Specification
- Years on sale
- 2013 to 2022
- Body type
- Small five-door hatchback with rear-hinged back doors
- Battery options
- 60Ah (about 22kWh), 94Ah (about 33kWh) and 120Ah (about 42kWh). Early cars were also available with a petrol range extender (REx).
- Range guidance
- Varies a lot by battery – around 120 miles real-world for 94Ah cars and around 165 miles for 120Ah cars.
- Charging speeds
- Rapid charging via CCS. Home charging via Type 2.
- Battery warranty
- 8 years or 100,000 miles on the battery. BMW never leased i3 batteries, so there's no lease to check.
What to check
- Pure electric or range extender (REx)? REx cars have a small petrol engine that charges the battery. It needs servicing, and has had fuel pressure sensor and fuel pump relay issues.
- Confirm which battery it has – 60Ah, 94Ah or 120Ah. Range varies a lot.
- Check the tyres. They're narrow and specific to the car.
- Check for bodywork scuffs from town driving – repairs can be expensive.
- Get a battery health report, and check how much battery warranty is left.
Known issues
- Range extender engine issues, including fuel pressure sensors and fuel pump relays.
- Expensive repairs, especially once out of warranty.
Pros
- Premium feel
- Distinctive carbon-fibre design
- No battery lease
- Great around town
Cons
- Short range on early cars
- Expensive repairs
- Narrow, specific tyres
Is a used BMW i3 a good buy?
The i3 is a premium, distinctive city car with a carbon-fibre body and quirky rear-hinged doors. It sold well in the UK, so there's plenty of choice.
Pick your battery carefully
- 60Ah (2013–2016) – short range, best for local trips
- 94Ah (from 2016) – a useful step up
- 120Ah (from 2019) – the longest range
Range extender or not?
The REx adds a small petrol engine that recharges the battery when it runs low. It's handy for longer trips, but it adds servicing and has had a few known faults.
No battery lease
Unlike some early EVs, BMW never leased i3 batteries, so there's no lease to worry about.
Before you buy, read: How to check the battery health of a used electric car.
Frequently asked questions
Last updated 16 October 2026