BMW i3 Problems to Expect

BMW i3 was an innovative vehicle with very polarizing opinions from the public and whether you love it or hate it, it did come with some common problems. In this video, I will go over some problems you can expect on a BMW i3 and the BMW i3 REx for it's entire production. Whether you are looking to buy this BMW EV or already have one, it's good to know what to prepare for when issues arise and how to avoid them if possible.

*— MUST HAVE CAR ITEMS — *

00:00 Intro
00:30 BMW i3 BEV & REx
01:12 12 Volt Battery
01:49 Motor Mount Failure
02:31 Suspension Issues
03:05 AC Compressor
04:06 Washer Fluid Pump
04:34 Failed Driver Heated Seat
05:01 Flickering HVAC LEDs
05:14 Charge Port Door Solenoid
05:43 Airbags
06:04 KLE and EME Modules
06:37 Poor Interior Quality
07:18 Rubber Parts (Antenna, Door Seals)
07:48 Door Handle
07:57 Delaminating Roof
08:22 BMW REx Specific Problems
08:33 Fuel Door
09:10 BMW REx Maintenance
09:37 None Problems-Problems
10:34 Recommendations
11:15 Outro

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[danielgerber]

I have a 2017 that I have bought used 2.5 years ago at less than half the new price. It as been completely reliable and we use it mostly in urban or peri-urban circuit where it is most efficient. Great in town due to an extremely tight turning radius where I can do a u-turn without backing up, parking is equally easy. Tires are a weak point in city with potholes, the narrow flanks make flat tires a recurrent issue on bad roads. altogether fun to drive economical, very good buy for us.

[jamiroquai]

I own bmw i3 and just reached 120K kilometers. So far only replaced 12v battery. Absolutly no other issues. Seems to be the best car i ever had.

[anthonycharlton]

These are all known problems, but how often they actually occur is less clear. I’ve had a a 2014 BEV for 7 years, daily driver and rarely garaged. Driver’s heated seat failed ~5 y/o and I haven’t investigated fixing it yet. 12V battery failed at 9 y/o, this was a real pain and I highly recommend replacing first…it’s fiddly but totally achievable DIY. Tires are unique, do wear fast and are expensive to buy - it’s the car’s #1 design quirk. I’m at about 20, 000 miles on my current set and they’re probably (over?) due for replacement. I haven’t experienced the other problems in this video; I have the Giga wool interior and it still cleans up well. Beyond that, zero maintenance and no obvious range degradation.

Don’t choose the REX version as this video suggests, many use it less than they expect and it adds all the maintenance of a gas car. Get the newest BEV you can afford, make sure there are no warning lights at start-up, and check battery health is still good. At the right price, even a well-kept 2014 or 2015 can be a good buy for in-city driving.

[Piooro]

It only has problems with the battery, motor mounts, suspension, wipers, AC, heating, seats and LED’s. Other than that, great car :)

[bigmcdee]

I have had the first gen one WITHOUT the range extender (for reliability reasons) for quite some time now. Still not ONE problem or anything like a problem actually… so glad I got this car. This morning I raced a beautiful blue m235i all the way home from work, we raced probably like 3 times and he tried to pass me like 10 times. Every single time the i3 absolutely DESTROYED him. In eco pro no less 🤯 This car is insane. Still average monthly cost to charge is basically 0$ As my power bill remains still damn near unchanged. I remember the fast chargers are like 2.50$ to fill :)

[blok]

perfect timing for this video. I'm looking at a 2018 right now

[thatevchick]

Fun video, I had this car and I really liked it for what it was. Used it as a city car.

[MrSakolphan]

Thank you for the informative video, just bought a 2014 with 50k miles in mint condition for $9, 500 cash in Oregon, it drives great and launches like a rocket, there is no squeaks, vibration or any funny sounds, I was very lucky as it had all the preventive maintenance done with a clean title

[workineu]

So amazing video!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I want to buy this car and your tips super helpful 👐🏻🔥🙏🏻

[hawedehre]

I can confirm pressure sensor, heated seat, KLE change, 12V battery, damper cover and some other things you mentioned on my 2015 REX. I avoid Bridgestones, e.g. Nokian winter tires lasted much longer. Currently steering makes some queeky noise with odd resistance. It is said to be the rubber seal from cabin to frunk. I tried to oil and grease it, but still a bit left of it. Nevertheless the best car to my personal taste 🎉

[simonreeves]

Greetings from the U.K. I have a 2019 42kWh i3, so far, none of the issues mentioned here have affected mine. I know the motor mounts were re-engineered mid-life, here in the U.K. we don’t need A/C very often, though I do make sure to turn it on every 6 weeks of so to keep the system in good shape. No REx on mine, not rally needed with the bigger battery. I hope to keep my i3 for a long time, and I love the car and its radical use of materials that means it should never rust of get annoying parking dents in the panels.

[octavionokia]

I just want to say thanks so much for all yours directions @simplecarguy your videos help me decide to buy a bmw i3 range extender a year ago and is amazing because of this video I decided to buy a warranty repair.

[amjaddawoud]

thank you my friend for helpfull video, i have wird proplems with my i3, wen i release the accelerator pedal the car tack longs time to stop than normal and it keep moving slowly and does not full stop, what the problem ?

[newbeginnings]

I've been waiting patiently for this video... Excellent...
My god that A/C meltdown sounds a real nightmare... 😱

[mohammedmenem]

Hello my friend, is the (BMW X5 2013 35iX 3.0L 24V) timing Engine Oil Chain Ran or more random?

[splocal]

Lol man I feel like every problem anyone ever had with this car was mentioned. Does not give me confidence in the model. However I also feel like chances are you would not see all of these issues but you could experience a few of them. Sounds like sticking with 2017+ is a must.

[rp]

'15 REX - DC fast charger problems, dash panel replaced, then re-released, the first replacement didn't have seat heater buttons - all under warranty. Driver's seat belt, $900 NOT under warranty.
In future I'm going to save a used tire if I get a good one, they have to order & it can take days.
Spray those door panels with bed liner?
BEST VIDEO !

[SKraus-pbii]

The antenna is very popular by marten attack. They love to punch their needle like teeth into the soft rubber of the antenna coating

[NickConteSC]

So far my i3 Rex had the roof bubbling problem, the mounts cracking problem, the 3G problem and the air bag false notice problem. Guess I should feel lucky that's all. Except my dealer didn't say the mounts had a recall.

[donswier]

So helpful👍
Can vouch our 2017 i3REx (bought in 2020) has been very reliable..

Great tip on not topping tank!

Currently at 73k miles. No surprises yet. Easy oil changes annually. Waxing the roof & body regularly helps prevent bubbling or issues with thin paint.

Much more useful than a long-range BEV like MachE or Bolt or Kona EV since you can easily refill in 3 minutes anywhere.