2018 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 2018 Bmw I3 problems
The BMW i3, a compact electric vehicle produced between 2013 and 2022, has garnered attention in the used car market due to its unique design and lack of direct successor
. However, potential buyers should be aware of common problems that have been reported by owners.
One issue concerns the bodywork, particularly in urban areas where the car may have encountered multi-storey car parks with excessive zeal. Scuffs, wear and tear, and issues with the rear-hinged doors are not uncommon. It is essential to thoroughly inspect the bodywork, interior, and wheels for any signs of damage before purchasing a used BMW i3.
Another problem area is the regenerative braking system, which can be too aggressive in certain i3 models produced between 9 October 2015 and 4 November 2015. This issue can cause the rear of the car to oversteer in slippery conditions, potentially leading to accidents. Affected vehicles are to have updated software installed to rectify this problem.
Range-extender models, which use a small petrol engine to charge the battery, may also have issues with the fuel tank ventilation line. In models produced between 17 September 2013 and 30 December 2016, the ventilation line can chafe against the positive battery terminal, potentially causing a fuel vapour leak and, in extreme cases, a fire. Dealers are to inspect the line for damage and replace it if necessary.
The BMW i3 has generally proven to be a fairly dependable option, with 79% of i3s having no faults in the latest reliability survey by What Car?. However, it is essential to be aware of potential issues and ensure that any necessary repairs have been carried out before purchasing a used BMW i3.
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.
Is it worth buying a 2018 BMW i3?
Edmunds' Expert Rating. While its 114-mile range doesn't make it the range champion among electric vehicles, the 2018 BMW i3 does offer nimble handling, efficient packaging and a premium interior. It costs more than similar EVs, but in return you get a generally nicer vehicle.
How long will BMW i3 battery last?
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.
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.
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.
Is it worth buying a 2018 BMW i3?
Edmunds' Expert Rating. While its 114-mile range doesn't make it the range champion among electric vehicles, the 2018 BMW i3 does offer nimble handling, efficient packaging and a premium interior. It costs more than similar EVs, but in return you get a generally nicer vehicle.
How long will BMW i3 battery last?
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.
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.
2018 Bmw I3 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Bmw I3.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2018 Bmw I3 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2018 Bmw I3.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Negative 2018 Bmw I3 car reviews
Positive 2018 Bmw I3 car reviews
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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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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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Fun to drive. Super quiet. Zero emissions. After this great experience with my first electric car, I don't think I could go back to another internal combustion vehicle. An electric range of 200+ miles and a 5th seat would make it perfect.
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SEP 2017. Hey there! I'm excited to share that I finally picked up our 2017 i3 REX, which we specially ordered from BMW's 'I' plant in Germany. I highly recommend designing and ordering your own - it's a fun and worthwhile experience! We went with Fluid Black with Blue Accent exterior and it looks beautiful (it's currently the only solid color option for the i3 in the USA). I was worried it might blend in with other cars of similar size and style, but it's still very distinctive and unlike any other car on the road, thanks to BMW's design and the use of accent colors like electric blue. However, I do miss the Black Sapphire Metallic paint quality. For the interior, we chose the Deka World option, which matches the exterior colors perfectly (and we're VERY picky!). We also opted for the 19 inch '428' style rims for the tires, and they look awesome! We couldn't be happier with our color choices. We waited to order our i3 so we could have the larger 94ah battery, the i3 moonroof, and the new turbo charger option for home charging. I fully loaded the i3 with all the options, including premium sound (which kicks!), moonroof, parking assist, and technology packages. We immediately tinted the windows and are completely satisfied with the appearance - the i3 turns heads! I do wish factory tinted windows were an option, as tinters struggle significantly with the i3 windows and a factory product would be much better. As someone who travels to and from work daily around 50 miles per day, the i3 is ideal for me. Before buying an EV, we had to transition our minds to understand the design focus on weight reduction and power use. We asked ourselves, 'how much will we miss the big BMW tires, the extremely full feel of and comfortable seats that adjust with a touch of buttons, the Heads-Up Display (HUD), Blind Spot Indicator System (BLIS), etc.'