BMW i3
The 2021 BMW i3 presents an excellent reliability record, boasting zero recalls and complaints according to NHTSA data.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2017 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Horsepower | Torque | Engine configuration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | wagon | — | Automatic | RWD/Rear-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2020 | wagon | — | Automatic | — | — | — | — |
| 2019 | wagon | — | Automatic | RWD/Rear-Wheel Drive | — | — | — |
| 2018 | wagon | — | Automatic | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | wagon | — | Automatic | — | — | — | — |
| 2016 | wagon | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | wagon | Horsepower: 170 hp, Torque: 184 lb-ft, Engine configuration: Electric | 1-spd Auto | RWD | 170 hp | 184 lb-ft | Electric |
| 2014 | wagon | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | msrp | Note | pricing | Base price | Trim | currency | MSRP range | Confidence | notes | Source | estimatedAt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | — | Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, Auxiliary Audio Input, MP3 Player | Note: Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, Auxiliary Audio Input, MP3 Player | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2020 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2019 | — | — | Base price: $51,500, Trim: Range Extender S | $51,500 | Range Extender S | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2018 | — | — | Base price: $51,500, Trim: Range Extender S | $51,500 | Range Extender S | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2017 | — | — | Base price: $44,450, Trim: i3 Range Extender | $44,450 | i3 Range Extender | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | currency: USD, MSRP range: $42,400 - $46,250, Confidence: 0.8, notes: MSRP for the 2015 model year., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 4/7/2026 | — | — | — | — | USD | $42,400 - $46,250 | 0.8 | MSRP for the 2015 model year. | llm_estimate | 4/7/2026 |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | Keyless ignition | Steering location | Seat rows | GVWR | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel | bodyAndInterior |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | — | — | — | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 101.2 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2020 | 4 | 4 | 260 | 15.1 | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 101.2 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2019 | 4 | 4 | 260 | 15.1 | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 101.2 | 19 | 19 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2018 | 5 | 5 | 261 | 15.1 | Standard | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 101.2 | 19 | 19 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2017 | 4 | 5 | 260 | 9.2 | — | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | 2 | 4 | 101.2 | 19 | 19 | Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | 4 | 4 | 260 | 9.2 | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | nhtsaSafetyRatings | abs | esc | tractionControl | tpms | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | rearCamera | parkAssist | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | forwardCollisionWarning | Rated vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | — | — |
| 2020 | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | — | — |
| 2019 | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | standard | optional | optional | standard | optional | — |
| 2018 | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | — | — |
| 2017 | Rated vehicle: 2017 BMW I3 5 HB RWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | — | 2017 BMW I3 5 HB RWD |
| 2016 | Rated vehicle: 2016 BMW I3 5 HB RWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2016 BMW I3 5 HB RWD |
| 2015 | Rated vehicle: 2015 BMW I3 5 HB RWD | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2015 BMW I3 5 HB RWD |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Technology & electrification
Listed infotainment, equipment, battery, and charging data.
Model year reports
2021
NewestThe 2021 BMW i3 presents an excellent reliability record, boasting zero recalls and complaints according to NHTSA data.
2020
The 2020 BMW i3 presents an exceptionally clean record with zero recalls and zero complaints, indicating superior reliability and safety performance.
2019
The 2019 BMW i3 is a competent electric city car with a good reliability rating, but buyers must confirm the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module recall has been addressed.
2018
The 2018 BMW i3 presents a mixed reliability picture.
2017
The 2017 BMW i3 presents a mixed reliability picture.
2016
The 2016 BMW i3 presents a mixed ownership proposition.
2015
Approach the 2015 BMW i3 with caution; its below-average reliability is primarily driven by significant concerns with the steering system.
2014
The 2014 BMW i3 presents a mixed ownership proposition.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the BMW i3?
Carfocal currently has 8 published i3 reports, covering 2014 through 2021. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2021 BMW i3 presents an excellent reliability record, boasting zero recalls and complaints according to NHTSA data.
Published year coverage: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021.
Is the BMW i3 reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every BMW i3. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2021 bmw i3 presents an excellent reliability record, boasting zero recalls and complaints according to nhtsa data. and the 2021 bmw i3 offers strong value for its segment, particularly given its excellent reliability. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
8 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the BMW i3?
Across Carfocal's published i3 guides, recurring problem areas include Electric Motor Electronics (EME) Module, Portable Charger, and Airbag Control Unit Software. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Electric Motor Electronics (EME) Module, Portable Charger, and Airbag Control Unit Software.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 8
- Years tracked
- 8
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints