2016 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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Common 2016 Bmw I3 problems
The BMW i3, introduced in 2013, is an innovative vehicle that has received both love and criticism from the public. Despite its polarizing opinions, the i3 has some common problems that owners have reported
. Here are the most frequently mentioned issues, along with their details:
- 12 Volt Battery: The most common problem across the BMW i3 range is the 12-volt battery, which tends to fail prematurely every 3 years. This issue has been reported by many owners, with some experiencing battery failure even before reaching 50,000 miles. It is recommended to replace the battery before it fails completely to avoid being stranded with a car that won't turn on .
- Motor Mount Failure: The motor mounts on the BMW i3 can fail, causing a vibration or shaking sensation while driving. This issue is more common in higher mileage vehicles and can lead to a more significant problem if left unaddressed .
- Suspension Issues: Suspension problems have been reported by some BMW i3 owners, with issues such as clunking noises and uneven tire wear. These problems can be caused by worn-out suspension components, which should be replaced to ensure safe and comfortable driving .
- AC Compressor: The air conditioning compressor can fail on the BMW i3, leading to reduced cooling performance or complete AC failure. This issue can be costly to repair, as it requires replacing the compressor and potentially other related components .
- Washer Fluid Pump: The washer fluid pump can fail on the BMW i3, causing the windshield wipers to stop working. This issue can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous, as it can impair visibility during driving .
- Failed Driver Heated Seat: Some BMW i3 owners have reported issues with the driver's heated seat, which can fail to heat up or stop working altogether. This issue can be caused by a faulty heating element or wiring, and it may require replacing the seat heater or related components .
- Flickering HVAC LEDs: The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) LEDs can flicker on the BMW i3, indicating a problem with the HVAC system. This issue can be caused by a faulty control module or wiring, and it may require replacing the affected components to resolve the problem .
- Charge Port Door Solenoid: The charge port door solenoid can fail on the BMW i3, causing the charge port door to not open or close properly. This issue can be caused by a faulty solenoid or wiring, and it may require replacing the affected components to resolve the problem .
- Airbags: Some BMW i3 owners have reported issues with the airbags, which can deploy unexpectedly or not deploy in a crash. This issue can be caused by a faulty airbag control module or wiring, and it may require replacing the affected components to ensure safe driving .
- KLE and EME Modules: The KLE and EME modules, which control various functions on the BMW i3, can fail and cause various issues. These modules can be costly to replace, and it is recommended to have them checked and repaired by a qualified technician if issues arise .
- Poor Interior Quality: Some BMW i3 owners have reported issues with the interior quality, such as rattling noises, squeaky materials, and poor fit and finish. These issues can be caused by low-quality materials or poor assembly, and they may require replacing the affected components or having them repaired by a qualified technician .
- Rubber Parts: The rubber parts on the BMW i3, such as the antenna and door seals, can degrade and crack over time. This issue can be caused by exposure to the elements and UV radiation, and it may require replacing the affected parts to ensure proper function and appearance .
- Door Handle: The door handle on the BMW i3 can become difficult to operate or fail altogether. This issue can be caused by a faulty latch or wiring, and it may require replacing the affected components to ensure proper function .
- Delaminating Roof: Some BMW i3 owners have reported issues with the roof, which can delaminate and peel away. This issue can be caused by exposure to the elements and UV radiation, and it may require replacing the affected parts to ensure proper appearance and function .
- BMW REx Specific Problems: The BMW i3 REx, which is the range-extender version of the i3, has some specific problems. These issues include fuel door problems, where the fuel door can become difficult to open or close, and range extender specific issues, such as fuel system problems and engine failures .
In summary, the BMW i3 has some common problems that owners have reported, including issues with the 12-volt battery, motor mounts, suspension, AC compressor, washer fluid pump, heated seats, HVAC LEDs, charge port door solenoid, airbags, KLE and EME modules, interior quality, rubber parts, door handle, delaminating roof, and BMW REx specific problems. These issues can be costly to repair and may require replacement of affected components or having them repaired by a qualified technician.
What are the issues with the BMW i3?
The BMW i3 was the brand's first foray into the pure electric world, and it's proving a fairly dependable option. According to our survey, 21% of i3s had a fault, but two thirds of issues were fixed in less than a week. The main problem areas were the bodywork, non-motor electrics and suspension.
