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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2015 i3, so we've included reviews for other years of the i3 since its last redesign.
Sold the V12 Mercedes to go electric
Michael Chard, 11/17/2015
updated 05/18/2016
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
55 of 55 people found this review helpful
I hesitantly sold my Mercedes CL600 and decided to lease the i3 REx to replace it. I am not a tree hugger but I am a technology geek and the i3 has some fantastic technology built in. My first impression of the i3 was that this is one ugly car and I did not like the look of the pizza cutter tires. However, after driving it for several weeks, not only have the looks grown on me (as well as the 20 inch skinny tires), but i find it the car extremely enjoyable to drive. In fact, it is so enjoyable that my wife prefers the drive to her Range Rover Sport and is constantly asking me to leave it at home so she can drive it. The off-the-line acceleration is fantastic, which has helped alleviate the sorrow of losing my V12 gasoline engine. The interior room for the front occupants is extremely roomy (I am 6'1" with a large frame). For a sub-compact car, this feels roomier than most other much larger cars. The user interface took a while to learn, but now that I am familiar with it, I am very impressed. The entertainment options are endless, especially when I connect my iPhone and use all of the music, streaming and pod cast services. I use the car primarily to commute to work, 36 miles round trip. I am also able to charge the car at work. For commuting, the car is ideal. I do have the range extender, but I have never actually used it as I have good charging options between work and home but it does take range anxiety out of the equation. If I had to pick anything that I don't like, it is the placement of the electrical charging port, which is located on the back, passenger side of the car. This requires me to get the charging cable and walk around to the other side. While this is clearly a first-world problem, it would have been much easier to locate the charging port close to the driver's door. The materials inside are excellent and I especially like the wood in the dash. I leased the vehicle because I am not yet comfortable with the residual value of an EV, but given the subsidies available, and the fact that I no longer buy gasoline, this is a very economical vehicle to operate. Overall, I was just looking for a very different car experience from buying another internal combustion car. The experience so far is highly recommended.
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Its a BMW and an EV!
scottlawson, 01/04/2015
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
51 of 51 people found this review helpful
I have driven BMWs for 10+ years and this all-electric BMW lives up to the ultimate driving machine claim. It is sporty and solid and handles the road like my 328i. It is filled with high technology with a large screen for nav, music, apps, and information. The construction is solid and the carbon fiber and all-aluminum construction makes the car safe and rust-free. Bodywork is actually less costly than a steel car. This is not for long trips as the practical range in temperate weather is 80-90 miles. But get the DC fast charge option as that has helped me go 300+ miles at times.
2015 BMW i3 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 28 listings
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $11,00017 mi away
- Base 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $9,99527 mi away
- Base Plug-In Hybrid 4dr Hatchback w/Range ExtenderMSRP: $11,99026 mi away
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i3 VS 2013 Chevy Volt
Bruce M., 08/29/2015
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
46 of 46 people found this review helpful
My volt lease was up and I couldn't extend to wait for the 16 volt. So I wanted to stay electric and this was the only other choice with "range extending" capabilities. So as a VERY happy Volt owner I was very worried about changing. So here is the deal. Had the car a week with a mix of city and freeway driving at speeds up to 75 mph. BMW -the plusses: way faster acceleration . Way quieter ride. Better road feel and solid feeling. Perfect regenerative braking. Much roomier cabin and comfort for tall folks ( Im 6'3). Better/Great turning radius. Perfect higher but not to high seating/drivin position. Easy In&Out. Considerably better battery range - about 72 miles / compared to 38 miles. Better regenerative battery charging in city driving. Able to extend mileage better. Much better BMW 4 year full maintenance warranty. Love the "coast" mode when you just ease off the gas just right. One pedal driving!! Love that! Easier access to rear seats. Better safety features ( adaptive cruise control with city stop start is awesome). Have not seen this on another car. Set it for 40 mph. Brings you to a stop in traffic and stays engaged. Then starts you up again when the light changes. Pretty much auto pilot driving. Auto magic Parallel parking mode. (Have not tried this yet so can't say if it actually works well or not). Traffic nav system included with best energy routes based on traffic. Better solid German build quality compared to volt. Switch gear , fit and finish. So whats not to like that the Volt does better? Ride still to "stiff" and I have the 19" wheels. It's on the border of being the perfect balance. The 20" wheels have a lower profile tire so I am sure they would make the ride even more stiff which would not be good. I don't know why so many car manufacturers keep making such stiff suspensions when most americans like a softer ride. Cant you find the right balance? Some cars do, but a lot don't. (Rumor is the new 2016 volt will have a better ride quality than the current model). Also not good in the BMW is the car is a bit "skittery" on broken pavement when taking a turn. Especially the back can kick out. This is because it is very light and the tires are very thin. But the regular handling on decent roads feels good but the steering is very "sensitive. Especially at freeway speeds. The slightest movement of the wheel really moves the car. I may get used to this but for now I have a harder time keeping the car in a straight line. Don't know if this is the thin tires or light weight or weight of the electric steering or a combination of all three but this is where the volt drives much better. User customization of the many features of the car is lacking and much better in the Volt. Range extender engine is much quieter in the BMW but has only a 1.9 gallon tank which will get you about 60 miles more if full. Volt holds 8 gallons so gets you the range of a regular car. So the BMW is really a city car with the bonus of if you need to make a ton of trips across town in one day, you can do it. So if you are cool with just a city car you should not have any concerns about the BMW. Larger side mirrors on the volt are better. New volt will have lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring. BMW doesn't have that. Kind of baffling as this is tech that many cheap american cars now have. In particular blind spot monitoring is a very worthwhile feature in my opinion. Oh forgot. Volt radio , even the high end Bose upgrade is not that good. It's OK but The BMW with the upgraded Harmon radio is great in comparison. Big beef. Charging port on the BMW is on the passenger side REAR of the car! So pretty much you need to back in to any parking space or your home if you want to charge. The volt is just in front of the drivers door. Perfect spot. Not sure I understand the logic of the rear charging door. But the BMW has a lighted charging port that changes colors. cool. Also BMW has super fast Tesla like DC charging built in at no extra cost. Now if only you can find a DC charging station. Someday. Some of the interior "eco" materials used on the BMW make it feel weird and cheap. It is recycled material but it looks like crap. I'm sure the germans can figure out a way to make recycled material look nice and have a soft finish which would make the car even quieter. Cost. Volt is 10,000 cheaper for the loaded model. Thats a big difference. The volt in three years has been almost 100% trouble free. A very rare thing for a high tech car. i give GM very high kudos for building such a high quality car that has not needed to be in the shop. Summary? I'm liking the much quieter ride and super power acceleration and better comfort of the Beemer. The unique styling can be a turn off for some but I think it grows on most people. Now lets see if it is as reliable and trouble free as the volt. I hope so. I'll report back after more driving.
