BatteryCritical
Capacity differences between 60Ah, 94Ah and 120Ah cars
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Confirm the battery version and run a state-of-health check
2013–2022 BMW i3 · common problems & known faults
An early mass-market EV with a carbon body. Battery capacity version and health drive the price, not mileage.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team · last reviewed August 2026
Quick answer
The most commonly reported faults on the 2013–2022 BMW i3 are Capacity differences between 60Ah, 94Ah and 120Ah cars, Range extender fuel system faults from lack of use and Carbon body repair complexity after accident damage. Of the documented issues, 1 rated critical and 4 rated high · these are the ones worth inspecting first. Full inspection points, onset mileage and what to check are listed below.
Reliability snapshot
Based on the documented faults on this page for the BMW i3.
2.4/ 10
- Critical
- 1
- High
- 4
- Medium
- 2
- Low
- 1
Guidance only · reflects reported patterns, not a specific car's condition.
BMW i3 problems by year
Which faults an average example has usually reached depends on its age. Pick a model year for the faults that matter on that build.
Known faults to check
EngineHigh
Range extender fuel system faults from lack of use
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- On REx cars, start the generator and check it runs cleanly
BodyHigh
Carbon body repair complexity after accident damage
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Check the history for accident repairs and inspect panel gaps
SuspensionMedium
Narrow tyre availability and rear bush wear
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check tyre condition and source availability before pricing
DrivetrainHigh
Rear end clunking under acceleration or regen braking due to sheared plastic motor mount brackets (primarily pre-2016 models).
- Typically appears
- 40,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Accelerate sharply to 15 mph and lift off abruptly to trigger heavy regen braking. Listen for a loud metallic clunk from the rear axle.
HVAC / Battery CoolingHigh
AC compressor failure, which can send metal swarf into the high-voltage battery cooling loop, causing catastrophic battery damage.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Set climate control to 'Lo' with max fan. Listen at the front bumper for loud mechanical whining and ensure vents blow ice-cold air within 60 seconds.
ElectricalMedium
Spurious 'Drivetrain Malfunction' errors, locked charging cables, or complete vehicle immobilisation due to a degraded 12V battery.
- Typically appears
- Every 3-4 years
- What to inspect
- Open the bonnet, unclip the plastic storage tub, and check the date stamp on the 12V battery. If older than four years, budget for replacement.
Front SuspensionLow
Creaking or knocking noises when steering, caused by perished top strut mounts and split shock absorber dust boots.
- Typically appears
- 30,000-60,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to listen for creaks. Shine a torch into the front arches to check for torn rubber damper boots.
Inspecting a BMW i3?
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Check this exact carFrequently asked questions
Which i3 should a dealer buy?
The 120Ah cars. Range on early 60Ah examples is now too short for most buyers.
Is the range extender a problem?
Only when unused. Fuel system issues appear on cars where the generator never runs.
Why does accident history matter more here?
The carbon structure needs specialist repair, so poor previous work is both a safety and a value issue.
How can I check the high-voltage battery health on the forecourt?
You can access the hidden service menu via the instrument cluster. Hold the trip reset button, sum the last five digits of the VIN to unlock it, and navigate to the 'Batt. Kapa. max' menu. This displays the usable battery capacity in kWh, giving a quick snapshot of degradation without diagnostic tools.
What is the KLE unit and why is it a common failure point?
The KLE is the onboard charger responsible for AC charging. Early units were prone to overheating and failure, limiting the car to slow charging speeds or preventing charging entirely. Always plug the car into a Type 2 fast charger on the forecourt to verify it pulls the expected 7.4kW or 11kW.
Are the rear-hinged doors a MOT or safety issue as the car ages?
The rear-hinged doors are generally robust, but the lower latches are prone to water ingress and seizing. If the latches stick, the door will not close properly, resulting in an immediate MOT failure. Check that both rear doors open smoothly and latch securely without requiring excessive force.
Sources & further reading
Faults are compiled from documented recalls, technical bulletins, owner reports and mechanic sources, then reviewed for accuracy. This is guidance only · not a substitute for a professional inspection.