How many years does a BMW i3 battery last?
All of the i3's battery options have an estimated 15-year lifespan ( longer than most people own a single car), but that doesn't take into account detrimental charging and driving habits that can tax an EV battery pack's charge capabilities.
How many miles can a 2016 BMW i3 go?
Range is estimated at up to 81 miles per battery charge, but like any electric car, the i3 is highly sensitive to changes in terrain, driving style and even ambient temperature. The special i3 REX (for Range Extender) model includes the aforementioned gasoline generator, stretching total range to 150 miles.
Why has BMW stopped making the i3?
A BMW UK spokesman explained to Autocar that BMW's expanding EV range was a factor in the decision to take the i3 off sale: "By the end of this year the BMW Group will have six BEV models on the market, with that number growing to 13 in 2023.
2016 Bmw I3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw I3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2016 Bmw I3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2016 Bmw I3
The NHTSA has received 27 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Bmw I3. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2016 Bmw I3 vehicles.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-01
- VIN: WBY1Z2C56GV
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The roof is bubbling and peeling up. Water gets in it when it rains, then it bubbles greatly. BMW won’t fix it, repair shops don’t want to fix it because it’s an obscure roof. They recommend I take it to BMW which won’t fix it (roof replacement suggested). I just bought this car and drive it as normal, and the special carbon fiber roof is degrading too fast.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-01
- VIN: WBY1Z4C54GV
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The carbon fiber roof of my 2016 BMW i3 REx is really starting to bubble and wrinkle. After taking it to two shops any mitigation would cost hundreds of dollars to address. The roof is starting to peel and am worried about water getting to the car. BMW should have engineered these roofs differently. They should be responsible to cost associated with fixing them.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-13
- VIN: WBY1Z4C59GV
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: Roof peeling
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-13
- VIN: WBY1Z4C59GV
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Battery degradation
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-01
- VIN: WBY1Z2C52GV
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The roof on outside is starting to flake off in chunks and expose bottom layers.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-17
- VIN: WBY1Z4C55GV
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the contact heard a whistling sound, and the roof detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 19,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-01
- VIN: WBY1Z4C53GV
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: My bmw i3 has a faulty wiring harness or some other defect that is causing my car to turn off the airbag system. This is a chronic issue with bmw i3’s. Either the wiring harness is bad or the airbag becomes too stiff and the car deactivated the entire airbag system. Dangerous!
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-03
- VIN: WBY1Z4C53GV
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: My carbon fiber composite roof is delaminating and separating. There is a risk that the degradation of the roof will become so bad that it will separate off my car while driving and may hit another car. This is a common problem with bmw i3 roofs. It is crazy that the entire roof panel can structurally fail but because it isn’t steel/rust bmw isn’t worried about it.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-17
- VIN: WBY1Z4C54GV
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Loses power "without warning"; actually, when the REX turns on it automatically mentions that power "could be" lost when the REX turns on. However, that is very understated. In fact, there is nowhere in the owner's manual that raises this issue; doesn't even mention that there could or would be a "warning" if battery is low and REX is being used. Bottom line: The REX cannot keep up with driving. Please refer to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmn58reGv8k The above is identical to my experience. Especially VERY DANGEROUS when on the interstate highway. I was looking for an exit so that the battery might recharge a bit because I could only go 25-35 mph. Seems like the REX is warming up and not outputting standard power, as expected... It might be that the problem is that the computer is not calculating the correct state of charge and therefore not giving the REX enough time to complete its warm-up cycle.? Or it should kick in earlier than single digit battery strength left. I started recording at 9% SoC and I was expecting this power loss. I found a safe(r) road to do this on with minimal traffic. Fast Forward to 2:59 to see the power-loss happen. The first time this happened I was on the highway, that was not fun. To quote another driver with the same issue (see YouTube earlier), "Power-loss due to low charge should be gradual and with a warning, not this sudden. This makes for a dangerous situation if I'm on the highway or hill. I know that enabling 'hold state of charge' before 7.5% is a 'manual workaround' but that is NOT a fix. HSOC is not even an option on the REX in the USA - you have to unhide the menu via a coding change."