? You can get a lot of great amenities with today's fuel-powered vehicles, but when weight really doesn't matter, the i3 is the way to go!However, the i3 is so different that it's an easy transition to make and is so simple to use! Do we miss those items? Yes and no. It's actually fun to embrace helping the earth be just a little less negatively impacted (e.g. meeting the global goal of reducing carbon monoxide). Please know that I researched the i3 for months and watched every online review and consumer feedback... well, I'm sure I came close. I also test drove an i3 and thoroughly researched where BMW is headed in the future. From my experience, I can confidently say that BMW is a front leader in EV investments and is just a few years from a dramatic upgrade in overall capacity, which is why I leased instead of buying (technology is rapidly changing every year). I have to admit, I love the way BMW is making information/content of value available in the driver's decision-making domain (dashboard/windshield). As a big consumer and believer in hands-free information of value on-demand, I want to speak what I want and then see it or receive it in a way that does not interfere with safe driving. I also want driving to be as effortless as possible. Power is important, but amenities matter more to me, especially since driving in America limits speed. I also want excellent visibility and a brand I can depend on. BMW service is important to me and is above average compared to others. The i3's two floating dashboard displays are easy to see, and I am so glad they're NOT touch screens. Touch screens distract drivers, and the last thing I want is another screen to clean daily. I plug the i3 in, it charges during low rates for Georgia electric, and I'm never out of electric fuel. I can tell the i3 with my iPhone to cool off, heat up, lock or unlock, fuel during certain hours, etc. Thank you for considering the i3!The i3 is an amazing car! It parks itself and the cruise control is incredible as it automatically keeps the distance between vehicles and adjusts speed based on that vehicle's speed in front of you. We were pleasantly surprised by the interior storage for running errands and the i3’s rear doors make accessing the rear seats so easy. It's hard to be critical of anything so far because BMW did such a good job thinking this design through the “driver/occupant” challenges/wants. If you're thinking about an EV, we highly recommend researching the BMW i3, especially with the federal and other rebates still available (helps reduce cost of ownership). Overall, we give it 5 out of 5 stars but we will see over time. If the scale was 10, we would say a 9 out of 10. We wish the i3 was equipped with Heads-Up-Display and BLIS (just to increase safety). We also wish there was mesh storage on the back of the seats. And, we can’t help wishing it had run flat tires and a solid metallic paint option. Other than these personal wants, the i3 is so far, well-above expectations. We love the i3! It's 100% electric fun!
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Quirky styling, not for everyone. I love the seating position up high, it provides great visibility. The high quality materials are impressive. I have the REX model and I can't even hear it when it kicks in at highway speeds. Going into my second year of lease, it has been a reliable and comfortable experience. I have no complaints.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Bmw I3 problems:
BMW i3 Problems? I just bought mine used and so far I really love it ...
Apr 2, 2022 ... ... common sensor problem. If you have a REX, do ... Suspect the i3 battery will fail and cost more than modern day BMW engine repair. ... 2018, 6,117 ...
What are some common issues with BMW i3 - BMW i Forums
The most common issues are worn out front strut bearings and rusty brakes. The trick is to use the brakes regularly to avoid the rust.
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 ...
Common BMW i3 problems? | BimmerFest BMW Forum
Jul 20, 2018 ... Common BMW i3 problems? · Problem: Abrupt/instantaneous motor mount/engine mount failure · Consequences/Costs: Car vibrated suddenly and made ...
BMW i3 Rex Problems / Issues - For the community to be aware ...
Jul 15, 2014 ... 1) Skinny tires. Enough said. · 2) CEL. Everyone knows this issue. I have it. · 3) Windshield noise. This is a seriously let down. My old Merdedes ...
Other years of Bmw I3
Are you having problems with your 2018 Bmw I3?
Easton Lind 2024-09-15
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.
