BMW i3 buyers guide (2013-2022) Avoid buying a broken BMW i3 or i3S (EV and REX)

[@themilesdriven]

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[@Seubertronic]

I love my I3s because it still looks ultra modern and it's just BMW quality. You love this car or you hate it. I love it!

[@thumper1747]

I love it

[@craigchamberlain]

As a data point, we have a BEV i3 which we bought new in January 2017 and it has covered 82,375 miles and still looks like new. It was serviced by BMW under a 5 year, £325 service plan but since then I have serviced it myself since it only needs a new cabin filter and brake fluid every 2 years. We had an LCD display and wheel speed sensor replaced under warranty and I have replaced all four brake discs and pads plus the front suspension top mounts and gaiters. We also had to have the electric AC compressor replaced by BMW at a cost of £2940 which was a bit painful at the time but for a 7 year old car, overall the cost of ownership has been very low. Recently I had to fix a break in the wiring to one of the rear parking sensors but that was pretty straightforward and cheap to fix. Our i3 is my wife's daily driver and she absolutely loves it. It was originally my idea to buy the car and it was a bit of a risk and wasn't cheap, but it has worked out very well indeed. The cost to run it is around 2.5p/mile which is equivalent to a diesel car doing 280MPG. Our intention is to keep the car even beyond the 8 year drivetrain/battery warranty and we will just deal with any issues the car throws at us. Cosmetically the plastic outer body panels have worn extremely well, and the rest of the car is mostly aluminium and carbon fibre so should last well. The most recent MOT test was completed in 20mins but we had to wait another 25mins because the computer requires the test to take 45 mins. No fails and no advisories. Great car, and a future classic.

[@themilesdriven]

Thanks for adding this, a great insight into real world ownership for buyers to consider 👍

[@toyokojot1]

The problem is more complicated due to the oil change in the final drive. It should be replaced every 100,000 km! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aouvaGyAoZaNb6s

[@JH-uu7jl]

I added this video to one of my playlists because of the helpful discussion about common issues to look for and how to look for them. Thanks for sharing!

[@MauaoMan]

Had my i3 for 7 years and still enjoy driving it

[@sfkeepay]

This channel is an excellent resource for everyone looking for a used car. Great work!

[@simonreeves2017]

Hi, greetings from Oxford. Generally I don’t buy my cars new, but I made an exception in 2019 and bought a brand new i3 (not S). I still have, and still love it. I’ve now covered over 40k miles in the car, it’s the 42kWh battery only version. My only expense has been a new set of tyres at 37k miles (I went for Continental’s over the factory Bridgestones, big improvement in tyre noise and comfort). I estimate I have saved £7k in petrol and servicing over my previous Mercedes C class estate. I’m saving for retirement, so intend to keep my i3 for many years to come. My only gripe is the ride quality is quite harsh. I like that the engineering is quite radical, with no steel body to rust.

[@J-Leezy]

What are the sizes of your Continental tires? Did you have to make any adjustments like adding spacers? And did you put them on the factory wheels?

[@simonreeves2017]

@@J-Leezy I have the i3 with the standard wheel pack, 19 inch. Continental make a direct size equivalent to the factory fitted Bridgestones. No adjustments needed.

[@J-Leezy]

@@simonreeves2017 Thank you. Enjoy your i3, I pick up mine tomorrow :)

[@simonreeves2017]

@@J-Leezy Enjoy! Great car, so pleased with mine.

[@badgastein2]

A future classic car. Amazing acceleration and comfy seating. Ideal town car.

[@whitehart11]

Will battery last long enough to become classic?

[@entropy5431]

2014 models still going strong so probably.

[@entropy5431]

@@fduran6993 Perhaps, but not really relevant.

[@TechyGamerVibeZ]

@@whitehart11you can always replace the battery and by then they’ll be cheaper

[@hazardeur]

best town car ever

[@Echoes1910]

Thank you. I’m considering an i3 REX 2016-17 model within my budget.

[@themilesdriven]

Awesome, hopefully the guide helps you get a good one 😎

[@TechyGamerVibeZ]

I’m looking at 2016 REX as we speak but the 2017 has the bigger battery

[@Sevenseas0]

Same here, what’s your budget ?

[@Echoes1910]

@@Sevenseas0 went for a 2018 i3 S, although circumstances have changed and my wife now has the BMW. I changed jobs and now to 600 miles a week so run a 2018 Alfa Giulia Diesel Speciale. Both cars are serving our needs well, if I’m nipping to the shops I take the BMW.

[@StockySnail]

Back in 2015 when I owned a 2014 BEV, the range in the winter when temperatures were closer to freezing was 60 miles and summer 80 miles. The original range estimates were ambitious to say the least.

[@plonkster]

Ah is amp hours. It's essentially the kWh number divided by the pack voltage.

[@aumorii]

Thank you! About to buy one soon!

[@themilesdriven]

All the best in your car search, great to hear the video was helpful 👍

[@jacquierchristian5200]

La meilleure voiture électrique de BMW nous avons une i3s depuis 4 ans 90’000 km . 12kw/h aucun problème 1,3 tonnes que du bonheur ✌️👏🙌

[@canal.madmotors]

Amazing video!! Congrats from Brazil!

[@CasperChicago]

If Tesla or BMW would build something like this it would be a hit. Everybody does not want or need a Truck or SUV just to get around the city. Most of us in the US live in cities and do not average more than 20 to 40 miles per day; 60 miles at the most. The i3 is an attractive small and efficient small car and it would not cost much to manufacture nor to maintain,...maybe that is why BMW discontinued it? If the Chinese build something like the i3, it is game over in the US, the EU, India and Canada 👍🏾

[@gonnahavemesomefun]

Great buying guide thank you

[@MrAlan1828]

we still have 3G connectivity here in Canada ulike the USA which took down the 3G network

[@themilesdriven]

Thanks for adding this information do you know if Canada will be keeping 3G long term?

