Bmw I3 problems
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.
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Bmw I3 model years
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.
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
Latest positive Bmw I3 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2017
Hey there! Just wanted to remind you to check out the charging stations in your area.
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Vehicle year: 2017
The car is a bit quirky, but overall I absolutely love it! The suicide doors are nice in some circumstances, but not so much in others. Kids have a little step to get over when going in and out, but overall I feel they are very safe in it since the rear seats are so low. The car shelters them. It drives fantastically and has all the basic automotive accoutrements for a local commuter. Most folks don't need a local commuter to go more than 140 miles in a day, and this car is perfect for that. I don't need something that goes 300 miles, nor do I want that. The price point is perfect for an electric,
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Vehicle year: 2016
I was a bit hesitant about going fully electric due to the abundance of opinions and propaganda out there, but I have no regrets now. This car boasts top-notch quality and performance.
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Vehicle year: 2018
Update - 10/20/20 - I wanted to share my experience with my car after driving it for over a year. I am happy to report that the car has been fantastic with no major issues or repairs. I have also noticed a significant decrease in my gas bills, as I only need to run the REx once a month. I have the 94ah version with Rex, and the electric range is more than enough for my daily commute and errands. Additionally, the car's creature comforts, such as the great seat, spacious cabin, moonroof, and excellent sound system, make for a pleasant ride. Overall, I have nothing but praise for my ride.
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Vehicle year: 2019
In a world of $4.00/gallon gas, this car makes more sense than ever. And with the range extender, it's practical for everyone to own an electric car.
Are you having problems with your Bmw I3?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.