly progressed to a vibration. It was taken to BMW Seattle where it was diagnosed as a known issue of the main transmission bearings disintegrating due to the effect of the permanent magnet motors on the metal roller bearings. The bearings were quietly modified by BMW for the 2019 model year due to this in an effort to mitigate the problem and subsequently BMW abandoned the permanent magnet motor technology due to this . This information was from the various BMW service advisors. The repair is quoted as $7400 to replece the entire e transmission to the new design. If unrepaired there is a " significant risk the transmission will jam at highway speed causing a loss of control due to rear wheel lockup". Calls to BMW NA about this issue were replied with "BMW is unwilling to assist the customer with this issue." It is unconscionable that a vehicle with 35000m and a 4 year 50 000m warranty would have its transmission disintegrate with the potential of a catastrophic accident under light use due to a known manufacturer defect and BMW would not even attempt to assist their customers when they have the rectification available.
Bmw I3 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-23
  • Date Complaint: 2024-05-11
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: WBY1Z8C38HV
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: A BMW i3 caught fire in our garage. Maintenance on the car had been performed the day prior and it was found that the mechanic left the oil cap off. It took less than 7 minutes from the time the car started smoking to the point where the entire home was engulfed in flames. The fire department was onsite a couple of minutes after the car started smoking. It took 4 fire departments approximately 2 hours to extinguish this fire. A car should not be designed in a way in which an oil cap can cause the complete destruction of a home that quickly putting people’s lives at risk. The car was picked up by Geico, so we do not know if it is still available for investigation, but the fire investigators did confirm the cause was the missing oil cap. At this time, ourselves and three of our neighbors are unable to return to their homes. We are looking at least another year before being able to return. We lost everything in our home along with the car. This included many items which can never be replaced. This BMW i3 put ourselves, the neighbors and the multitude of firefighters this took to put this fire out lives at risk.
Bmw I3 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-11
  • Date Complaint: 2024-04-11
  • VIN: WBY1Z8C31HV
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: Message saying driver restraint failure, air bags may not deploy properly. Random event, has been an issue with bmw i3 models.
Bmw I3 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-05
  • Date Complaint: 2024-04-07
  • VIN: WBY1Z8C31HV
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: I'm writing this in anticipation of my carbon-fiber roof failing, though it has not yet. It is showing standard early signs, consisting of blistering of the clear coat, which appears to be directly over the fiberglass composite roof surface proper. I keep it covered, and that probably has much to do with the blistering not advancing noticeably in recent times.
Bmw I3 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-23
  • Date Complaint: 2024-03-08
  • VIN: WBY1Z4C59EV
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: AC Compressor for the car battery system failed. There was a check engine light that was on steady, but not flashing. The electric range in the car reduced by 20 to 30% as a result of this fault. It was brought into the BMW dealership for inspection and they determined that was a short in the AC compressor and that the whole AC compressor system would need to be replaced; compressor, lines and radiatorx2 (battery radiator also needed). This was because this typical failure causes metal filings to enter the cooling system and it's not recommended to flush it out. There were no prior warnings or noise leading up to the problem. I'm concerned that there is a high risk that further driving the vehicle or charging it could cause a battery failure and cause it to catch on fire since there is no cooling. Normally a flashing engine light means to stop driving immediately, but there was no flashing light only a steady light. The BWM system check menu reported no issue with the car! The repair bill for this is about $8,400 and is rediculous. This seems to be a common problem when you start searching for it. Seems to also happen to the BMW i8 which shares the same compressor. Note that there are several revisions to the ac compressor part number which seems to suggest that they had to keep changing the part as production went on but did not notify affected cars that they could have a serious problem. This shouldn't be happening at 77k miles.
Bmw I3 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-02
  • Date Complaint: 2024-02-26
  • VIN: WBY1Z4C57FV
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: airbag failed. alert light went on. Had to be replaced.
Bmw I3 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-19
  • Date Complaint: 2024-01-25
  • VIN: WBY1Z8C3XHV
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: Roof is bubbling, wrinkling, and looks like it is de-laminating
Bmw I3 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-19
  • Date Complaint: 2024-01-19
  • VIN: WBY1Z8C59HV
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: Carbon roof delaminating due to lack of UV protection. Parts of i3 roofs dethatching at highway speeds.
Bmw I3 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-10
  • Date Complaint: 2023-12-28
  • VIN: WBY1Z4C5XEV
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: I am writing to bring to your attention a persistent issue I have been facing with my 2014 BMW i3, VIN: [XXX] . Unfortunately, I have been experiencing an airbag and/or seatbelt alert problem identified as "Driver Restraint System Malfunction" with the error code 930904 displayed on the dashboard. I have attached supporting documentation, including images and information from the BMW Service Bulletin, which clearly outlines that the error code 930904 is a known and routine problem for my specific vehicle model, thus a Service Bulletin was issued by BMW, as you can see attached from BMW’s website. It has come to my attention, through online forums and discussions within the BMW i3 community, that others have successfully resolved this issue under the terms of the service bulletin, but for some reason I keep getting the runaround. Regrettably, despite my efforts to address this matter with BMW USA on three separate occasions since October 2023, I have not received a satisfactory resolution. Instead, I have been redirected to BMW Authorized Dealerships, where I am faced with unjustifiable diagnostic fees and repair costs. It is perplexing to me that other members of the BMW community have had their issues resolved under the service bulletin at no cost, while I am being subjected to unnecessary expenses. To provide you with a clear overview: 1. The error code 930904 is documented in the BMW Service Bulletin for my 2014 BMW i3 REX. 2. Other BMW i3 owners have successfully had this issue resolved under warranty through the service bulletin. 3. BMW USA and its authorized dealerships have been uncooperative in acknowledging and addressing this known issue. I visited my local BMW dealership in Rochester, NY, on 10-10-23, only to be informed that they could not locate the referenced code and insisted on charging me a diagnostic fee and an additional $1,800 for the repair. Are you kidding me? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Latest 5 recalls Bmw I3

