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: 2018
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my thoughts on the car you mentioned. Overall, I think it's a great car, but I do believe that some more tweaks are needed to make it stand out. As someone who has previously owned a Leaf, I can confidently say that the Bimmer is an exceptional commuter car. With the new battery, there's no need to worry about range anxiety, and I've even driven over 100 miles and still had 37% battery charge left! I also think that the new color option of protonic blue is a great step forward. While the ride can be a bit bumpy, the pick-up from 0 to 30 is outstanding. I agree with previous reviews on ride comfort for the battery refreshed 2017, but overall, I think it's a great car for suburbanites and urban dwellers. Plus, getting 5 miles per kW hour is a great bonus! Let me know if you have any questions or thoughts on this.
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Vehicle year: 2016
For our driving needs, which mostly consist of short trips around town, the i3 has been perfect! As empty nesters, it's just the right size for the two of us. However, I think it may be less practical for families with kids. I must say, I've never enjoyed driving a car as much as I do the i3. It has changed the way I drive, making me more aware of energy consumption and causing me to drive slower (at the speed limit), which is actually quite relaxing and fun. In the 1200 miles we've driven so far, we've only used 0.8 gallons of gas, and that was just to test the range extender (which worked perfectly). The only downside is the complicated navigation and entertainment system, which took some time and effort to understand. After a month of use, it has gotten better, but there is still a bit of a learning curve.
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Vehicle year: 2016
I recently sold my Mercedes CL600 and decided to lease the i3 REx as a replacement. Although I'm not particularly environmentally conscious, I am a technology enthusiast and the i3 boasts some fantastic features. Initially, I found the car to be quite unattractive, with its pizza cutter tires and odd shape. However, after driving it for several weeks, I've grown to appreciate its unique design and find it to be an extremely enjoyable car to drive. In fact, my wife prefers driving it to her Range Rover Sport and is always asking to take it for a spin. The car's acceleration is fantastic, which has helped to ease the pain of losing my V12 gasoline engine. Despite being a sub-compact car, the interior is surprisingly spacious and comfortable, even for someone of my size (6'1I leased the vehicle because I'm not yet comfortable with the residual value of an EV. However, given the subsidies available and the fact that I no longer buy gasoline, this is a very economical vehicle to operate. Overall, I was just looking for a very different car experience from buying another internal combustion car. I highly recommend this experience so far.
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Vehicle year: 2018
We've had short-term leases on both a 2017 and a 2018 model, which are virtually identical except for the backup camera that the 2017 model lacked. However, all i3's from 2018 onwards now have an integrated camera, and it's a good one. Recently, we received a great promotional offer from a New England dealer, so we decided to take them up on it and upgrade to a 2019 model with a larger battery pack. We absolutely love this car, especially for zipping around town. While highway driving can be a bit sketchy on windy days, it's not a problem for our routine drives, which are all under 75 miles. Plus, we have a level 2 charger in our garage at home. We once drove 650 miles in one day to visit our daughter at college, using frequent gas fill-ups. While it's not ideal, it's definitely possible if you don't want to find chargers. Good luck trying to drive a Chevy Bolt or Nissan Leaf 650 miles in 13 hours! We know the list price of the car can be a bit daunting, but the lease deals are incredibly attractive. With some effort, you can lease one for less than $300 per month, especially if you're buying at the end of the model year. While you have the option to buy out the car at the end of the lease, we suspect that nobody does that because the pre-determined 'residual value' is set at an artificially high level to decrease the monthly lease payments. These are incredibly fun cars to drive, but the tires will wear out faster due to the unique tire size. If that's a concern for you, then this car may not be the best fit. Only one company manufactures all-season tires for this car due to its odd tire size, and there are only two other companies that make winter tires for the i3, but only in the 19When I first realized that I might need to buy new tires for my 2017 car with only 18000 miles, I was a bit upset. However, I soon realized that the car is high-performance and the rear-wheel drive dynamics put a lot of stress on the rear tires. The dealer who accepted the car