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Lovin the i3
Steve, 08/05/2017
updated 09/14/2023
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
36 of 36 people found this review helpful
We bought a BMW certified pre-owned 2015 i3 Rex Terra Package with 8,000 miles and have been driving it for about three weeks now. It is my wife's commuter and driving around town car and she absolutely loves it! It fits her needs perfectly and she loves driving it. We have solar panels, so we have not seen any effect on our electric bill. I installed a 240V 6 gauge 4 wire electric line to the garage that is tied to the breaker box with a double-poled 50 amp breaker. I then installed a Juicebox 40 Amp 240V Level 2 charger (car charges maximum capacity at 32 Amp so the oversize doesn't hurt as the car will only charge to its maximum capacity) and it can take the charge from depleted to full in about 3.5 hours. If you install a 240 V charger, be sure to go into the car computer charging settings and change the 240 V charge level from "minimum" (which is the default) to "maximum" to fully utilize the capacity of your Level 2 charger. If you are thinking of purchasing an electric car, buy a used one as they depreciate very quickly because of a weak resale market. For our situation and intended use of this car, it fits us perfectly. Hopefully it will be a reliable car for years to come. Update: We have owned the i3 for 7 months now and still loving this vehicle. It fits our needs perfectly for a short-distance "around the town and commuter car" and it is a blast to drive. Update: Two years now and still love this little car (it has been a great investment)! Update: Four years now and still love this little car (it is an awesome machine)! We will definitely get another one if anything happens to this one (we certainly hope that doesn't happen). Update: Five and a half years now and still love this little car. We replaced the low-volt battery and the tires are expensive, but otherwise very little cost to maintain this car. Update: Six years now and still love this little car.
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Awsome vehicle!
Dianne Vanditmars, 04/26/2015
updated 10/31/2019
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
27 of 27 people found this review helpful
Used primarily as a daily drive to/from work, 48km each way. This leaves 15km - 40km at the end of the day. Level2 charger in the garage keeps the BMW i3 BEV full. Off the line and even on the highway this is a very responsive car. The high seating position and very open design gives a great view of the road. Saving $2,100 per year due to 1/10th energy costs and 1/2 maintenance and service costs. A very practical and fun car to drive for me around town, makes the commute that much better. Service costs are very low, and the car has excellent reliability. After 4 1/2 years of ownership, the car electric range has dropped maybe 5 km out of the typical 120 km.
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Great automobile except for...
benkiii, 05/04/2015
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
24 of 24 people found this review helpful
I agree with Diane. It is a terrific electric car, with great performance and handling, a beautiful interior, fine ergonomics, and great fun to drive. That said, it is not ready for prime time. BMW USA has so far failed to get serious about the electric market. The super-fast charger receptacle is not compatible with any in my NC and there are only a few in the whole U.S.!! Nissan has 1-2 hour chargers at many (most) dealers. BMW has zilch. Why not? My dealer says too expensive to install. Thus long trips are on gasoline, unless you can find a ChargePoint station and feel like taking a 4-5 nap while charging. Unless BMW gets serious I'll switch brands when the 2-year lease is up.
BMW i3 Rex First Month Impressions
Oz, 06/30/2016
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
23 of 23 people found this review helpful
After driving the car for a full month I have to say it is a great car. I drive it around 90 miles a few times a week. The range extender has kicked in a couple of times and has taken away the range anxiety. Not having to go to the gas station once a week (sometimes more) is a great feeling. At first I was charging the car using the 110v charger and that was a frustrating experience. It would take anywhere from 17-19 hours. The BMW wall charging station is now installed and this has dramatically improved charging time to 3-3.5 hrs. I went from a X5 3.5i to this car and the car drives and brakes like a BMW with very slim tires. If the tire pressure is too low or too high the driving dynamics change quite a bit. Best to keep an eye on your tire pressure. It leans a bit more when making sharp turns, but nothing like a 80s Cadillac. I enjoy driving twisty back roads and love the instant power. It is addictive... Getting to speed is not a problem, cruising at 75 miles or higher you need to correct the steering a bit more than normal. It took a couple of days to adjust to driving with just the gas pedal. Regenerative brakes are quite aggressive and do assist with slowing the car down quite a bit and only rarely do I need to use the brake pedal. This is something I adjusted to with no issues. The front seats are very comfortable and have good support. Driving position is upright more like an SUV. The back seats are comfortable for passengers under 6 ft. Cargo space with backseats in their position is kind of small, but significantly improves when the rear seats are flattened. Overall I am very satisfied with the experience.
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79 Months and STILL Lovin' It!
John Gerondelis, 03/21/2016
updated 03/23/2021
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
27 of 28 people found this review helpful
With 54,000 miles and 79 months now, I still stand behind my earlier review: I have a BEV - no gas engine. I have driven the car every day. In that time, there is nothing that goes wrong. Replaced tires, wipers, alignment, etc. Very simple. I will say that it is a city car - do not buy it if you are hauling a group of folks around the country. I have a Level 2 charger at home. This is a perfect, quick, nimble ride. I love it! My other cars are a 2001 325i and a 2013 Mini Cooper S - I tend to keep things I like.
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Outstanding Car
Brad N, 11/24/2015
updated 05/25/2016
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
25 of 26 people found this review helpful
Seamless performance and comfort. Serenely quiet. The ultimate commuter. Still digesting that there is really no maintenance - just plug it in at home or the office every few days. I drive 20-30 miles/day and it is exceptionally well-suited to my use. I could not be happier the i3 - hard to imagine going back to an ICE after this. Update: no maintenance issues to date. Did better in snow with all-season tires than I expected - handled 6" and some ice on a couple of separate occassions. Back seat is just for occasional use. My wife complains that the suicide doors make it particularly challenging to access the back seat when parked in a parking lot. I never did buy the charger. Just plug into wall outlet and let charge overnight.
