Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2013–2022 BMW i3. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.
Cabin air stops blowing cold, cooling performance drops, warning messages may appear, and some cars develop charging or drivetrain faults as the problem worsens.
Run the climate control on full cold after startup and leave it operating during the drive.
£1,200
Random warning lights, charging problems, ‘battery discharging while stationary’ messages, or a car that suddenly goes dead.
Start the car from cold, leave it powered up for a few minutes, then switch off and restart after using lights, blower and infotainment.
£250
Engine warning light, range-extender fault messages, or petrol-system warnings despite the car driving normally on battery.
Diagnose the evaporative system.
£469
It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2013–2022 BMW i3, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.
The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.
Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.
The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.
Or enter the vehicle manually