Nearly new buying guide: BMW i3

Think electric cars all look boring and are dull to drive? Munich's innovative supermini EV begs to differ

Aren’t electric cars boring to look at? Despite the free rein many firms have to package these futuristic machines, it’s a shame that most turn out decidedly dull.

Not the BMW i3, though. And not only does it look cool, but there’s real innovation behind it, too, with the car being constructed predominantly from carbonfibre-reinforced plastic, helping to offset the 230kg heft of its lithium ion battery pack.

The i3 has a high price and only a modest range, so it has been overtaken by many cheaper models that may not look interesting but can go further on each charge and are more practical. However, as a used buy, the i3 now stacks up as a reasonable route into EV ownership. Careful which version you go for, mind. The original i3, known as the 60Ah, has a 22.6kWh battery pack, from which you should expect to extract only around 80 miles.

*Click here to buy your next used i3 from Autocar*

In late 2016, the 94Ah arrived with a 33kWh battery and realistic range of about 120 miles – a useful hike that makes it the pick of the bunch. Most recently, BMW introduced the more expensive 120Ah, which has a 42.2kWh battery and an average real-world range of 165 miles, according to our sister title What Car?’s Real Range test.

Another recent addition was the sportier i3s, which gets 13bhp extra, at 181bhp, plus a wider rear track, 20in alloys, fatter tyres, retuned suspension and flared wheel arches.

To banish range anxiety, a model called the Range Extender – or REx for short – was available until 2018. This features a two-cylinder, 647cc petrol engine from a BMW motorbike that fires up to generate power for recharging the battery once that runs flat. Its tank is big enough for only nine litres of petrol, but it increases the i3’s range a useful amount, it’s easy to fill up (obviously) and it doesn’t cost a great deal more than a conventional i3 on the used market.

Although the i3’s range isn’t especially impressive, you’ll enjoy driving every mile in it. It’s a fun car that delivers typically zingy electric pace off the line and its well-weighted steering is among the best of its EV class. Plus, while it may be on the small side, there’s a real high-quality, futuristic feel to its cabin and excellent, airy visibility – along with BMW’s market-leading dial-controlled infotainment system.

The starting point for a used i3 today is around £13,000. This will get you a 2014 60Ah model with above-average mileage and a full service history, bought from a specialist. Between £16,000 and £18,000 will secure you a 2015 or early 2016 car in our favoured 94Ah spec. Once into the realm of £20,000, you’ll find good 2017 cars with a low or average mileage, bought from a franchised dealer, while £22,000 to £25,000 will hook you up with an i3 from late 2017 or early 2018.

*BUYER BEWAREEngine *Where fitted, the range-extender engine can suffer fuel pressure sensor and fuel pump relay issues.

*Body* The model's carbon-fibre body means you should be wary of dents, which are expensive to fix.

*Wheels* The diamond-cut alloys are susceptible to corrosion. 

*Brakes* Check the discs aren't unduly corroded (the brakes don't get much use).

*Suspension* Upper suspension mounts have been known to fail (listen for odd noises over speed humps and check for torn gaiters, a well-documented issue on early cars).

*Interior* Owners report that the optional leather upholstery stains and is hard to keep clean.


*NEED TO KNOW*

In What Car?’s latest Reliability Survey, the i3 ranked ninth out of 11 hybrid and electric cars.

Bodywork was the main problem area, followed by the suspension, climate control and sat-nav.

If you’re still worried about the battery, rest assured that it has always come with its own eightyear/100,000-mile warranty.

There have been a few recalls for the i3, including for an issue with overly aggressive regenerative braking potentially causing the rear end to step out in slippery conditions and, in the Range Extender version, a fuel tank ventilation line that can become chafed. Check with a BMW dealer to find out if your car is affected.

*OUR TOP SPEC: PROFESSIONAL NAV*

Standard kit is generous, including heated front seats, climate control, rear sensors and sat-nav, but we’d seek Professional Navigation for a larger screen.

*OUR PICK: BMW i3 94Ah*

The first evolution of the i3 manages a decent range, thanks to its bigger battery, but keeps costs down. And chances are its styling will still look futuristic in a decade.

*WILD CARD: BMW i3S*

The fastest version of the i3 gets a firmer suspension set-up, 20in alloys, sportier styling and more power. It nears hot-hatch troubling territory in a straight line, but expect its range to tumble if you have a heavy right foot.

*ONES WE'VE FOUND*

2013 BMW i3 Range Extender 60Ah, 77,000 miles, £12,600

2016 BMW i3 Range Extender 94Ah, 46,000 miles, £17,450

2018 BMW i3s 94Ah, 2136 miles, £24,521

2019 BMW i3 120Ah, 6500 miles, £26,800

*READ MORE*

*BMW i3S 2020 long-term review*

*BMW to cease production of the i3 Range Extender​*

*Mini to revive Traveller name for BMW i3-based MPV*