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Driving a Spaceship
ashumack, 01/07/2015
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
30 of 32 people found this review helpful
I have the base model without range extender, but this is my commuter car around the city with chargers on each end. It's not practical for a weekend trip outside the range unless you plan your travels in stages with 2+ hours in between for recharging, but I love this car for commuting to and from work (32 miles each way). It's a funky, awesome exterior and the interior build quality is eco-luxury. I love the carbon fiber details and the eco-leather on the seats. The accent lighting makes me feel like I'm driving a spaceship. Also I love how BMW is really into the electric car movement by creating new manufacturing and technology to build them. It's not just a compliance car here!!!
Best used car value on the market!
Phil M., 04/09/2019
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I would consider myself to be a car enthusiast. My last car was an E90 BMW 328i. Last year I test drove two EVs - the Tesla Model 3 and the BMW i3. I came away so disoriented by the immediate torque/acceleration and the sheer quietness as it was doing so. I was sold on EVs being fun. Then came the cost question. Tesla model 3 doesn’t have much of a used car market yet as it is so new, but the i3 does. As I dug in I realized a 3-4 year old i3 was being sold for about 30% of its sticker price with lowish mileage (20k-50k miles) - I started digging some more. On average, I was spending about $250/month on gas and after doing some calculations on my commute and monthly car use, I realized I would be spending about $20/month if I charged the car at home. Done - Started the search for an i3 and found one about 70 miles from my house. I traded my 3series for the i3. I’m so glad I did. You can find all the specs on the car so I won’t bore you with that, but this is such an amazing value of a car. The practical hatchback design makes it easy for loading things in and out. The range is enough for my commute and we just use my wife’s car if we need to road trip somewhere. The term range anxiety does exist but I would rather call it range awareness. Driving an EV is a lifestyle change and makes you approach your use of a car differently. Some see that as a bad thing - I just see it as an opportunity to use your brain :-). I know when most people think of a used BMW, they think it’s unreliable. Mechanically, these cars are SO simple and the things that typically go wrong in BMWs (gaskets, coil packs, spark plugs, turbos, water pumps, etc.), aren’t present in this car. Sure the EV infrastructure is lagging in the US, but with a little planning and the use of the PlugShare app, you can find somewhere around you to charge in a pinch. If you’re reading this, you are probably a bit like me - a car junky that likes to understand the good and the bad about a car before you take the leap. I would encourage you - DO IT!
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I am an i3 believer!
Kurt, 05/21/2017
updated 01/08/2018
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
29 of 31 people found this review helpful
I was looking for a stylish EV that was fun to drive, reliable, and had looks I appreciated. I had read numerous reviews on the i3, had seem them on the streets, and had more than once concluded it was not the car for me. However, when we had arrived at the BMW dealership to test-drive a 2014 3-series diesel wagon (I was getting desperate), there was my car for sale, beckoning my wife and I. Now, my wife knew my checklist, and after asking our questions and taking it for a test drive, she was convinced this was my car. I had my reservations, as I commute around 30 miles to work, and am usually driving an additional 30-50 miles for business meetings each day. Given that this car is rear-wheel drive with no AWD, I had concerns about the snow. Additionally, the list price of the car was a lot higher than Edmunds' TMV and Cars.com's average recent sold price for these vehicles. Lastly, the i Remote app for this car had just horrible reviews. On the positive side, my car had just over 19k miles, includes the Giga and technology packages, was certified pre-owned, and in fantastic condition with no visible wear and tear. After 2 months with it, having driven over 3k miles in snow, rain, freezing cold and 90+ degree heat, I was loving the car. I drive very conservatively, making full use of the one-pedal driving (which had a quick learning curve) and never going above 68 mph on the highway. I typically do a mix of highway with twisty backroads. However, with all the mileage I drive, I hardly use the range extender. Most of my meetings are in Boston, and I can usually find a garage with an available charging station. When I have to fill up on gas (that sounds so odd to type), it was always a 2-second fill, staying under $3 per fill. This car feels incredibly solid to drive - like you're in a tank, it just feels so heavy - yet it is very nimble. The steering is precise and tight. Handling on the curves is fun, but the car feels unstable if you really push it. Surprisingly, without the snow tires, it handles pretty well on snow-covered roads - it even got me out of my uphill driveway without any slippage. You just feel more connected to the road with the i3. Being bottom-heavy and somewhat tall, it can easily be affected by strong winds on the highway. Yes, this is an odd looking car. In my opinion, it looks best from any profile view, and just plain odd from a direct front or back view. The inside is beautifully designed, spacious, and posh. For utility, the overall storage space is not much, but I am able to make my transfer station trips with a full-size plastic garbage can and several square container bins of recycling. As for the i Remote app, it has had its share of bugs, but otherwise works like a charm (I even gave it a glowing review in the App Store). After driving 14k+ miles on this car, and now having owned it for going on 10 months through all New England seasons, do I still believe in the i3? Yes, yes I do. Since my first review of the vehicle here on Edmunds, I have had new revelations about it. First and foremost, the car's battery does not like cold temperatures, and thus I am suffering from the obligatory 'range anxiety.' I have seen a significant drop in mile range on a full battery charge. Where I was averaging between 80 to 90 miles per full charge during the summer, I am now getting between 60 to 70 miles, if that. My maximum distance driven on a full charge is exactly 100 miles, which I achieved during the summer with a mix of highway and city driving using A/C sporadically. Currently, with these cold temperatures in the teens and 20s, it is difficult to get even 60 miles on a full charge. I recently drove a 2017 BMW i3 with range extender in 25 to 35 degree temperatures (Fahrenheit), and observed that its battery is impervious to the cold, on top of its larger mile range. Of course, now I desire a 2017 i3. Secondly, my i3 handles fantastically in the snow with its Blizzak snow tires. I have complete confidence in taking my car out into a snowstorm, having already tested it driving through snowy road conditions on the windy, hilly backroads of southern New Hampshire. Thirdly, my i3's factory speaker system sounds loud and crisp using the radio, but when utilizing its USB or bluetooth capabilities with my iPhone, the auditory volume drops dramatically, thus forcing me to crank up the car's volume control. Lastly, the sun visors are simply too small and are terrible at blocking out the sun through the windshield and door window. In conclusion, I am quite happy with my car, despite its low range in the winter, and happy to have the range extender as a backup. I have had no issues with it otherwise (i.e. nothing has needed repair). My only other concern about it is its depreciation, and hope that the vehicle is not obsolete when it is time to trade it in.
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Better than expected!
