Should I buy a 2015 BMW i3 0.6 Hybrid Automatic?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2015 BMW i3 0.6 Hybrid Automatic. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Common problems

1Moderate Likelihood

A/C compressor failure that can escalate into battery-cooling contamination

Cabin air stops blowing cold, cooling performance drops, warning messages may appear, and some cars develop charging or drivetrain faults as the problem worsens.

How to check

Run the climate control on full cold after startup and leave it operating during the drive.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,200

2Low Likelihood

12V battery failure causing multiple false faults or no-start

Random warning lights, charging problems, ‘battery discharging while stationary’ messages, or a car that suddenly goes dead.

How to check

Start the car from cold, leave it powered up for a few minutes, then switch off and restart after using lights, blower and infotainment.

Estimated Repair Cost

£250

3Moderate Likelihood

Range extender fuel tank pressure sensor faults

Engine warning light, range-extender fault messages, or petrol-system warnings despite the car driving normally on battery.

How to check

Diagnose the evaporative system.

Estimated Repair Cost

£469

MOT Failure Rate

0%10%20%30%0–20,000 miles: 8.0% (140 failed / 1,751 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 9.7% (386 failed / 3,968 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 11.6% (412 failed / 3,562 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 13.9% (308 failed / 2,209 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 18.4% (209 failed / 1,134 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 19.5% (93 failed / 477 tests)120,000–140,000 miles: 18.0% (36 failed / 200 tests)140,000–160,000 miles: 15.0% (9 failed / 60 tests)160,000–180,000 miles: 12.5% (1 failed / 8 tests)180,000–200,000 miles: 25.0% (1 failed / 4 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2015 BMW i3 0.6 Hybrid Automatic

BMW i3 buying questions

Is a 2015 BMW i3 worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2015 BMW i3 0.6 Hybrid Automatic, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the BMW i3 (2015)?

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.

What should I check before buying a BMW i3?

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.

A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.

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