Royal Windler 2024-08-19
Hey there! Let's start with the positives: this car never needs gas and it's a breeze to park compared to my Ram 1500 truck. It may not be the most attractive car on the road, but it's definitely better than a Prius. The fit and finish are great, as expected from BMW. The interior is surprisingly spacious and the materials are of good quality. Now, onto some areas for improvement: unfortunately, some of the car's issues only become apparent after driving it for a while. The interior ergonomics could use some work - the window and mirror switches are hard to reach and the door lock switches are hidden. The sun visor is small and doesn't cover enough of the window. The seats aren't the most comfortable and there isn't much lumbar support. The pedals and foot rest are too close to the seat, making it hard to find a good driving position. However, the car's range is perfect for commuting, which helps alleviate some of these issues. The rearview mirror is positioned too low and the right windshield wiper only clears half of its side of the windshield. The windshield washers only spray at the bottom of the windshield, which causes the wipers to streak in the driver's field of vision. Lastly, the adaptive cruise control could be improved. Overall, this car has its flaws, but it's still a decent choice for a commuter car.The car's adaptive functions can be unpredictable in traffic situations other than open road, making it unusable. However, BMW allows you to disable these functions and revert to 'dumb' cruise control, which works well. The ride quality is poor, with road and surrounding traffic noise being more noticeable than wind noise. The suspension picks up every little imperfection in the road and amplifies it into the cabin, making for an uncomfortable driving experience. The infotainment system is also lacking, with settings frequently placed in illogical locations. For example, on the map page, one cannot pan the car's position. The only way to 'look ahead' is to zoom out, but that results in lost details. The instrument display shows far too much information concurrently, making for a very busy and cluttered screen. The owner's manual is not very helpful, as it was clearly written in German originally and translated into English by someone who neither spoke German nor English.The descriptions provided often make no sense, which can be confusing and frustrating. It seems as though the car was designed by inexperienced individuals, resulting in a poorly executed vehicle. However, I am hopeful that over time, I may come to appreciate it more. I am grateful that I decided to lease rather than buy, as it gives me the option to walk away in two years. Overall, I am not entirely satisfied with my experience so far, but I remain optimistic that things may improve.
Pedro Kihn 2024-03-09
The i3 is a joy to drive on straight roads, in town, on freeways, and even on somewhat curvy roads. It has a cool look, is spacious, easy to drive and park, and I always feel good getting into it. Surprisingly, even though it's mainly my wife's car, I find myself wanting to drive it more often than not. In the past, I didn't want to drive her cars - Audi A3, Mercedes E320, Mini S Cabriolet, etc. - because they didn't match my sense of style and quality (I drive a Land Rover). However, the i3 transcends in many ways, and its unique style and quality cues are so intriguing that I can't help but appreciate the recycled plastic dash and interior components that I would normally reject as substandard in any other car at even half this price. At first, I was skeptical of BMW's almost $60k price tag for an economy subcompact with such a lackluster interior palette (save for the cool bent wood dash). However, after 30 months with it, I find myself jumping into it readily and happily. It's perfect for quick trips where I would feel guilty cranking up my Land Rover's V8. It's plenty big enough for four adults, and my 6-1 son never complains in the back (and he did in our old Mini S). The only downsides are that the bike tires don't stop quickly in an emergency, they roll over and play dead in tight fast turns, and they wear VERY fast. The suspension is bouncy, soft, and not well dampened, so it's not comfortable in performance driving situations or on potholed roads. The seats are manual, so there's no memory, which is ridiculous for a high-end car regardless of weight issues, and the car is not versatile enough - it's just a city car, period.I was thinking of upgrading to a bigger electric car since my lease was up, but I found that the Tesla 3, which is the only real option for me, is actually too large. The Bolt is okay, but it's not as cool as the i3 on the outside, and the interior is not great due to the Chevy-Rubbermaid collaboration. The Bolt feels cheap and non-transcendent, like any other econobox. Based on size and style, it looks like we'll be going for another i3 for the family. It's a shame because the Tesla i3 outperforms the i3 in every department, including range, versatility, size, interior luxury, technology, and many would say looks (although I would disagree). Personally, I think the only reason someone would choose the i3 is because they love the styling, it's tiny, and it's electric.