Dave, 01/08/2016
updated 01/11/2018
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
We test-drove an i3 during BMW's launch in April 2014. We're impressed but there was no urgency in getting one(yet). Meanwhile, we continued to monitor its progress and other brands' offerings. Last year(2015), as my two kids started multiple after-school activities which averaged 45 miles round-trips per day, the carbon footprint (and gasoline bills) started climbing. We decided to look at EV again. With attractive year-end incentives and government rebates, we went out and leased one. The whole family(especially the kids) is enjoying the new ride. We feel less guilty about our carbon footprint with this vehicle. For our use cases, it was the best option. The rear seats are a bit small(compared to our sedan) but for local travel, it was not an issue. The acceleration is good and we like the newer technology that came pretty much standard in this car. Update(after 2 years): Errata: the car was on lease, not bought. The car continues to impress us. However, with two teenagers still growing taller and taller, interior space is growing smaller. The lease ends in 6 months and we’re looking at leasing a bigger car - maybe a BMW 330e or other plugin hybrid.
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Some awesome things, some not so good.
RobertRippee, 08/13/2016
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
40 of 44 people found this review helpful
The electric I3 is at heart a great BMW car. It is fun to drive, roomy, handles well, and is quite stylish. The range is ok as long as you have a second gas powered car for trips because you're not taking this one anywhere out of town. The range is ok but you learn to change your operating style to maintain the charged batteries where you feel comfortable, for me I don't let it go below about 30% even with the REX. For an urban car its great for anywhere else, I'd think twice. I have had my car for nearly 1/2 year and generally like the car...would I buy another one? Maybe. Here's the rub: The technology is good but not great, the BMW i app that goes with the car is unimpressive; the ratings on the app store are surprisingly bad. It only has a few features that matter and those are pretty predictable. I'm really unimpressed with the integration with smart phone, I expected a lot more on an electric car (see TESLA). One would think, BMW Engineering would do a better job with an app on an all electric car. As to reliability: first, I had software problems with the entertainment system, the XM radio suddenly went dead. The car spent almost 10 days in the dealership while they tried to figure it out finally replacing just about everything...not good. Secondly the tires, this is the second set of Bridgestone's I've had problems with on a BMW. My first were the Bridgestone run flats on a previous late model M3, on that car I replaced 8 tires in 2.5 years for simple punctures. So far the i3 seems on track to beat that record. In 6 months I've already replaced 2 tires for simple punctures. (i3 has no spare) and the i3 are not run flat so the problem gets a whole lot worse. One would have thought that with no spare and no run flat, BMW would have required a highly reliable tire from Bridgestone...they didn't. So overall, a qualified recommend...urban car only, electronics and tire problems, weak mobile app but fun to drive, adequate range and peppy.
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I LOVE MY USED (NEW-TO-ME) BMW i3!
BrianB Breon, 02/16/2017
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I own a delivery service and drive about 90+ miles per day. My hybrid was costing me $600/mo to own & operate (required maintenance but I knew I would never be stranded by a dead battery. I've been wanting an electric car for a few years now but the range of the EVs that I CAN AFFORD has been too low to take the risk of being stranded. So I discover the 2017 BMW i3...I only discovered the i3 a few months ago and upon reading the configuration of the i3 w/Range Extender, realized that it is perfect for the driving I do. It is always in EV mode and if I use up all of the juice, the generator comes on and keeps me going. BUT I couldn't justify the price tag of the new 2017...it would cost me more to own & operate the i3 over my Honda which would negate all financial benefits of going electric. SOOOO...I started searching for older i3s and found that the oldest ones are 2014. The cheapest one I found was listed at a used car lot 170 miles away. I bought it for $15,900 w/62,212 miles and it was a dealer buyback on the lemon law. I've owned it 6 weeks now and it's been a total dream car! I'm saving $200/mo to own & operate the BMW i3 over the Honda hybrid. I've had more comments on this car than any car I've ever owned my whole life. I'M ATTEMPTING TO BUY A FLEET OF THESE FOR MY EMPLOYEES!
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What a find!!!
Julio, 04/03/2019
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
This is our 3rd EV after owning two older model Leafs. Before the Leafs we drove BMWs (5 series), MBs (E series) and Porsches (911) and we still have a Lexus RX400h and a Toyota Prius. I also have four road motorcycles (two BMWs and two Vespa/Piaggio). Love to drive, love to ride. We live in SoCal and moved from suburbia to downtown. The move made both Leafs obsolete (real ev range 60-70 miles) so I started to look for an EV alternative. Turns out that BMW pretty much was giving these away off lease and bought a fully loaded 2015 REX with 12k miles after a couple of test drives. Car was as good as new. Under 20k plus tax for a 55-60k sticker price. The only upgrade the car needs if you are going to use it on the freeway is the lowered suspension kit (1" front and 0.8" back) and spacers (I went with the 10mm depth) for a wider track. It makes a huge difference, turning this thing into a fast cornering, sure footed devil. Ride comfort will suffer but I rather have more control at freeway speeds. Not sure about this upgrade if you have the 20" wheels, might be too jerky for San Diego roads. And that's it. After the upgrade the car is a pleasure to drive, the ultimate city commuter. You can see clients, take your wife on a date, take your kids to school (roomy 4 seats, I am 6'3 and still plenty of room to the headliner), hit Costco for the monthly toilet paper purchase (do that on your own or with one other passenger and the two rear seats down) or load 2 bikes inside and go for a ride. Quality and finish is tops. Technology is par with Tesla's (except for over the air upgrades). Carbon fiber shell (no B pillar), suicide doors, interior recycled materials, everything is ground breaking on this thing. 0-60 is quick, 0-40 is quicker (just like a motorcycle) and allows you to jump into any open space while in traffic, all of this in total silence. Excellent turning radius and tight size for those crowded parking lots! On range anxiety: for me it is gone. Car is full every morning (I plug into a regular 110v from 6-7pm until 9am the next morning) and there is a Level 2 at work that will put 25 miles of range per hour if needed. Plus bought an adapter that opens all Tesla destination chargers. I think in the last 6 months I have filled the gas tank twice with a whopping 4 gallons of gas. But it is there if you need it. I average 65 to 80 miles on EV mode, when batteries reach 6% the ICE kicks in for another 50-60 miles of gasoline range at about 30mpg. Just make sure you don't have to drive up a long hill with 4 people in it and expect to keep up with 80mph traffic. You will be lucky if you keep up with the RVs. The car grows on you, you either like its looks or not. Since its release, BMW keeps improving it (larger capacity batteries, I3s model) and selling more of them so there are healthy aftermarket options and expectations that it will be around for a while. Battery degradation is negligible for those high mileage ones (and really who cares, the ICE just kicks in a little earlier) and maintenance costs are non existent (tires and wipers, and please ignore the dealer if they want to charge you $450 for an oil change and brake fluid flush, it is a 650cc motorcycle engine and you really don't touch the brakes since the regen is so powerful). Couple of things that are a challenge: the suicide doors are a pain if you are in tight quarters since you need to open the front doors to open the rears. And the black roof is minimally insulated so you can feel the heat inside on very hot days (just crank the AC higher and use the BMW app to cool the cabin before you get in). Bottom line, if you are in the market for an EV and don't need a sedan or want to drop 40k for a BPO Tesla S or new Model 3 and all you want is a top of the line, futuristic, safe and environmentally friendly vehicle that is extremely fun to drive and covers 99% of your professional and social mileage needs, this is it. I am planning to keep this one for a long time and pass it along to the kids when they become drivers it's that safe. <br>
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A fun, quirky little EV with a back-up plan!
