Quick Facts — BMW i3

Est. On UK Roads
40,000+
Years Made
2013–2022
Common Engines
60Ah, 94Ah, 120Ah battery variants, Rex range extender

6 Most Common BMW i3 Problems

These are the faults most frequently seen on the BMW i3 by UK garages — ranked by how commonly they occur and what they cost to fix.

1
Battery Degradation
High Priority
Older i3 batteries lose range over time — particularly the early 60Ah battery which offered only 80 miles new. High-charge cycles and age reduce capacity significantly. Always check the current battery health before purchase.
💷 Typical repair cost: £2,000–£6,000 (replacement)
2
Range Extender Reliability (Rex)
High Priority
i3 Rex models with the small 650cc petrol range extender can suffer reliability issues including stalling and fuel system faults. The Rex was never designed as primary propulsion.
💷 Typical repair cost: £300–£1,500
3
Charging System Faults
Watch
The on-board charger can develop faults causing failed or slow charging. An error on the charging system warning light needs investigation.
💷 Typical repair cost: £300–£1,500
4
Rear Door Hinge Wear
Watch
The i3's rear-hinged back doors can develop hinge wear over time causing poor alignment and difficulty closing.
💷 Typical repair cost: £100–£300
5
12V Auxiliary Battery Failure
Watch
Like all EVs, the i3 uses a 12V auxiliary battery for low-voltage systems. This battery fails every 3–5 years causing random electrical faults and failure to start.
💷 Typical repair cost: £100–£250
6
Interior Trim Wear
Low Priority
The i3's distinctive interior uses natural materials which can show wear — particularly the woven seat fabric and wooden trim.
💷 Typical repair cost: £50–£500

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BMW i3 — MOT Tips

Ensure the high-voltage battery warning light is not illuminated. All charging system indicators must be clear. The 12V auxiliary battery should be tested — failure causes random electrical faults that trigger MOT-relevant warnings.

Engine management light on before your MOT? It's an automatic fail. Run a Find Your Problem Now → to get the likely cause and repair cost before booking the test.

BMW i3 Tyres

Most BMW i3 models run 155/70 R19 (front) / 175/60 R19 (rear) depending on trim level and year. Always check the placard inside the driver's door for the exact size for your vehicle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common problem with the BMW i3?

The most frequently reported issue on the BMW i3 is Battery Degradation. Older i3 batteries lose range over time — particularly the early 60Ah battery which offered only 80 miles new. High-charge cycles and age reduce capacity significantly. Always check the current battery health before purchase.

How many BMW i3s are on UK roads?

There are an estimated 40,000+ BMW i3s currently on UK roads.

What tyres does the BMW i3 use?

Most BMW i3 models run 155/70 R19 (front) / 175/60 R19 (rear) depending on trim level and year. Always check the placard inside the driver's door for the exact size for your vehicle.

Will a warning light fail my BMW i3's MOT?

Ensure the high-voltage battery warning light is not illuminated. All charging system indicators must be clear. The 12V auxiliary battery should be tested — failure causes random electrical faults that trigger MOT-relevant warnings.

Similar Issues on Other Models

Citroën C1 — similar city car class, different fault profile Dacia Spring — similar city car class, different fault profile

Summary

The i3 is a fascinating and capable city car. Battery health is everything on a used i3 — always check the reported state of health before buying. Well-maintained examples with good battery health are excellent used buys.

If your BMW i3 has a warning light on or a symptom you can't identify, a Find Your Problem Now → gives you likely fault causes, UK repair cost estimates and MOT risk — instantly.

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Other BMW Models

BMW 1 Series → BMW 2 Series → BMW 3 Series → BMW 4 Series →