at the end of the lease commented on the worn rear tires, but ultimately let it pass. I am okay with buying new tires if I have to. This winter, I will be putting on Nokain R3 winter tires on my 2018 car for winter safety and to save the tread on the summer tires. If you want to own this car but hate buying tires, drive gently, corner reasonably, and avoid jack-rabbit starts. These are hard things for me to do. After test driving this car for over 20K miles, I am sold. It is an electric car 98% of the time, but it has neutralized range anxiety with the backup gasoline power. I rarely use gas, but it's nice to know that I can. That beats a Chevy Bolt or a Nissan Leaf, as far as I'm concerned. It comes pretty close to beating a Tesla from a range-anxiety point of view. Living in an area with a handful of available high-amperage DC chargers, I can fully charge a depleted battery in about 40 minutes. However, most owners charge at home or at work if they are lucky enough to have an enlightened employer. Buying a used i3 REX is a totally valid option. All cars come with warranties out to 48 months, and the first 36 months include free dealer service, including inspection stickers. So any car that you will find has been well maintained (though you will want to do your own due diligence on that). The gas engine requires an oil change about once a year, if it is used at all. The battery and electric powertrain should last ten years or more, without being touched.Keeping up with your car's maintenance is important, including regular checks on your tires, wiper blades, and hydraulic brake fluid every couple of years. If you're considering buying a used car, it's important to be aware of the battery size, which has increased every two years of production. Additionally, having a backup camera is a great feature to look out for. You can easily spot a backup camera in the dealer's photos by looking for the little fish-eye in the middle of the bumper. It's worth noting that BMW may stop producing these cars in the next year or two, and it's unlikely that they will increase the battery size beyond what is currently available in the 2019 and 2020 models. Despite its small size, this car offers a remarkably quiet and comfortable ride, as well as a tight turning radius that allows you to make U-turns in places where other cars can't. Even if you don't plan on owning one, I highly recommend taking a test drive to experience this unique car for yourself.
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Vehicle year: 2016
I have been driving this car for a month now and I must say, it's a great car! I drive it around 90 miles a few times a week and the range extender has kicked in a couple of times, which has taken away any range anxiety. Not having to go to the gas station once a week (sometimes more) is a great feeling! At first, I was charging the car using the 110v charger and that was a frustrating experience, as it would take anywhere from 17-19 hours. However, the BMW wall charging station is now installed and this has dramatically improved charging time to 3-3.5 hrs. I went from a X5 3.5i to this car and the car drives and brakes like a BMW with very slim tires. If the tire pressure is too low or too high, the driving dynamics change quite a bit, so it's best to keep an eye on your tire pressure. It leans a bit more when making sharp turns, but nothing like an 80s Cadillac. I enjoy driving twisty back roads and love the instant power. It's addictive! Getting to speed is not a problem, and while cruising at 75 miles or higher, you need to correct the steering a bit more than normal. It took me a couple of days to adjust to driving with just the gas pedal. The regenerative brakes are quite aggressive and do assist with slowing the car down quite a bit, so I only rarely need to use the brake pedal. This is something I adjusted to with no issues. The front seats are very comfortable and have good support. The driving position is upright, more like an SUV. The back seats are comfortable for passengers under 6 ft. Cargo space with backseats in their position is kind of small, but significantly improves when the rear seats are flattened. Overall, I am very satisfied with the experience!
Are you having problems with your Bmw I3?
Adolph Kuvalis 2025-06-22
Vehicle year: 2015
I've been driving this car for 8 months and have covered 7700 miles so far. It's been running okay, but driving it on deep snow has been a huge challenge and almost impossible to control. On a single charge, I can go up to 80 miles in summer and around 60 miles in winter. I installed a 240V, 32Amp, ClipperCreek charger and have had no problems at all - it charges the car within 3.5 hours from empty to full. I got a great deal on the lease - only 280/month with taxes for 12k miles per year. However, I have noticed some uneven tire wear, with the rear tires being more affected than the front ones. I didn't expect the tires to last 60k miles, but I did hope for at least 20-25k miles. The dealership stated that this is
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.