Peter R, 05/26/2023
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
In January 2023, I purchased my 2015 i3 Rex with 61K miles for $17K, so I've owned it for four months now. In that time, I've driven about 1,500 miles. These are my thoughts on the car. Overall, it's a fun, roomy, great-handling, quirky little car. The seats are very comfortable, and I like the high seating position. I normally need lumbar support, which is not available on the i3, but the seats provided adequate support. The build quality is excellent. At eight years old and 61K miles, there are no squeaks, rattles, loose parts, etc. This car is solid and substantial. In the cold months, the battery would show about 50 miles of range, with an additional 50-60 with the range extender (Rex). Now, that it's warmer, the range is generally in the 70-80 range for the battery, higher if using one of the more efficient driving modes: EcoPro or EcoPro+. In EcoPro, the speed is limited to 75 mph, and the climate system capability is reduced. In EcoPro+, the speed is limited to 56 mph and the climate system is not available to use, which is great for doing local errands on a nice day. The view from the driver's seat is expansive and unobscured, which is really nice. Despite the small exterior size, the interior is plenty roomy in the front. The back seat is a bit tight for all but the smallest among us. BMW did a great job with the lighting, outside and in. The exterior lights are functional and beautiful, with great visibility from the headlights. The interior lights are warm and cozy, with either orange or white lighting on the dashboard and around the door handles. Mine has the eucalyptus wood, which is gorgeous and always gets positive comments from my passengers. Mine also has the upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, which has a rich dynamic sound, and is really impressive. The tires are skinny, with smaller tires in the front than in the back, which means the tires can only be rotated side to side, not back to front and vice versa. Also, there is only one brand of tire that will fit the car: Bridgestone Ecopia, and they cost around $250 each. I've heard from others that the tires wear out quickly, normally 10K - 20K miles. The most negative thing I have to say about the car is in regard to the ride quality, especially on the highway. The ride is mostly composed, firm and smooth. However, bumps and ruts in the road do upset the ride considerably. On the highway, the car gets a bit squirrelly and needs to be actively controlled. I'm not sure if it's because of the tall stance of the car, the skinny tires or the short wheelbase, but, in my opinion, the i3 is not a good highway cruiser. Overall, I really enjoy driving this car. It's fun, comfortable and energy efficient.
Still Shockingly wunderbar after 5 years!
Ted H, 08/19/2015
updated 03/03/2020
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
After 5 years we are still in love with our i3 BEV. We have had no maintenance problems. Our dealer (Sun Motors in Mechanicsburg, PA) has been exceptional, too. The only problem has been that I bought my i3 for myself but my wife races me to the car every morning. She gets it! The most fun to drive of anything I’ve tried !
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Great Car when it is not in the shop
Scott, 07/08/2016
updated 07/09/2018
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
It seems that the first few years of a new car there are some bugs. I have owned this car for 4 years and driven it 81,000 miles. It is roomy and drives great. In the first 2 years it had been in the shop 15 times for electronic issues, and recalls. The last 2 years it looks like the electronic bugs are worked out.
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Long Term Drive
bigv2, 05/18/2015
updated 05/18/2016
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
Routinely getting around 85 miles per charge in city driving. Used about 2 gallons of gas with the range extender in 13,000 miles. After completing the customer satisfaction bulletins and the learning curve with the service technicians, we have had zero maintenance issues. Using the lower output Voltec charger required setting the vehicle charge settings to less than maximum charge...BMW was unaware this would work, and wanted to sell us a higher output BMW charger. A/C works great in Las Vegas. Car is very responsive and fun to drive in the city.
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BMW i3 is still my new bestie
S Chavis, 02/27/2018
updated 08/30/2018
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
What can I say, I've had Heidi3 (that's her name) a 2014 BMW i3 Tera World for a year now. I live where there's been single digit temperatures and heat waves and everything in between. I had to have her windshield replaced already (rock from a truck) and I still feel nothing but love for my ride. I love tooling around the county and city in her and if I need a top off charge I can stop at pretty much any hotel I come across for FREE charging. I don't feel anxious or afraid I'll be stranded somewhere. I would love for the gas stations to get with the program and put up charging stations for BMW. I charge her in a standard 120v at home in my carport every other day before I go to bed and wake up fully charged. I love the attention she gets with people taking her picture and I love showing off how fast she is on the green light (I surprised a guy driving a Dodge Charger who had lots of questions). Heidi3 is my favorite car and I have had an Eddie Bauer Expedition to Lexus GS350, Land Rover Discovery, Volvo XC90, Mercedes R350, BMW Z4, and a Fiat 500. But my i3 hands down is my bestie to the end. I love this car and I will keep her forever. I will upgrade her battery when the time comes but for now I wouldn't change a thing.
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Unique stylish gas saver, fun to drive!
