BMW i3 I01
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The i3 I01 is BMW's electric pioneer — built 2013–2022 with revolutionary CFRP body and rear-wheel drive. A city car with premium ambitions, ahead of its time.
Battery variants: The 60 Ah version (2013–2016, ~80 miles real) is only viable as a second car for short trips — degradation often significant. The 94 Ah version (2016–2018, ~125 miles real) offers the best value and good battery longevity. The 120 Ah version (2018–2022, ~160 miles real) for best daily usability. The Range Extender (REX) adds range security but increases maintenance — fuel must stay fresh.
Weaknesses: HV battery degradation is the dominant buying criterion — check capacity in the on-board computer, measure DC charging speed. CFRP body makes crash repairs extremely expensive. EME motor controller can fail completely. Front strut mounts rattle on many examples.
Test drive: Check range display at full charge. Test front axle for rattles at walking speed. Measure DC charge rate (≥40 kW at 20–75% SoC).
Market 2026: 60 Ah from $6,500, 94 Ah from $12,000, 120 Ah from $19,000.
Insider pick: A 94 Ah model (2017–2018) without REX, with Comfort package and DC fast charging.
Engine Overview
The BMW i3 I01 is available with 4 engine variants — from 170 to 184 hp.
BMW's first mass-produced electric drive — hybrid synchronous motor with 125 kW peak. Battery degradation is the dominant concern: early 60 Ah cells lose up to 30% capacity, the later 120 Ah cells hold up much better. In cold weather and with age, the already limited range shrinks drastically. Reduction gear bearings can develop noise at high mileage — rare but expensive. The Range Extender variant (REX) has its own weak point: the motorcycle-derived twin-cylinder's timing chain can skip. Recuperation occasionally drops out sporadically — software update usually helps.
- !! HV battery degradation from 100,000 km
First generation (60 Ah) shows significantly stronger degradation than 94/120 Ah. Remaining capacity sometimes below 70% after 8 years. Replacement is extremely expensive.
Symptoms: Reduced range, inaccurate state of charge display, battery warning - !! Bearing and gear damage in reduction gearbox from 50,000 km
Some i3s develop grinding and rumbling noises from the drivetrain between 45,000 and 60,000 km. Cause is a bearing failure in the reduction gearbox or e-motor bearing set. Replacement of the complete drive unit is often unavoidable.
Symptoms: Grinding or rumbling noise at low speed; noise intensifies under load; no dashboard warning in early stages. - !! Range extender timing chain jumps (REx variant) from 120,000 km
On the i3 REx, the timing chain tensioner spring on the two-cylinder boxer engine (same as BMW C600 scooter engine) breaks. The chain jumps, intake valves bend. BMW issued a recall for scooter models but not for the i3 REx.
Symptoms: REX shuts itself off, only electric drive available; fault 'Camshaft sensor implausible'; misfires on cylinders 1 and 2.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
BMW's first mass-produced electric drive — hybrid synchronous motor with 125 kW peak. Battery degradation is the dominant concern: early 60 Ah cells lose up to 30% capacity, the later 120 Ah cells hold up much better. In cold weather and with age, the already limited range shrinks drastically. Reduction gear bearings can develop noise at high mileage — rare but expensive. The Range Extender variant (REX) has its own weak point: the motorcycle-derived twin-cylinder's timing chain can skip. Recuperation occasionally drops out sporadically — software update usually helps.
- !! HV battery degradation from 100,000 km
First generation (60 Ah) shows significantly stronger degradation than 94/120 Ah. Remaining capacity sometimes below 70% after 8 years. Replacement is extremely expensive.
Symptoms: Reduced range, inaccurate state of charge display, battery warning - !! Bearing and gear damage in reduction gearbox from 50,000 km
Some i3s develop grinding and rumbling noises from the drivetrain between 45,000 and 60,000 km. Cause is a bearing failure in the reduction gearbox or e-motor bearing set. Replacement of the complete drive unit is often unavoidable.
Symptoms: Grinding or rumbling noise at low speed; noise intensifies under load; no dashboard warning in early stages. - !! Range extender timing chain jumps (REx variant) from 120,000 km
On the i3 REx, the timing chain tensioner spring on the two-cylinder boxer engine (same as BMW C600 scooter engine) breaks. The chain jumps, intake valves bend. BMW issued a recall for scooter models but not for the i3 REx.
Symptoms: REX shuts itself off, only electric drive available; fault 'Camshaft sensor implausible'; misfires on cylinders 1 and 2.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
BMW's first mass-produced electric drive — hybrid synchronous motor with 125 kW peak. Battery degradation is the dominant concern: early 60 Ah cells lose up to 30% capacity, the later 120 Ah cells hold up much better. In cold weather and with age, the already limited range shrinks drastically. Reduction gear bearings can develop noise at high mileage — rare but expensive. The Range Extender variant (REX) has its own weak point: the motorcycle-derived twin-cylinder's timing chain can skip. Recuperation occasionally drops out sporadically — software update usually helps.
