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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This is my second i3, and the extra battery range is a game-changer. I also got the REX this time, and it really does make this feel like a
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Update - 10/20/20 - I wanted to share my experience with my car after driving it for over a year. I am happy to report that the car has been fantastic with no major issues or repairs. I have also noticed a significant decrease in my gas bills, as I only need to run the REx once a month. I have the 94ah version with Rex, and the electric range is more than enough for my daily commute and errands. Additionally, the car's creature comforts, such as the great seat, spacious cabin, moonroof, and excellent sound system, make for a pleasant ride. Overall, I have nothing but praise for my ride.
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I bought the fully loaded i3 Rex 2 months ago and I couldn't be happier. There are so many reasons why I love this car. Firstly, the all-electric power train is incredibly smooth and has tremendous torque available from stand-still. The gearbox has no gears, and I can even run the A/C with the car off. There's no need to warm up the car in the morning, which is a huge plus. The BMW design is also very innovative, with high-quality materials that look recycled. I feel like this car is both small and large at the same time. The incredibly tight turning cycle makes it easy to drive through traffic and parking lots. I used to own sport sedans, including multiple 3 series, Audi A4s, and Subaru WRXs, but I don't miss them at all, and neither does anyone else in my household. We all want to drive this car more than any of the other 3 cars in the garage. In fact, I don't think I will ever purchase an internal combustion engine car again. Lastly, I regret having waited this long to transition to an electric vehicle.
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I purchased a '17 i3 94Ah BEV with less than 13k miles earlier this year, just before the pandemic started. I wouldn't buy it new because I don't think it's worth over $50k, but getting an off-lease used one is easy and affordable, and you can still get one with some warranty left. I chose the BEV because, from what I've read, the REX is the cause of any problems. Mine has the Terra package with a full screen, wood/leather/sunroof - basically all the bells and whistles available. I don't have any range anxiety because I only drive locally in my suburban neighborhood and nearby city, and we installed a level 2 charger so the car can be fully charged in 4.5 - 5 hours even when it's empty. I love the simplicity of the interior - it's functional and made from renewable materials. Although there's not much storage space, I like being minimalistic and not accumulating unnecessary junk. The car looks small from the outside, but the interior feels spacious and there's enough headroom even for taller family members. The backseat isn't ideal for bigger people, but it's not a problem for short trips. I don't mind having to open the front doors to get to the back seat because it's convenient when loading up the car with groceries or DIY materials (and we've loaded it up with a lot!). The ride is fun: the accelerator reacts quickly and the regen braking is amazing. The ride can be a little stiff over bumps, but again, I only drive in the city so I'm not worried about going over rocky roads or off-roading. I have the 20I had to get a new set of tires right after purchasing the car because they were bald, and have already been punctured 2 times, but luckily I have a tire center near my home that filled and fixed them immediately. I've become more observant of what's on the road, avoiding any potential hazards. Overall, I absolutely love my little BMW BEV and do not regret the purchase. I first saw the i3 in 2014 and basically drove the owner crazy with my questions. I knew that I would be driving one someday. They are rare in my neighborhood - I've only seen 3 in the last 6 months that I've owned it. It's a shame that more people don't know what an amazing vehicle it is.
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We've had our i3 for three years now and it's been such a great car! The only downside is that they stopped making them.
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.