Patrick, 06/06/2020
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Update: beware of BMW dealer prices for regular maintenance, enough to give you a heart attack. After getting my car back with $1000 bill I thought I would be good for a year and then charging door lock actuator was acting up so took it back with quote of $750 to replace and also replace my plastic emergency charging lock release cable which is known to need to be replaced. Parts are about $150 with labor equaling $600 so found video online and will try to fix myself. Still love the car but dealer maintenance labor fees can get very expensive. I am a 40 yr old car guy who has been through about 20 different vehicles personally because I get bored and want to sell and buy something else. I have owned gas savers like the honda fit, geo metro and pontiac vibe and the I3 with Range extended beats them all, especially regarding technology and every other category except storage space :) I would not have this car if I lived in an extreme cold area with lots of snow due to low ground clearance but I bought this car used in FL with 33k on it and I have put 10k on it in 9 months and have loved almost everything about it! I bought a 220amp home charger used for $600 for garage and now it charges completely within 4 hrs. A lot better than the crazy slow charger 19 hrs I believe it was, definitely an investment to make. I get on average 70 miles with AC and mixed driving on both my electric range and another about 70 with mixed driving with 2 gallon gas range extender, all in eco pro mode. I absolutely love the 1 pedal driving feature and rarely use the brake pedal. It is like you are driving a little spaceship that saves you tons of money at the pump. I would still recommend another personal vehicle for long trips as this makes a great every day car around your city. The technology in this car is amazing and everyone is impressed that rides in it and you often get people checking you out on the road with the unique design because there are not tons of them out there. Be careful in parking lots as people cant hear you since it is so quiet but sensors all around the car alert you to objects close by and show you exactly what angle objects are approaching vehicle from. Storage space is limited so make sure you are prepared for that before buying and no spare tire which for me is the most frustrating. I will soon get another wheel and use one of my used tires to make a spare and buy a cover as it will take up my back seat area. Yes, tires are expensive for this car, about $240 per tire I paid. I got them from discount tire with free replacement warranty for hazard damage-highly recommend. I also dont want it towed to BMW for tire issues but to jack it up you need to buy a special adapter to put in jacking points to be able to use a small scissor jack to lift it to change a tire FYI. My dad cut a small piece of wood we used as a temp fix until I order a jack adapter from online Local BMW wont sell that to you, the shop wants your money!!! I did not realize car has hidden 12V battery under front compartment and that cost me $500 to replace at dealer. It has a special battery and it has to be programmed with software so you have to suck it up and take it to dealer. Warning sign was car was charged but funny warning messages came up on my dash one evening when I got in the car and said need to take car to dealer, it eventually started and drove fine that evening but next day vehicle would not take a charge at all and car went completely dead. Car must be towed on flat bed but if car is dead like mine was tell towing company you need them to bring tow dollies so your car can be lifted on sets of wheels. There is no other way to get on flatbed if vehicle will not drive, no safe way to connect chain under car. Battery should last about 5 years I think. Oil change at BMW $150 and only needed once per year, brake fluid flush $150 once every 2 years. I really think these cars are 5 stars if you are looking for a fun stylish gas saver around town and dont mind lack of storage. I feel like bad reviews are from buyers who did not research what they were getting or dont drive it like an electric vehicle. It has amazing acceleration in comfort mode but who wants to punch it and ruin their fuel efficiency :) I do it every now and then with a sports car at the line next to me just for laughs :) I will use the car for local trips or up to 3 hrs away. Any farther than 3 hrs and I am using a regular gas vehicle for long trips so I am not stopping every hr at gas station for another 2 gallons and another 65 miles. Do not let it get down to 5 miles electric or gas range left as it usually will go from 5 to zero. Normally I dont keep cars for more than 1-2 years but I think I may actually keep my I3 for a while. You cannot beat the gas savings (house electric bill may be an extra $25 per month?), technology for my 2014 is amazing and it is now 2020, and unique design will be relevant for many years to come!
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The Future is Here Today - Car has Ben sold 05/17
brucebolen1, 08/07/2014
updated 02/08/2018
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
30 of 37 people found this review helpful
Revolutionary from the ground up, sitting on top of a aluminum skateboard with batteries underneath in a carbon fiber passenger space capsule while seated in a Swedish living room and catapulted forward with instant, silent torque. Perfect size, design, airy, comfortable, quick, awesome turn-in, one-foot driving. Honestly thrilling. The proof of the pudding is in daily traffic (vs. a test drive on a freeway which is also awesome) when you wish to place yourself in a certain position and the car is already there by the time you think about it, and you made no fuss while not making a fool of yourself. Unique functionality, purposeful build to be an EV; achieves mission perfectly.
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Ok car
Steki Car, 04/19/2016
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
16 of 20 people found this review helpful
8 months and 7700 miles so far. It runs ok. Driving it on deep snow is a huge challenge. Almost impossible to control it. 80 miles in summer and around 60 miles in winter on one charge. Installed 240V, 32Amp, ClipperCreek charger. No problems at all, charges the car within 3.5 hours from empty to full. Got it for 280/month with taxes for 12k miles per year. Car is not worth a cent over this price for lease. Already have uneven tire wear. More significant on rear than on front tires. I did not expect tires to last 60k miles but at least 20-25k miles. Stealership stated it is a "normal" tire wear. I almost expected them to offer me a lifetime oil change on this car, that is how knowledgeable they are. Wonder if they know any better ...
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22000 miles and 18 gallons of fuel later
stillageek, 09/12/2014
updated 09/12/2016
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
33 of 43 people found this review helpful
I originally ordered a I3 BEV Terra. The plan was to keep our old Prius as my "airport car" (I'm a pilot) and the I3 would be my fun car. I reran the numbers and decided to sell the Prius and get a Range Extender. I love it. My first BMW. Great driving experience. No range anxiety. Back seat is fine for 6 foot driver and rear passenger for around town (it's a city car). Air conditioner battles Texas heat just fine. My power bill has gone up $60 a month, but that's for TWO electric cars (my wife has a Leaf). There's no going back. ***update.*** I've had the car for more than 2 years now. There have been a few software and hardware updates. Nothing has left me stranded. The biggest annoyance has been BMW Dealers. The BMW Dealer network still (2 + years later!) doesn't care to learn about the car or typical i3 owners. The few times I have had to bring the car in for service it seemed like it was the first time they had seen one. I still love my I3. Each time I drive it I still get excited. When I go on vacation by air (which is very common as I work in the travel industry and fly free) I hate renting a "normal" car as they shift, vibrate and are very expensive (comparison wise) to operate. If I had to do it all over again I'd still buy an i3. I did an Owners Choice w/Flew (they no longer offer the flex option). The car is in my name, but I can (and likely will) give it back after 4 total years of ownership. The expected payoff/balloon is $19K. It will be worth far less than that as 2 year old identical cars are selling for $23K right now.
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BMW i3 Rocks!