- !! HV battery degradation from 100,000 km
First generation (60 Ah) shows significantly stronger degradation than 94/120 Ah. Remaining capacity sometimes below 70% after 8 years. Replacement is extremely expensive.
Symptoms: Reduced range, inaccurate state of charge display, battery warning - !! Bearing and gear damage in reduction gearbox from 50,000 km
Some i3s develop grinding and rumbling noises from the drivetrain between 45,000 and 60,000 km. Cause is a bearing failure in the reduction gearbox or e-motor bearing set. Replacement of the complete drive unit is often unavoidable.
Symptoms: Grinding or rumbling noise at low speed; noise intensifies under load; no dashboard warning in early stages. - !! Range extender timing chain jumps (REx variant) from 120,000 km
On the i3 REx, the timing chain tensioner spring on the two-cylinder boxer engine (same as BMW C600 scooter engine) breaks. The chain jumps, intake valves bend. BMW issued a recall for scooter models but not for the i3 REx.
Symptoms: REX shuts itself off, only electric drive available; fault 'Camshaft sensor implausible'; misfires on cylinders 1 and 2.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
BMW's first mass-produced electric drive — hybrid synchronous motor with 125 kW peak. Battery degradation is the dominant concern: early 60 Ah cells lose up to 30% capacity, the later 120 Ah cells hold up much better. In cold weather and with age, the already limited range shrinks drastically. Reduction gear bearings can develop noise at high mileage — rare but expensive. The Range Extender variant (REX) has its own weak point: the motorcycle-derived twin-cylinder's timing chain can skip. Recuperation occasionally drops out sporadically — software update usually helps.
- !! HV battery degradation from 100,000 km
First generation (60 Ah) shows significantly stronger degradation than 94/120 Ah. Remaining capacity sometimes below 70% after 8 years. Replacement is extremely expensive.
Symptoms: Reduced range, inaccurate state of charge display, battery warning - !! Bearing and gear damage in reduction gearbox from 50,000 km
Some i3s develop grinding and rumbling noises from the drivetrain between 45,000 and 60,000 km. Cause is a bearing failure in the reduction gearbox or e-motor bearing set. Replacement of the complete drive unit is often unavoidable.
Symptoms: Grinding or rumbling noise at low speed; noise intensifies under load; no dashboard warning in early stages. - !! Range extender timing chain jumps (REx variant) from 120,000 km
On the i3 REx, the timing chain tensioner spring on the two-cylinder boxer engine (same as BMW C600 scooter engine) breaks. The chain jumps, intake valves bend. BMW issued a recall for scooter models but not for the i3 REx.
Symptoms: REX shuts itself off, only electric drive available; fault 'Camshaft sensor implausible'; misfires on cylinders 1 and 2.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| HV battery degradation on early models Early i3s (22 kWh, up to 2017) without active thermal management show stronger battery degradation. From 2017 (33 kWh) under 5% per year is expected. BMW new battery price approximately 12,000–14,000 € including fitting. Symptoms: Noticeably lower range than stated, faster discharge compared to new condition, higher consumption displayed. from 120,000 km | High |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2020
The i3 shows the typical advantages of electric vehicles at MOT: no engine oil issues, less brake wear through regeneration.
2019-11ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2022
The i3 is one of the most reliable vehicles overall — it occupies top spots across several model years.
2022-04Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Dacia Sandero III
Supermini (2020–2026)
Fiat 500e 332
Supermini (2020–2026)
Honda Jazz GR
Supermini (2020–2024)
Honda e ZC7
Supermini (2020–2024)
Hyundai i20 BC3
Supermini (2020–2026)
Nissan Versa N18
Supermini (2020–2025)
Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 14 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW i3 I01 (2013–2022) — 5 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Cooling, Other, Electronics, Body.
i3 (BMW-i3-eDrive, 2013–2017) — Be Careful: HV battery degradation, Bearing and gear damage in reduction gearbox, Range extender timing chain jumps (REx variant). Power: 170 PS.
i3 (BMW-i3-eDrive, 2018–2022) — Be Careful: HV battery degradation, Bearing and gear damage in reduction gearbox, Range extender timing chain jumps (REx variant). Power: 184 PS.
What to watch out for with the BMW i3? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the BMW i3 I01 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used BMW i3 I01? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which BMW i3 I01 engine is the most fun? +
Is the BMW i3 I01 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW i3 I01? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee