BMW i3 - 10 Possible Problems Buying Used - Long Term Electric Car Owner’s Review

After getting a used 2016 BMW i3 REx EV, here are some things we wish we had looked for. Have you had any issues with your BMW?

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:17 Suspension Rubber Boot Tearing
0:41 Limited Tire Selection / High Rate of Wear
1:06 Missing Cupholders
1:28 Door Seal Damage
1:45 Seat Heater Malfunctions
1:59 Charge Port Cover Tethers
2:21 Fuel Door Doesn't Open
2:39 12V Battery Failures and Difficult Access
2:59 Door Card Warping
3:18 Badge and Emblem Fading

[zemmel]

There is one more thing to look at: The microswitch that detects whether a charging cable is plugged in may be defective. This means that the charging cable cannot be locked and you can no longer charge, or the charging cable is locked an won't release. A repair is VERY expensive because of the high amount of work. (pay $1, 5 for the microswitch an $500 for the repair)
So please check if a charging cable locks and also unlocks correctly on the first try. If it takes several attempts, something is wrong.
Greetings from Germany😊

[donswier]

Thanks for the video.
Realizing how well cared for our 2017 REx was when we bought it used 3 years ago.
Only fault so far at 86k miles is my fault: I should have replaced the 12v battery sooner.
It gives no warning.
Easier & cheaper by $100 to replace it as a preventative.

[maxlechuga]

Thx for the tips, just got a proton blue 2017 i3 REX. Both front boots were bad and the rear tires were shot at 16k miles, but the dealer fixed them up. Also had them put a fresh 12v battery in to be safe. Luv this car so far!

[badgastein]

In fairness, none of these potential faults is going to bankrupt the typical i3 driver.

[brandywillis]

I'm still driving a 2014 REX. I only have needed to buy tires, and a 12volt battery as well as a yearly oil change. Minimal battery degradation, fun to drive, cheap to drive. Also, I haven't had any issues with the roof. There was a recall for the REX gas tank/ fuel system that was done. I've thought about getting a newer EV or hybrid, but I really don't need to.

[Jimages_uk]

You missed the biggest thing to look out for, Air con not working, that would mean the battery management temperature has also stopped working, and a seriously expensive fix.

[allmech_BMW_fault_finding]

Try a PT-CAN 2 failure in minus 15. Left me stranded haha. I still have my 120 after 3 years because its brilliant but if you lot are serious about longevity the whole main harness is exposed and you should all consider re-engineering it. I have made a video about the whole fault finding procedure but I wont post a link - I aint gonna hijack this thread :) Other issues now getting common are high voltage insulation failures on the ac compressor and heater and also the shut off valves are failing alot too. In fact I had a YT subscriber bring me their i3 60 as they couldn´t get it repaired anywhere else . this was cool and a big surprise indeed haha. I have vids on all of those so feel free to browse. Great content and lovely to see another person so passionate about the i3 as I am.

[hootowl]

You didn't mention a very important thing. If the air con stops working you shouldn't drive the car, since cooling of the battery depends on the same air con system.

[antwonkyle]

We have a 2015 model and it’s one my best daily drivers. The AC is failing right now but everything else makes for an easy day. Thanks for a tip or two I will have my mechanic look into.

[CandycaneBeyond]

If the front badge wears off just slap a happy face sticker on it or a pokeball!

[Lui_Chu]

some of these issues arent issues at all like seat warmer, why would i need a seat warmer? thats just extra I've never had them and probably never will use them. Anyway i've been looking to buy one but idk if i should. Anyone in the comment section recommend one? I'm looking at at used 2014 bmw with 80, 000 miles (cheapest one i found)

[whocares]

the petrol flap opens fron inside the car
tyre wear is heavy only on the rear drive wheels
the 12 volt battery is easy to replace

[ygmv]

Thank for the video. I very much seen some comments about a/c compressor failure damaging lines for cooling battery, costs for this about $12k, somebody else know about this?

[Guitarty]

The foot seal can easily be fixed with Silicone sealant.

[dukeallen]

One doesn’t own a modern BMW. BMW controls how long you can drive it. BMW controls data. Memory.

[kccvh]

The speedy disintegration of the suspension boots and door seals suggest a particularly poor grade of synthetic rubber was selected by BMW senior management, most likely from a Chinese supplier. Totally unacceptable in a car offered at $55, 000.

[whocares]

tyres £100 each and only two wear quickly...cup holders cup holders £13....

[wingmantx]

Great points. and such a bad place to install a 12v battery. German engineering...

[CandycaneBeyond]

My driver side airbag went out. $1200 to get fixed. It should have been a recall. If enough people complain we could get our money back from the manufacturer. Please report if you have had this issue to safety people in government. (I can't remember which one right now that handles recalls)

[theairstig]

Here is an issue: a 2015 i3 is advertised for sale near me and it’s price is more than a new Nissan Leaf. Sorry what? Is it better than a new Leaf?