Mike p, 02/12/2018
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
After reading and watching numerous reviews, I decided to take a test drive...sold! This car is very advanced and represents great concepts in engineering. Build quality is high and design is cutting edge. Fun to drive and practical to a point; long road trips (100+ miles) need some pre-planning for charging stops. We bought with the Rex option. Sitting height is higher than most cars and some small SUVs.
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Most efficient EV in the market
chchoi, 01/31/2015
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
i3 is the most efficient in current market. It is the lightest EV (thanks to CFRP). I can get 4mi/kWh easily. Battery is 22kwh, but only drive able with 19Wh. VW eGolf is nice, but you can't compare acceleration to an i3. MB B Class is just too heavy and it does not have DC FC option. In comfort mode, you can drive it as an ultimate driving machine. In Eco Pro or Eco Pro +, you can drive it with efficiency. You need to plan ahead for long trip. I have 1300 miles in a month and total cost to charge is $25. (There are some free charging stations). There is no gasoline Tax.
Tires worn out in less than 3 Months /2000 miles
mohini15, 04/06/2015
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
16 of 22 people found this review helpful
I was shocked when I looked at the tires of my new I3 that I bought two and a half months back. Rear tires have lost their tread completely. I mean completely that the steel wires are showing. The car had been wobbling and shaky from day 1 even at 25-40 mph speed . Took it to the dealership and they said it has small tires and this is usual. My other friends who have this car had the same tire experience in 6 months. I am totally distraught with I3 experience .
Super reliable with range extende, an amazing car!
2015 i3 Rex, 10/14/2019
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My 2015 i3 rex has been wonderful. It's very fun to drive and is made of high quality exotic material. Even the 2015's 22kwh battery is larger than any other plug in hybrid on the market in 2019 (except the 2019 i3 ;) ) Also, the i3 can charge level 2 at 32amps while most other plug in hybrids are stuck at 16amps. Finally, it's the only plug in with gas engine that also has DC fast charge capacity. The narrow tires, rear engine and motor make for superb winter driving vehicle. I'm over 70,000 miles with zero problems. Much less maintenance than an ICE car. I love this car! I've put 40,000 miles per year. I still look forward to driving my i3 any chance I get.
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Awesome ride!
djackson@ USNA.edu, 01/30/2016
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
BMW i3 is a great ride ... Feels and looks like an iPhone on wheels. It handles superbly and has the fit and finish found in a BMW. The acceleration is spectacular. 80 mile range is achievable in the Eco+ mode. Love the high tech and sustainable construction.
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Edmunds Lease Help with BMWi3 Lease
Scott Ottersen, 12/22/2015
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
The Edmunds pricing guideline and leasing suggestions really helped us decide between purchase and lease. It also helped us get a fair price on our lease and to make sure we were fully informed when we sat down with what to ask for and what to watch for. Our BMW dealership was helpful and straightforward in their approach. They answered all the questions that the Edmunds guide suggested that we ask. We really love the car and are still learning about all the technical innovations that it has.
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Dr Tasso Pappas says ONLY buy it UNDER WARRANTY
Dr Tasso Pappas, 02/03/2018
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
8 of 12 people found this review helpful
This is a great urban car for 1 or 2 persons to commute in the urban area. In the cold Minnesota days and nights going down the interstate the car only has a range of about 40 miles. Although these are really not meant for high speed ( 70 mph) continuous driving in cold weather, I would not buy this in a cold weather state without the Range Extender. On the interstate it is twitchy to say the least. And the wind moves it around. The adaptive cruise control frequently disengages for about any reason. Stiff ride and sensitive steering. But in the city streets the small size, great visibility and then stop and go traffic it is a very usable car. The suicide doors are unpleasant by the opinion of everyone. But for two persons it is fine Don't understand the lack of a heated steering wheel. The good is the unique and attention getting style. All the technology and the electric mileage with the anxiety relieving Range extender. The bad reliability. Over $5k in warranty work in the first 25k miles. Careful once these are out of warranty. Warranty Service her at BMW Motowerks is exceptional however.
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I3 the electrical failure
Enrique Llanso, 12/23/2015
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
11 of 18 people found this review helpful
Has abundant of electrical issues. Especially with the drive train. The vehicle went to the shop for over four times within a 50 day span and has yet to be resolved. My I3 is a LEMON.
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My favorite car I've ever owned
Kevin, 10/03/2021
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
So my impressions are relative to Expectations. I lived in a City, worked downtown, I had Solar Panels on my Roof. It just made sense get off of Gas. Our other car was a Tesla, and we didn't want to spend another 50k for a second Tesla. The first few years of I3s were coming off lease and were selling for pretty cheap. I bought it thinking "I really wish we could get another Tesla, but this will do for now", so the bar was pretty low. I feel like this car is honest about what it is. Nobody ever thought this was a GT car or a family wagon for road trips and it isn't. Its a city commuter, and for that purpose, I can't imagine how it could have been any better. It's comfortable, kind of fun for zipping through city traffic, easy to find parking spots because it fits where other cars can't. There is an intangible quality to this car that just felt friendly, I was happy to get in it to drive to work every day. I never wished it was a Tesla. For Three years, this car did all the dirty work: Got me safely and comfortably to work, parking downtown to save the Tesla from the Door-dings, trips to the Vet to save the Tesla's interior from all the dog fur and claw scratches. My situation changed. I no longer have Garage with an outlet, I am working from home, and when I do have to leave, I am going further than the i3's range, so I had to sell it. What was really crazy is that I sold it to Caravana in 2021 for $500 more that what I paid for it in 2018. No vehicle I've ever owned has been a better investment. Basically I Commuted to work for 3 years for cost if insurance.
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BMW needs Elon Musk
Bren Mercer, 02/22/2018
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
9 of 16 people found this review helpful
Low range average without using other sources such as A/C, heat that kills mileage, and acceleration average about 35-50 per charge. Car states 80 average range but never gets that. In winter the mileage is extremely low due to using the heat. Not able to warm up car on cold days. Acceleration is fun but kills mileage.