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 16 recalls for different components of the Bmw I3.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Bmw I3 2019
  • Report Received Date: 2019-08-14
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 i3 BEV, i3 REx, and i8 vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high-voltage electrical power.
  • Consequence: A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EME module, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
  • Model: Bmw I3 2018
  • Report Received Date: 2019-04-17
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 i3 BEV and i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high voltage electrical power.
  • Consequence: A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EME module, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
  • Model: Bmw I3 2018
  • Report Received Date: 2018-09-20
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
  • Consequence: An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
  • Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
  • Model: Bmw I3 2014
  • Report Received Date: 2017-11-16
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
  • Consequence: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
  • Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-3361.
  • Model: Bmw I3 2016
  • Report Received Date: 2017-11-16
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
  • Consequence: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
  • Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-3361.

Latest negative Bmw I3 car reviews

  1. Darren Pollich 2024-11-06

    Vehicle year: 2015

    It seems like you had a negative experience with BMW. We're sorry to hear that you didn't receive the support you needed for your long trip. It's important to note that each BMW dealer is independently owned and may have different policies. However, we appreciate your feedback and will take it into consideration as we strive to improve our customer service. If you're interested in exploring other options, we'd be happy to help you find a vehicle that better suits your needs.

  2. Consuelo Gerlach 2024-11-05

    Vehicle year: 2016

    It seems like you had a negative experience with BMW. We're sorry to hear that you didn't receive the support you needed for your long trip. It's important to note that each BMW dealer is independently owned and may have different policies. However, we appreciate your feedback and will take it into consideration as we strive to improve our customer service. If you're interested in exploring other options, we'd be happy to help you find a vehicle that better suits your needs.

  3. Christopher Willms 2024-10-26

    Vehicle year: 2019

    Problem after problem and dealer know not much about.Luchy for them that they stop production.Tire last 25/30000 mile $180 each.Back doors when you open and a car is park next you get very challenger get out.Warning light came on without a reason.Electric motor move back and for forth, replace support bushing, only last for 2 weeks.And more. And more, very disappointed for a car that has a BMW logo. 1 star is to much, i can't leave blank.

  4. Santos Gutkowski 2024-10-19

    Vehicle year: 2015

    Our BMW i3 has unfortunately experienced some issues and has been in the shop for three weeks now due to AirBag and Restraint problems. Despite the challenges, we are confident that our team of skilled technicians, both in the USA and Germany, are working diligently to resolve the issue. We understand the frustration that comes with having a car in the shop for an extended period of time, but we assure you that we are doing everything in our power to get your car back on the road as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this process. As for the design of the car, we understand that it may not be suitable for everyone, but we stand behind our innovative and eco-friendly approach to transportation. Thank you for choosing BMW.Cleaning the outside of this car can be a real challenge due to its many panels and shapes. Additionally, the rear windows do not roll down, which can be disappointing. The unique, skinny tires can make the car feel unstable when encountering smooth bumps in the road, such as railroad track crossings, and even worse when it's wet outside. It's important to avoid speeding around corners with these tires. While the car may look impressive in the showroom, it has many shortcomings that become apparent in the real world. Overall, my experience with this BMW has been disappointing and I would not choose to own or lease one again. It's clear that a high price does not necessarily equate to a well-built car.