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-16
- VIN: WBY1Z4C58GV
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. Additionally, the contact stated that after making a turn, the steering wheel failed to properly return to center. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the cause of the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-12
- VIN: WBY1Z4C52GV
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated that the driver restraint warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer, and the contact was informed that the front driver’s side air bag system was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 57,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBY1Z4C54GV
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Involved in a frontal collision and air bag did not deploy. Airbag could've prevented more serious injuries suffered. I contacted the service center at BMW Roseville and left a message for the service manager, no return call. The vehicle has been inspected by an insurance authorized collision center and is considered totaled. There were no warning there was a problem and didn't appear until the collision happened and it didn't deploy.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-28
- VIN: WBY1Z4C56GV
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Previously reported a steering incident no. 11438343. Dealer indidicated that there was a "bug in the software" and that the car would be entitled to a one time fix under extended warranty. Dealership worked on the issue and completed the warranty repair on 11/28/2021 and I picked up the vehicle. Upon starting the car, the steering felt "different". I turned right to exit the dealership and tried to straighten the car but the steering turned full left and I crossed into the opposite lane of traffic. I stopped, turned the wheel to center, let it go and it turned full left on its own. I shut the car off, restarted and steering was normal. Drove back to the dealership for them to complete the repair. Dealership reported that this has occurred once for them but they cannot get it to repeat so they are going to keep the car for a few days. I am concerned that they will consider this an out of warranty repair because they were clear that they would offer a "one time fix" for the known issue.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-27
- VIN: WBY1Z4C56GV
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Vehicle experiences periodic loss of "power steering". Very difficult to steer or control. Steering does not re-center making control difficult. Steering is restored after shutting down the car for a few minutes. Dealership cannot find any faults or codes.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-23
- VIN: WBY1Z2C55GV
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE IN MOTION - OPERATING THE VEHICLE ON PUBLIC ROADWAY - MAKING IT DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS TO NAVIGATE A TURN. NO WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-21
- VIN: WBY1Z4C55GV
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: EVERY 3 TO 21 DAYS, MY STEERING PULLS HARD TO THE LEFT. THIS OCCURS ON FLAT ROADS ON DRY PAVEMENT. I HAVE TO PULL THE STEERING WHEEL HARD TO THE RIGHT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE GOING STRAIGHT AT CITY DRIVING SPEEDS (0-35 MPH). ON ONE OCCASION THIS OCCURRED WHILE ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING AT 70 MPH. TIRE PRESSURES ARE ALL WITHIN SPEC AND TIRES ARE IN GREAT SHAPE. AFTER STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE CAR, IT SOMETIMES WILL GO AWAY. IN LOOKING AT THE BMW RECALLS AND TECHNICAL NOTES, THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM AND CALL IT A SOFTWARE ISSUE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME AT LEAST 6 TIMES.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-16
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBY1Z4C52GV
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ON A FREEWAY DRIVING AROUND 65MPH FRONT CAR CAME TO SUDDEN STOP SO APPLIED BRAKES AT FULL STRENGTH BUT CAR CONTINUED AT THE SAME SPEED FOR FEW SECONDS AND THEN BRAKES TOOK EFFECT BUT IT WAS TOO LATE BY THEN. THERE SEEMS TO BE SOME SORT OF LAG BETWEEN WHEN BRAKE PEDAL PRESSED AND ACTUALLY BREAKS GET APPLIED TO SLOW DOWN VEHICLE. ALL 4 TIRES ARE NEW AND SERVICING DONE 4 MONTHS BACK. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-04
- VIN: WBY1Z2C55GV
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: STARTED THE CAR AFTER CHARGING IT OVERNIGHT AND "DRIVETRAIN: STOP CAREFULLY" AND "TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION" APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CAR HAS BEEN COMPLETELY FINE BEFORE THIS.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-18
- VIN: WBY1Z4C53GV
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING BECOMES HEAVY INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES LIKE THERE IS NO STEERING ASSIST. ALSO WHEEL DOES NOT COME BACK TO CENTER AFTER TURNS. TYPICALLY ON COLDER DAYS AND DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-24
