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Used Car Expert Rating

BMW i3 (2013 to 2022)

Expert Rating

Used car score:

70
%
B

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

73
%
B

Safety Rating:

37
%
E

Eco Rating:

100
%
A

Reliability Rating:

80
%
B

Running Costs:

79
%
A

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

Used car score:

70
%
B

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

73
%
B

Safety Rating:

37
%
E

Eco Rating:

100
%
A

Reliability Rating:

80
%
B

Running Costs:

79
%
A

Summary


The BMW i3 was a small urban electric car, and was BMW’s first fully-electric vehicle when it was launched back in 2013. It received a substantial mid-life update in 2017.

The i3 was one of the pioneers of the electric car movement, and there is still nothing really directly comparable to it on the market. It boasted clever construction methods and lightweight body panels, developed to offset the significant weight of its batteries. Even eight years after it was launched, it was still a more innovative and futuristic vehicle than most other cars on the market – at any price.

However, those eight years saw EV technology evolve rapidly, and newer rivals were able to combine more space and better battery range in more conventionally designed vehicles at lower prices. As an indication of how rapid this evolution has been, the i3 received much praise and many awards in its early years but by the time it ended production in 2022 its review scores had fallen to very low levels.

As a used car, however, and when compared with other cars of a similar age and/or price, the i3 is still highly regarded and has proved to be very reliable. Its very low running costs are also attractive.

No longer on sale, BMW is not expected to replace the i3 with a direct successor and is likely to shift towards electric versions of its regular model range.

As of January 2025, the BMW i3 holds a Used Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 70%. It scores top marks for its low running costs, while its reliability record is good and media review scores are still solid when viewed over the model’s whole life. However, its safety score is low due to its age, meaning it doesn’t offer many of the latest accident avoidance systems now fitted as standard to new cars.

Key specifications


Body style: Small five-door hatch
Motor: electric, battery-powered
Price when new: From £33,805 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2013
Last updated: Autumn 2018
Discontinued: Summer 2022


Media reviews


Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Business Car

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Company Car Today

+

Daily Mail

+

Discover EV

+

Driving Electric

+

Electrifying.com

+

Eurekar

+

Evo

+

Green Car Guide

+

Heycar

+

Honest John

+

Motoring Research

+

Motors

+

Parkers

+

The Sun

+

The Sunday Times

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

The BMW i3 was awarded a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating back in 2013, however this rating expired in 2020 and is no longer valid. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used i3 to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: i3 4×2

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: February 2019
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 10 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 8.5 / 10

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models182 milesC175 – 189 milesB – C
Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
EV models5.7 m/KWhA4.5 – 7 m/KWhA – A
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models25B21 – 29A – C

The BMW i3 is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of fuel consumption for a petrol or diesel car) is very good, which helps to provide a decent range for an urban car despite a small battery. Insurance premiums should also be competitive.

We don’t have servicing or maintenance cost information due to the model’s age – by now, servicing costs will vary significantly from car to car depending on age, condition and mileage.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of January 2025, the BMW i3 has a better-than-average score of 69%, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy.

The most commonly reported problems with the i3 relate to the car’s electrical and suspension systems – the electrical issues are more expensive, with an average repair cost of more than £800. Powertrain problems (electric motor and the range-extending petrol engine on some versions) are more expensive, with an average bill of about £1,600.

If you’re looking at a used BMW i3, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas above.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW i3 has received

2022

  • Carbuyer Awards – Best Used Small Electric Car
  • Top Gear Electric Awards – Lifetome Achievement Award

2021

  • Carbuyer Awards – Best Used Small Electric Car

2017

  • World Car Awards – World Urban Car
  • Auto Express Awards – Best Electric Car

2014

  • UK Car of the Year
  • World Car Awards – Best Green Car + Best Car Design

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the BMW i3, you might also be interested in these alternatives

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense | Fiat 500 Electric | Honda e | Kia Soul EV | Mini Electric | Peugeot e-208 | Renault Zoe | SEAT Mii Electric | Smart EQ Forfour | Smart EQ Fortwo | Vauxhall Corsa Electric | Volkswagen e-Up

The rapidly expanding electric car market is changing almost monthly, but is still relatively small compared to the number of petrol and diesel models available. That means that there are fewer direct competitors but a variety of different cars for a given price point. Of the cars listed above, few are genuinely similar to the BMW i3 in terms of size and specification, but all are trying to fill a similar role for urban driving.


More news, reviews and information about the BMW i3 at The Car Expert

Everything you need to know about BMW

Everything you need to know about BMW

The complete guide to choosing your next BMW

The complete guide to choosing your next BMW

Electric car market flat due to long waiting times

Electric car market flat due to long waiting times

Sports model tops new BMW i3 electric range

Sports model tops new BMW i3 electric range

BMW’s i3 stretches electric range

BMW’s i3 stretches electric range

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The BMW i3 was an electric car pioneer and there's still nothing quite like it. However, that's because EV technology has moved on a lot.BMW i3 (2013 to 2022)