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BMW i3 Breaks first week
bmw_junk, 06/06/2015
updated 06/09/2016
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
17 of 34 people found this review helpful
Our BMW i3 broke and is in the shop after only 1 week. The car is now going on 3 weeks in the shop for repair of AirBag, Restraint issues. We are being told Germany Tech is working with the USA Tech. Unbelievable a 50K car that is broke, takes this long to repair and requires the help of Germany to repair. Update since first post: Car has been in repair now 3 times, the latest as on June 2016, the check engine light is ON, Dealer says BMW Engineers are trying to find out why. The car is always broken. Funny thing, when I went to drop off my i3 for repairs, there were 2 i3's in front of me, one so bad they had to put it on a dolly to move it. Let me also point out a few of the down sides of owing this car: 1. The rear doors opening in the suicide fashion are also not a very good design, especially in parking lots with other vehicles parked close by. For example, say you have a child, you need to open both the front door, then the rear. You are now trapped between two doors, you have to fight with one of the doors to keep closing then opening to get to the stroller to get your child. Also if you are shopping and need to put things in the rear seat, same thing. A REAL PAIN... Don't believe me, give it a try with cars parked on each side that hug the white stripe. Then you will wish you din't have this car. Next the rear storage is small at best, you can't fit a full size stroller in the rear. If you do have a stroller, then you have no place for groceries. Now on to the body of the car, it is really a collection of plastic parts snapped together, most are very flimsy at best, and if you really stand back and look at the car, there are at least 4 different colors on the car. Looks like an erector set gone bad. The fit is also not very good. The front gas cover is really a terrible design with the locking as the pin is at the bottom and can be easily opened. Just a waste on the lock. So many curves and design elements. A real pain to clean the outside with so many panels and shapes. Next, did I say the rear windows do not roll down. They don't and another let down. The tires are very different and skinny, makes the car very un stable feeling when you hit a smooth bump in the road such as a railroad track crossing, you can feel the car slide. Also if it's wet outside, even worst! Please don't speed around any corners with these skinny tires. Overall, the car has many short comings and things you never think about until you have it. It was neat looking in the showroom. In the real world, this is one of the worst cars I have ever owned/leased. I can only say that my feelings around BMW is this, a HIGH PRICE for such a TERRIBLE BUILT CAR. I've learned that BMW stands for "BUILT MORE WORST". Would I do it again, NO!!
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Don't buy this POS
A ortiz, 11/07/2017
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
15 of 37 people found this review helpful
I'm currently in the worst battle waiting for BMW to buy this car back. It was in the shop for over six months. BMW North America is a nightmare they will do nothing to help you they are worthless. Do not buy this car it's terrible
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BUGGY
James, 02/01/2016
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
11 of 30 people found this review helpful
do not BUY, car is very buggy. Will get warning lights every mnth, Engine light 4 times ! lots of flat tires reported Tires are expensive. Handling is like a golf cart
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Horrible experience -returned in one day!
BH, 09/15/2015
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
21 of 71 people found this review helpful
We purchased this car, I loved the look and everything about it. We were told it would charge over nite in our garage. When we got it home the car showed it wouldn't be charged for 20 hours. Then it runs for about 100 miles on that charge. The BMW chargers are about $6,000 and then it is a shorter charge time. After paying $60,000 for a car we didn't want to spend that. Other chargers can screw up the system. We returned the car and on the way back to the dealership at 45 miles an hour trying to reserve the power to get there, a tire blew out and completely shredded so there was no tire left. After you pay top dollar for the car there are thousands of dollars of upgrades and insurances. Be sure to pay for the tire insurance, they insisted we would need it because of the low profile of the tires they don't last very long but we never dreamed one would blow out the first day we had the car. Wasted two days and will never buy an electric car after this!
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Vs. My Volt
Phicrappazappa, 06/26/2021
updated 07/02/2024
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love this i3. That being said, I also love my Volt (2018 Premier). My wife and I city drive/commute, so gas is a NON ISSUE. Even if needed, both have extended range. Both have creature comforts out the yeng-yang. The Volt is quite zippy in its Sport Mode. The i3 makes a mockery of that in all honesty. One level two charger between them is no issue. Wife drives the Volt. I get the mini-Beem ( also have an X3 for longer hauls when needed). Happy campers! Years go by... wife now retired. Goodbye Volt. Goodbye X3. The Volt served its purpose flawlessly. The X3 was a money pit, but at its age most vehicles are. Now it's time for an ICE that can go anywhere in style. Welcome Mercedes GLC43 AMG. This Benz is a BEAST! The i3 had not been taken care of by the prior owner, and even my babying it couldn't save the battery deterioration. It died. In a stroke of luck, the battery warranty had 3 months left. Whew... BMW replaced the battery, and this time with the 94AH that came in the 16/17 models. An extra 20 miles of electric range. Whoopee! The i3 will is a keeper!
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not worth the premium
jose, 02/03/2016
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
2 of 50 people found this review helpful
Bmw dosent stand behind their brand, no promise regular bmw when u need for a long trip. And poor customer backing easy way out each dealer is independently own they can set their polecies. When unlock at what up get is a middle of the road even poor range and u could get the same on the leaf etc. Save 15k to 20k get something else glad is a lease will look at another brand. Bmw is not premium at all is over price garbage
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Brilliant Technology and cute !
denitravels, 08/22/2023
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my BMW i3 Hybrid car. Its a smart car - It gets about 109 miles combo - about 65 miles electric It great for me around town and I have gone out of town and felt safe. Its a two door - so you can't do any kind of Uber for clients. I park in my garage and charge up when needed. The AC is perfect and very cold. . I live in Las Vegas) It has the Mercedes engine, I looked to see before i bought it. I service at BMW dealership. It's reasonable to have service. Oil changes about$200. but not needed since your using electric. I will purchase the next one- (upgrade) only have about 45,000 miles so far. Seats are comfortable too.I have 2 large dogs that I take to VET and they easily fit.
Thank you! Love my 2014 BMW i3
Jean , 01/20/2024
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love everything about the car very eco friendly. Thank you so much !!!!
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REX way to go
Jason Jimson, 11/05/2024
2014 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Advanced design with carbon fiber frame, aluminum suspension. Easy to find 2 gallons gas, not so much a working charging station.
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Cool quirky car w limited range
AP, 01/30/2023
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
City and errand car only even with the range extender. I’m getting around 64 miles on a charge with no accessories on. AC and other equipment on will bring this down. The extender ads around 55-60 miles v of much needed range. Very cool car as long as you know it’s limitations.
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Love it! Looking to buy another
Larry Ivory, 07/28/2023
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Comfortable, fast and very cheap to own and maintain
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Great little gas saver with lots of upgrades!
JH, 11/05/2023
2015 BMW i3 4dr Hatchback w/Range Extender (0.6L 2cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid DD)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My son purchased this as his first vehicle. We did a lot of research, and for the price nothing came close. So far he's only been using battery power and hasn't had to use any of the $8 it took to fill up.
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