- VIN: WBY1Z2C55GV
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A TWO-LANE PAVED CITY STREET AT ABOUT 30 MPH THE STEERING BECAME HEAVY AND PULLED STRONGLY TO THE LEFT. CLEAR WEATHER, MODERATE TEMPERATURES. I STOPPED THE CAR AFTER A HALF MILE OR SO, SHUT IT OFF COMPLETELY THEN RESTARTED IT. THE PROBLEM WAS GONE. IT HAS NOT YET REAPPEARED. TIRE PRESSURES WERE ON THE LOW SIDE OF NORMAL. NONE WERE ABNORMALLY LOW AND THE TIRES WERE IN GOOD SHAPE. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. DEALER HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAPPENED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-06
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW I3. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, BOTH WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED, AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND PULLED INTO A FUEL STATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW NORTHWEST (4011 20TH ST E, TACOMA, WA 98424, (253) 922-8700); HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. AFTER ANOTHER TWO WEEKS, A REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER FROM THE MANUFACTURER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT A SOFTWARE REPAIR WAS NEEDED, BUT IT WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR POSSIBLY ANOTHER TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND WAS CURRENTLY STILL AT THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. *TR*JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-07-22
- VIN: WBY1Z2C56GV
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD SPEED ABOUT 40-50 MPH, STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME STIFF AND VERY HARD TO TURN. THE WHEEL DOES NOT WANT TO CENTER. IT HAPPENED RANDOMLY AND CAN'T BE REPRODUCE EASILY. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST W MONTHS. I FEEL IT VERY DANGEROUS WHEN THIS HAPPENED WHILE ON THE ROAD. IT FIXED ITSELF THE NEXT MORNING.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-06
- VIN: WBY1Z4C52GV
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: REAR HATCH GLASS SHATTERED AT TAIL LIGHTS. 2ND TIME IN LESS THAN A YEAR. GLASS IS NOT REPLACEABLE, SO WHOLE HATCH ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE INSTALLED. VERY POOR DESIGN AND WASTEFUL. AROUND 2000.00 TO FIX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-24
- VIN: WBY1Z4C396V
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE "STOP AND GO" CRUISE CONTROL HAS DISENGAGED OVER 100 TIMES AND HAS SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES FOR NO REASON 5 TIMES. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED TWICE ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS NOT SAFE. I HAVE SHOWN BMW OVER 50 PHOTOS AND 3 VIDEOS OF THIS AND THEY FIND EVERY EXCUSE IN THE BOOK. I AM SCARED FOR MY LIFE WHEN USING THIS CRUISE CONTROL. BMW ALSO REFUSES TO TAKE THE CAR BACK.
2016 Bmw I3 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2016 Bmw I3.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
- Consequence: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Negative 2016 Bmw I3 car reviews
Positive 2016 Bmw I3 car reviews
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Our i3 has taken us over 21,000 miles, with over 98% of it on battery power in EV mode. The Range Extender feature has been a lifesaver, eliminating any anxiety about running out of power before reaching a charger. Charging the car in our own garage is a breeze, and we do it 5 or 6 times per week without any hassle. While it may not be the best car for long road trips, it is perfect for comfortable and fun driving around town. Plus, it's great to know that we're saving CO2 emissions with every mile and enjoying the quiet, stylish BMW driving experience. You might be surprised to find that you don't need as much range as you think!
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Before buying this, make sure you know the actual miles you drive in any given week and when/where you can charge. I really like my i3, but I drive very few miles in any given week (< 50). So, I don't need to charge the car very often. There are chargers at my work, but unfortunately not in my apartment complex. If I have to charge at home, I need to use some chargers down the street (which is fine because they're free!). I've had it for over a month now and have yet to use the range extender. However, I still find myself with slight anxiety about making sure the car is charged enough - I'm hoping this will dissipate with time. I'm not a fan of the coach doors in the back. If you are parked side to side with other vehicles and open the front door and coach door at the same time, you're sort of trapped in the triangle while trying to get things out of the back seat. The trunk is much smaller than my Honda Fit. It barely fit my large suitcase. But I knew all of these things before I purchased, so I can't complain. The car has amazing acceleration - really impressive. It's also super quiet. I wish the AC was a bit stronger - it just doesn't blow very hard even at the highest setting (likely because AC drains the battery a lot).