[@TechyGamerVibeZ]

I want 3G 😢

[@scottflagg1535]

On a test-drive/inspection, can one force the REX engine come on to check it's operation? On the US model. Especially in combination with recommendation to test-drive on an 80% or greater charge, to be able to judge battery health.

[@themilesdriven]

Yes the car can be put into a mode that forces the engine on for inspections and emissions testing. Open boot/trunk, press ‘on’ switch, press accelerator pedal all the way, pump the brakes 3 times and then hold, press power button again, this will put the car into its test mode and force the motor to start. There is a good KZbin video of a guy doing this, I’ll edit this comment shortly and add a link to that video 👍 m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIiWdJKsfcermrM

[@scottflagg1535]

@@themilesdriven Thanks so much. With "emissions" as keyword, I found a couple videos showing what you describe. E.g. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6bQdZtvpbd2j80 and kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3LbZIqon7CIjZY. I guess the only issue left is conflict between: wanting to test at full charge to see battery; and 25% of the battery!

[@Jason-cl8hk]

Good review, thanks.

[@themilesdriven]

Hope it was helpful 👍

[@rcpmac]

Great summary. Thanks! 👍

[@themilesdriven]

Thanks 👍

[@waqasahmed939]

5:30 Common faults

[@thud0R]

Since 3G is not supported anymore you cannot connect to the car via BMW app to control heating?

[@noelnicholls1894]

Just looked at a 2015 Rex. 61,000 miles for not much money. Shows 16 mile battery range on an 85% charge. So to “rebattery” would be necessary here in Texas. Even cities are too big for only that small a range. The range extender would be working every trip. If I wanted a motor bike (that’s what the range extender uses) I would buy one. Takes eight battery pods and each one is $4,000. That’s the small battery option, the big battery is $8,000 each. So just who is going to buy a used electric vehicle with that in mind?

[@MrAlan1828]

Just Bimmercode the i3 unlock the restrictions. I would only consider 2017+ models, 4G connectivity 94Ah Better. 200km (I'm in Canada) run my business of my 2017 Rex I do 140km daily for delivery and still have enough juice to get around

[@mamadouaziza2536]

Obviously something is wrong with either the battery or battery management system.. A 2015 i3 with 85% battery capacity charge should get at least 45 miles and not 16 miles.. That car probably needs a reset.. In California the battery is warrant for 10 years and must retain 70% capacity... Buy these cars cheap (under $10k) and factor in another $4k or so for a new battery in a few years. Also, don't buy any i3 with no more than 30k miles on it. Have it inspected.. Also, factor in buying a new set of tires every 15k miles or so.. These are city cars only.

[@noelnicholls1894]

@@mamadouaziza2536 Thanks, appreciate the knowledge.

[@kristinabrown1617]

In a number of western states with consumer protection programs you can have your non-working battery changed out for a new one for free if its under warranty.. ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/california-vehicle-and-emissions-warranty-periods

[@cydneyyt]

@@noelnicholls1894 you can buy an i3 with more than 30k miles on it. idk why people like him are still treating ev's like ICE cars. the battery should last longer than you expect, still get prepurchase inspection though. I got my 2016 I3 with 100k miles on it. not the best, but I did a through inspection then took to a bmw dealer. it was fine for its age, 3 owners.

[@peteroffpist1621]

Still love this car even if I drive a Tesla that still is superior. Go for the BEV models and the larger batteries 90ah or 120 ah.

[@MrAlan1828]

Get a REX for some piece of mind, the extra 100km Canada helps in winter

[@MrAlan1828]

94ah or 120Ah the added weight on the Rex helps the rear wheel drive winter stability

[@peteroffpist1621]

@@MrAlan1828 go for the BEV , to much complexity and service with REX. BWM is not the company that does anything for free they are one of the most expensive manufacturers on spare parts and service. Much less maintenance on a BEV.

[@mamadouaziza2536]

I find the more weight in the back does help with the car being stable on the freeway. I had a bunch of luggage in the back and I was hauling ass on the freeway ans the car was hugging the corners and was very planted... Yes, the battery held onto 75% due to the REx being engaged.. I drove 110 miles on the freeway.

[@TechyGamerVibeZ]

The REX is better!

[@davidguy7335]

I looked at and strongly considered this one but when you compare what you get, warranty, range and charging network Tesla wins hands down.

[@peteroffpist1621]

Our Tesla cars that are from 2014 and 2015 Model S have never been in for a normal service. Driven about 350.000 km each. Only tires, windshield wipers and cabin filters are regular, we have only changed brake pads once. That is it so that regular intervals is BS.

[@MrAlan1828]

Hope you do tire rotations because it wears out tires more on EV weight and speed

[@peteroffpist1621]

@@MrAlan1828 Not true our cars don’t use more tires. Did rotate tires first year but soon understood that it’s the rear tires that get most wear even on our dual motor one ( but still not more than a ICE with the same hourse power. So we only replace the rear tires every second year and the front tires every 3:de year. With right psi they wear evenly.

[@cydneyyt]

@@peteroffpist1621 you need to calm down peter

[@tinycmo]

He seems pretty calm.

[@dopiaza2006]

@@tinycmo seems pisstoff to me

[@dontask7844]

I just bought one for $4500

[@Pelc987]

A bit cheap I would say

[@PNWBullyHaven]

What year? How many miles? Range?

[@Freerider93]

How is it treating you now?