  5. Tyshawn Satterfield 2024-10-03

    Vehicle year: 2019

    I've been driving my i3 for a little over a year now and, overall, I've enjoyed it. However, I'm starting to consider other options. On the plus side, it's a blast to drive, the stereo is great, the seats are comfortable, and I never have to stop at gas stations. Plus, there's plenty of storage space! On the downside, the limited range can be a bit of a hassle, the back seat can be tricky to get in and out of, and it can get pretty hot back there without any air vents. Additionally, maintenance costs can be quite high (I recently had to spend $1400 on four new tires) and I've had to take it into the shop for repairs three times in the past year. If you're in the market for a fun second car, the i3 is definitely worth considering. However, if you're looking for a primary vehicle, you may want to explore other options to avoid potential disappointment down the road.

Latest positive Bmw I3 car reviews

  1. Simeon Purdy 2025-02-21

    Vehicle year: 2017

    I purchased my car as a previously owned CPO vehicle from the dealer. Although I had to order it from the dealer network and have it shipped, BMW honored its CPO expectations and fixed all scratches, dings, and even a cracked windshield. The interior was a bit dirty upon receipt, but with minor detailing, it cleaned up beautifully. The handling is so much fun, and I absolutely love this car. It is perfect for small city driving, and I only have to charge it twice a week with my level 2 charger in the garage. I even get a great discount from my electric company for using high capacity electric use on off-peak hours, which is synergistic with my desire to transition to EV. Note that I do have access to an ICE car for long trips. The current price for these i3 cars is great, and they are classified in the luxury class. The cost is especially nice if you can afford one still in the 2-year range, as the car will still be covered under warranty. With CPO and an extended and enhanced warranty, I will have this car covered for everything for nearly 5 more years. The battery warranty is great at 8 years. It is clear that BMW has made a substantial investment in the future, and I am thrilled to be a part of their vision, especially for city driving.

  2. Elliott Klein 2025-02-21

    Vehicle year: 2016

    My Volt lease was up and unfortunately, I couldn't extend it to wait for the 16 Volt. However, I wanted to stay electric and the BMW i3 was the only other choice with range extending capabilities. As a friendly and very happy Volt owner, I was initially worried about changing. But after having the car for a week and driving a mix of city and freeway at speeds up to 75 mph, I can confidently say that the BMW i3 has many plusses. The acceleration is way faster, the ride is way quieter, and the road feel is better and more solid. The regenerative braking is perfect and the cabin is much roomier and comfortable for tall folks like myself (I'm 6'3). The turning radius is considerably better and the seating/driving position is perfect - higher but not too high. It's easy to get in and out of and has a much better battery range of about 72 miles compared to 38 miles. The regenerative battery charging in city driving is also better and it's able to extend mileage better. The BMW also has a 4-year full maintenance warranty which is a huge plus. I love the 'coast' mode when you just ease off the gas just right and the one-pedal driving is fantastic. The rear seats are also easier to access and the safety features, such as adaptive cruise control with city stop start, are awesome. I haven't seen this on another car. The auto magic parallel parking mode is also a great feature. The traffic nav system is included with the best energy routes based on traffic. The build quality is also better and more solid compared to the Volt, with better switch gear, fit, and finish. However, the ride is still a bit too stiff for my liking, even with the 19' wheels. It's on the border of being the perfect balance. The 20' wheels have a lower profile tire so I'm sure they would make the ride even more stiff, which wouldn't be good. I don't understand why so many car manufacturers keep making such stiff suspensions when most Americans prefer a softer ride. Can't they find the right balance? Some cars do, but a lot don't.The new 2016 Volt is rumored to have a better ride quality than the current model. However, the BMW has some issues with its handling on broken pavement, especially at freeway speeds. The steering is very sensitive, which may take some getting used to. The range extender engine in the BMW is much quieter than the Volt's, but it has a smaller tank, which limits its range. The BMW is a great city car, but if you need to make a lot of trips across town in one day, the Volt's larger tank gives it the range of a regular car. The Volt also has some additional features, such as lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring, which the BMW lacks. The BMW's upgraded Harmon radio is great, but the Volt's radio, even with the high-end Bose upgrade, is just okay. One big difference between the two cars is the location of the charging port. The Volt's is conveniently located in front of the driver's door, while the BMW's is on the passenger side rear of the car, which may require backing into parking spaces. Overall, if you're looking for a friendly city car, the BMW is a great choice, but if you need more range and additional features, the Volt may be a better fit for you.The BMW has a lighted charging port that changes colors, which is pretty cool. Additionally, BMW offers super fast Tesla-like DC charging built in at no extra cost. However, finding a DC charging station can be a challenge. Some of the interior 'eco' materials used on the BMW make it feel a bit weird and cheap, despite being made from recycled materials. Perhaps the Germans can find a way to make recycled materials look nicer and have a softer finish, which would make the car even quieter. In terms of cost, the Volt is $10,000 cheaper for the loaded model, which is a significant difference. However, the Volt has been almost 100% trouble-free in the three years since its release, which is a rare feat for a high-tech car. I give GM high kudos for building such a high-quality car that has not needed to be in the shop. Overall, I'm really enjoying the much quieter ride, super-powerful acceleration, and improved comfort of the Beemer. While the unique styling may not be for everyone, I think it grows on most people. Now, let's see if it is as reliable and trouble-free as the Volt. I certainly hope so, and I'll report back after more driving.

