The BMW i3 was BMW's pioneering electric city car — lightweight, futuristic and built with a carbon fibre body. Discontinued in 2022, there are now a growing number of used i3s on the UK market. Battery health is the key consideration on any used i3.
Quick Facts — BMW i3
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.
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)
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
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
The i3's rear-hinged back doors can develop hinge wear over time causing poor alignment and difficulty closing.
💷 Typical repair cost: £100–£300
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
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
MotorLoom diagnostic for £1.99 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.
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.
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