Since launch in 2014, the battery capacity and range of the i3 has grown from the original 60Ah / 81 miles to 94Ah / 115 miles in 2017 and now 120Ah for 2019.
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What batteries are in a BMW i3?
The i3 uses a newly developed powertrain consisting of a 130-kilowatt (170 hp) electric motor running on lithium-ion batteries and driving the rear axle.
How long does a 2014 BMW i3 battery last?
BMW quotes an official range of 182 miles โ that was amazing once but cars like the Peugeot e-208 can travel more than 200 miles and are a lot cheaper to buy.
How much does it cost to replace the batteries in a BMW i3?
The average cost for a BMW i3 battery replacement is between $290 and $316. Labor costs are estimated between $99 and $125 while parts are priced at $191. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location.
How often do you have to change a BMW i3 battery?
Your 2021 BMW i3 battery will ordinarily last between 3 to 5 years, but that can vary greatly depending on type of battery, battery size, weather conditions and driving habits. Even still, just because your battery isn’t entirely dead, doesn’t mean it’s operating correctly.
How many miles can a BMW i3 2014 go?
This four-door hatchback is powered by a 170-horsepower electric motor paired with a single-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive. Its 22-kWh lithium-ion battery gets an overall range of 81 miles. Some models come with a range extender, which increases the overall range to 150 miles.
Can I upgrade battery in BMW i3?
Although it is not a DIY job, it can be easier than most people imagine. Your BMW i3 battery pack is still ok, but you crave more range. If you have the 60 Ah unit, getting the 120 Ah means you’ll double your electric-only range โ if you have a REx version.
How do I know if my BMW i3 has a healthy battery?

Why is the BMW i3 being discontinued?
BMW ended production of the i3 for the US market in July 2021, and the car is being discontinued in all markets in July 2022. The company cited consumer’s thirst for electric vehicles that are larger than the i3 as the reason for the discontinuation.
Can I add a range extender to my BMW i3?
Extends driving pleasure: the optional Range Extender is located next to the electric motor in the rear of the BMW i3 and can increase the range of the BMW i3 in COMFORT Mode from up to 125 miles to a total of 205 miles.
How long is BMW i3 battery warranty?
What is the battery warranty for a new or used i3? BMW offers an 8 year, 100,000 mile warranty against defaults or extreme degradation in the high voltage battery.
How many miles will a BMW i3 last?
The BMW i3 has an EPA-estimated 153 miles of range. Adding the two-cylinder gas engine range extender drops the electric-only range to 126 miles but raises the overall range to 200 miles.
What is the life expectancy of a battery in an electric car?
“Today, most EV batteries have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years within the car โ and a second life beyond.” It’s also worth noting that EV battery technology is still evolving, so as tech develops we expect batteries’ lifespan to increase โ as well as becoming cheaper, smaller and even lighter.
What is the lifespan of an electric car?
Every EV sold in the United States comes with a warranty that covers the battery for at least 8 years and 100,000 miles. Kia and Hyundai go a step farther, with 10-year, 100,000-mile warranties. And many brands, including BMW, Tesla, and Nissan will cover battery packs if capacity drops below about 60 to 70 percent.
Is BMW i3 expensive to maintain?
BMW i3. As an all-electric vehicle, the BMW i3 is an excellent option for those looking for a more environmentally friendly vehicle. But, as with any electric or hybrid vehicle, the i3 will require slightly different maintenance compared to more standard BMWs and will cost owners an average of $1,173 per year.
Can you jumpstart a BMW i3?
Manual specifically says don’t. Its an itty bitty 12v battery anyway. It doesn’t have the current capability to do it.
How often does a BMW i3 need servicing?
The BMW i3 has two-year or 18,000-mile service intervals. Servicing an electric car is made simpler by the fact that almost all car manufacturers offer a service plan for electric vehicles.
Can you add a range extender to a 2014 BMW i3?
Optional range extender The range extender is a two-cylinder gasoline engine that fires up when the battery pack’s charge drops below 5 percent to generate enough electricity to keep the i3 rolling. BMW and the EPA estimate that the range extender extends the compact’s range by about 75 miles.
How far can a BMW i3 go on gas?
The 2019, 2020, and 2021 BMW i3 and i3s with the optional Range Extender share the longest range in the vehicle’s production historyโ200 miles. This breaks down to 126 miles of all-electric range and 74 miles on a combustion engine.
When did BMW upgrade i3 battery?
The German car and motorbike maker gave the BMW i3 and the sports offshoot i3s a further battery upgrade in September 2018: by using new Samsung cells with 120 Ah, the total capacity increased by almost 30 per cent to 42.2 kWh. At the market launch in 2013, the values were still 60 Ah and 22.6 kWh.
When did the i3 get bigger battery?
Officially confirmed by BMW CEO, Oliver Zipse, BMW i3 production will continue in the future.” There you have it. The 2014 i3 originally came with a 21.6 kWh battery. Then, in mid-2016, BMW introduced the 2017 i3 with a 33.2 kWh battery. In 2019, BMW upgraded the battery again, this time to 42.2 kWh.
Is BMW i3 reliable?
According to our most recent reliability survey, the i3 scored 94.1%, which put it in fourth place in a class of nine electric cars. BMW as a brand finished 13th out of 30 manufacturers โ a respectable result. If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car?
How do you get to the secret menu on BMW i3?

How do I know if my BMW battery is dying?
- Dimming headlights.
- More frequent need for engine revving or jump starts.
- Takes longer to start the engine when you turn the key/push the button.
- Unusual power fluctuations.
How do I check my BMW battery health?
An easy thing to do to check the battery voltage is to perform a basic sight check of the battery. Turn the car on, then flip the headlights on. Check to see if they’re fully lit or if they look a bit dim. If they’re dim, it means they’re drawing from the battery and not the alternator.