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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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Your 2015 i3 rex sounds like an amazing car! It's great to hear that you've had such a positive experience with it. The high quality exotic material used in its construction is impressive, and the fact that the 22kwh battery is larger than any other plug-in hybrid on the market in 2019 (except the 2019 i3 ;) ) is a real plus. I'm also impressed that the i3 can charge level 2 at 32amps, which is twice as fast as most other plug-in hybrids. Additionally, the fact that it's the only plug-in with a gas engine that also has DC fast charge capacity is a real game-changer. The narrow tires, rear engine, and motor make it an excellent winter driving vehicle, and it's great to hear that you've had over 70,000 miles with zero problems. It's clear that the i3 requires much less maintenance than an ICE car, which is a real bonus. I'm so glad to hear that you love your car and still look forward to driving it any chance you get!
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My impressions of the i3 are relative to my expectations. I used to live in the city and work downtown, and I had solar panels on my roof. It made sense to get off gas, and since our other car was a Tesla, we didn't want to spend another 50k for a second one. Luckily, the first few years of i3s were coming off lease and were selling for pretty cheap. I bought it with the thought that 'I really wish we could get another Tesla, but this will do for now', so the bar was pretty low. However, I found that this car is honest about what it is. It's not a GT car or a family wagon for road trips, but it's a city commuter, and for that purpose, I can't imagine how it could have been any better. It's comfortable, kind of fun for zipping through city traffic, and easy to find parking spots because it fits where other cars can't. There is an intangible quality to this car that just feels friendly, and I was happy to get in it to drive to work every day. I never wished it was a Tesla. For three years, this car did all the dirty work: it got me safely and comfortably to work, parked downtown to save the Tesla from door dings, and took trips to the vet to save the Tesla's interior from all the dog fur and claw scratches. Unfortunately, my situation changed. I no longer have a garage with an outlet, I am working from home, and when I do have to leave, I am going further than the i3's range, so I had to sell it. What was really crazy is that I sold it to Carvana in 2021 for $500 more than what I paid for it in 2018. No vehicle I've ever owned has been a better investment. Basically, I commuted to work for 3 years for the cost of insurance.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2016 Bmw I3 problems:
BMW i3 Problems? I just bought mine used and so far I really love it ...
Apr 2, 2022 ... We had an issue with the fuel filler door early in our ownership that was a very common sensor problem. If you have a REX, do not overfill the ...
What are some common issues? | BMW i3 Forum
Sep 1, 2022 ... Have you had any issues with your BMW i3? What were they? What are some common problems on BMW i3? Any specific to REx models? Thanks!
What are some common issues on BMW i3? : r/BMWi3
Sep 2, 2022 ... The most common issue is the broke motor mount. I drove like a grandpa and didn't perceive any problems. Out of the blue I experienced a high ...
6 Months And I'm Going to Sell it | BMW i3 Forum
Oct 20, 2018 ... ... problem introduced in a fairly recent system software version. Our 2014 BEV with old July, 2016, system software hasn't had this problem.
i3 94Ah - common issues - BMW i Forums
Oct 24, 2020 ... We have to replace the steering gear including servo and I'm really happy that it our i3 2016 is under warranty since the estimated cost is ...
Other years of Bmw I3
Are you having problems with your 2016 Bmw I3?
Consuelo Gerlach 2024-11-05
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.
Doyle Marks 2024-01-17
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 unfortunate that such a high-priced car is so poorly built.
Alec Gorczany 2024-01-15
I've owned 14 cars, but unfortunately, this one has been the worst experience yet. Despite my initial excitement, the car has had systemic computer problems and malfunctioning electronics, which have affected its safety. Additionally, the tires have been paper-thin, and I've had to replace six of them in just 2.5 years. The cost of replacing the tires at the dealer has been quite high, but I found that Firestone offers a more affordable option. Unfortunately, the service I received was not up to par, and when I filed a complaint about the computer problems, corporate was not very helpful. Now, the seat heaters are not working, but thankfully, the lease is up in just two months. If you're looking for a car that won't cause frustration every time you drive it, I would recommend looking elsewhere.