People constantly complain that modern cars all look the same. Why can’t they be different and more exciting, they say? Well, BMW did just that back in 2013, when it launched its “i” sub-brand. It created two radical designs that weren’t only completely different from anything else on the road, but were also packed with innovative new technologies. The first of these new i models was the all-electric i3 city car.
Base Trim Engine
Electric
Base Trim Transmission
Single Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
170 hp
Base Trim Torque
184 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
124/102 MPG
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
It was tall, had narrow little wheels, and rear-hinged doors that opened up into a cabin that looked like no BMW ever before. Despite the steep pricing and relatively short all-electric range, it sold over 250,000 units (globally) over eight years, and used examples are still in strong demand. We explore the interesting story of the i3 and look into just how much a used one costs today.
All vehicle data is from reputable sources. Pricing excludes destination charges and tax unless otherwise specified.
The BMW i3
Blue 2015 BMW I3 side viewBMW
BMW i3 production began in 2013 (Europe), with US sales starting July 2014. It was available as either a pure EV called the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) or with a range-extending gas engine, which was called a REx (Range Extender). The small 60Ah (22kWh) battery pack allowed for up to 81 miles of range, while the REx models could do 150 miles with the little 650cc two-cylinder motorcycle engine’s tiny 2.4-gallon tank filled to the brim.
2017 BMW i3 ReX rear closeupBring a Trailer
A larger 94Ah (33kWh) battery pack was introduced in 2017, and from 2019 on, the capacity increased to 120Ah (42.2 kWh). A REx range-extender version was available throughout, and an i3s was launched in 2018, sacrificing a bit of range for more performance.
Model
2014-2016 BMW i3 60Ah
2017-2018 BMW i3 94Ah
2019-2021 BMW i3 120Ah
Battery Size
22 kWh
33 kWh
42.2 kWh
Average EV Range
81 miles
114 miles
153 miles
Why do you need to know all this? Used-car buyers are willing to pay more for larger battery packs. And since BMW’s battery warranty is generally transferable to subsequent owners for the eight-year/100,000-mile period, vehicles that are still covered will be worth more.
The list below covers the values of BEV i3 models sold across the US over the past year. We split them up based on battery capacity.
Model
2014-2016 BMW i3 60Ah
2017-2018 BMW i3 94Ah
2019-2021 BMW i3 120Ah
Lowest Price
$4,499
$6,993
$11,787
Average Price
$13,906
$19,834
$26,902
Highest Price
$25,991
$34,990
$49,295
As you can see from the table above, the average values jump significantly with each generation of battery pack, and while the range-extender REx models command up to a $2,000 premium when fitted to the earliest 60Ah i3 models, they are not as sought-after on the post-2017 models, as they have a more usable electric range.
Some of the earliest i3s are now selling for under $5,000, but these come with the risk of an imminent battery change and/or extremely limited range. Sticking to the $20,000 mark is the best way to get a solid car with a few years of battery warranty remaining.
In general, servicing requirements are minimal, but the REx engine does need regular oil changes, and on older cars, you’ll need to check the suspension rubbers and tires, as well. There were updates to the interior as well, with newer i3s getting 4G connectivity and a later version of the iDrive infotainment system. BMW also offered several funky interior trims, and as there’s usually a wide selection of cars for sale at any one time, you can get a bit picky with the color combos.
Blue 2015 BMW I3 on charge from rearBMW
What to look for:
Always get the battery State of Health (SoH) checked. If the vehicle is under warranty and the SoH figure is below 70%, the manufacturer may replace or repair it. If it is an older model, it may be best to avoid it altogether, as the range will be decreased, and a battery replacement can cost thousands of dollars.
Check the standard 12-volt battery; it is often overlooked and can cause intermittent issues, but it is a cheap fix.
Check that the little gas motor has been regularly serviced on REx models, as they can get neglected.
The narrow tires can be pricey, so negotiate the price down if they are nearing replacement. The Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic passenger cell is extremely tough, but damage to it can be very expensive to repair. Check that all the doors and hinges align properly.
What Makes The i3 So Special?
2014 BMW i3 outline diagram shotBMW
BMW i3
BMW i3/i3s BEV
BMW i3/i3s REx
Engine
Single electric motor
Single electric motor + gas range extender
Power
168-181 hp
168-184 hp
Torque
184-199 lb-ft
184-199 lb-ft
0-60
6.8–7.3 seconds est
7.1–8.1 seconds est
Production Years
2014–2021 all variants
Most legacy manufacturers tread a safe and careful path to retain their existing customer base, and big innovations outside their comfort zones tend to be few and far between. BMW was known for decades for its high-revving naturally aspirated sports sedans and superb handling characteristics. But by the 2010s, turbocharging was taking over, and all-electric vehicles were also starting to make their mark on the automotive landscape.
BMW decided to develop a new range of models that would take it into the next decade and beyond. These would fall under the new “i” brand, and the all-electric i3 and hybrid i8 sports car were the first to be launched. At first glance, the i3 looked like a cutesy futuristic concept, but under the vibrantly colored thermoplastic body panels were some groundbreaking features.
Side view of the 2014 BMW i3BMW
It featured a unique two-section structure. The all-aluminum Drive Module chassis housed the battery, electric motor, and suspension. And the passenger cell or “Life Module” was made from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), which made it incredibly strong and lightweight. This made it possible to have rear-hinged doors for second row passengers without the need for an obstructive B-Pillar.
Blue 2015 BMW I3 nose viewBMW
Range extender (REx) models used a tiny 647cc two-cylinder engine — the same as the one used by BMW in its C650GT scooter — which acted as a generator to charge the battery pack. There was no physical connection to the wheels. This allowed owners to travel much further without fear of running out of power, but it did come at the expense of added weight, slightly lower overall efficiency, and the sound of the little engine intermittently thrumming away in the background disturbed the otherwise complete silence of the cabin.
2017 BMW i3 ReX rear seatsBring a Trailer
The interior still looks contemporary and fresh 12 years after it was introduced, and BMW was keen on making the most of the eco-friendly EV credentials. A sustainable plant material called Kenaf fiber was used for the door panels and instrument panel cover, and the dashboard trim was made from open-pore Eucalyptus wood, which is 100% sustainable.
2014 BMW i3 InteriorBMW
The very responsive acceleration, elevated driving position, and compact but spacious interior make for a superb city driving experience, but the i3 is less at home on the open road, where it is susceptible to side winds and its electric range drops noticeably. But if you are in the market for an affordable city car that still looks like nothing else on the road, then the i3 is a great choice.
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The Replacement i3
2027 BMW i3 ExteriorBMW
As the EV market has evolved and matured, it turns out that most motorists prefer cars that look much like other cars. The i3 was a moderately successful EV, but high pricing, quirky looks, and limited range kept it from making a bigger impact. They remain popular with owners who love just how right they are for city use, but BMW has since moved on to producing electric cars that are usually heavily based on their gas-powered counterparts instead of being clean sheet designs.
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The BMW iX is an exception to this, but EVs like the i4, iX3, and i5 are all comfortably familiar to BMW owners who may be considering transitioning from a visually similar gas-powered model.
In terms of a direct i3 replacement, there is nothing on the cards, but the i3 name carries on as the all-electric version of the BMW 3 Series. It was unveiled recently, and it’s the clearest indication of what we can expect from BMW in the coming years, whether powered by electricity or gas.
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Sources: BMW, CarBuzz Marketplace