  3. Vince Kemmer 2025-02-20

    Vehicle year: 2019

    I've had my 2015 i3 Rex for a little over a year now. It's been a blast to drive and the high quality of materials is impressive. I'd like to share my thoughts on the REX engine specifically. BMW is the only electric car manufacturer to include such a feature. Unlike other plug-in hybrids, the i3 was designed as an electric car first, with the range extender added for even more capability. Living in a medium-sized town, I'm usually able to stay within my electric range. However, when I travel to neighboring towns, I almost always kick in the little REX engine on the highway, allowing me to save my electricity for city driving. It's worth noting that in the United States, the car is programmed to only activate the REX engine when you're down to your last few miles of electricity. But, it's easy to re-code it to the European specs (search You Tube) and turn it into a much more useful car. I recently took my i3 on a 250-mile trip to a large city and although I had to stop about every hour to fill up the tiny gas tank, I was able to make the trip with ease and always had plenty of electricity to use when I needed it. In short, the range extender + recoding turns it into a real car if you want to use it that way.

  4. Barton Tremblay 2025-02-19

    Vehicle year: 2015

    I completely agree with Diane. The electric car is truly amazing, with exceptional performance and handling, a stunning interior, and excellent ergonomics. It's an absolute joy to drive. However, it seems that it's not quite ready for prime time yet. BMW USA has not yet made a serious commitment to the electric market. Unfortunately, the super-fast charger receptacle is not compatible with any in my area, and there are only a few in the entire United States. In contrast, Nissan has 1-2 hour chargers at many of their dealerships. BMW has none. I wonder why? According to my dealer, it's too expensive to install. As a result, long trips must be taken on gasoline, unless you can find a ChargePoint station and are willing to take a 4-5 hour nap while charging. Unless BMW becomes more serious about electric cars, I may switch brands when my 2-year lease is up.

  5. Kip Mante 2025-02-16

    Vehicle year: 2016

    I'm a car enthusiast and my last car was an E90 BMW 328i. Last year, I test drove two EVs - the Tesla Model 3 and the BMW i3. I was amazed by the immediate torque/acceleration and the sheer quietness of the EVs. I was sold on EVs being fun. However, the cost was a concern. After some research, I found that a 3-4 year old i3 was being sold for about 30% of its sticker price with lowish mileage (20k-50k miles). On average, I was spending about $250/month on gas, but after doing some calculations on my commute and monthly car use, I realized I would be spending about $20/month if I charged the car at home. I traded my 3series for the i3 and I'm so glad I did. The practical hatchback design makes it easy for loading things in and out. The range is enough for my commute and we just use my wife’s car if we need to road trip somewhere. Driving an EV is a lifestyle change and makes you approach your use of a car differently. Some see that as a bad thing - I just see it as an opportunity to use your brain. Sure, the EV infrastructure is lagging in the US, but with a little planning and the use of the PlugShare app, you can find somewhere around you to charge in a pinch.If you're reading this, you're probably a bit like me - a car enthusiast who likes to understand the good and the bad about a car before taking the leap. I would encourage you to go for it!

Are you having problems with your Bmw I3?

Add car complaint
Bmw I3 photo