Buying a used car is never an easy process. From everyday wear and tear to more expensive repairs, there are plenty of pitfalls you need to watch out for when choosing a secondhand vehicle: the last thing you want is to bring home your pride and joy only to find out there is major repair work waiting around the corner.
Some models carry higher risks than others. One such car is the BMW i3; not the sleek Neue Klasse car we were recently introduced to, but the previous model of the same name, the funky hatchback that kicked off BMW’s electrification efforts. The i3, which has not been in production since the 2021 model year, is now a potential bargain for those shopping for an EV on the used market.
However, the bargain comes with a downside. One of the i3’s frequently mentioned points of failure (the A/C compressor) could result in a five-figure repair bill, so if you’re considering an i3 as your next set of wheels, you will need to be very careful about which one you choose. Let’s take a closer look at the i3, and the issue owners ominously refer to as the “Black Death”.
The BMW i3: An Affordable Used EV… But There’s A Catch
2015 BMW I3 Orange/Black Front Angled ViewBMW
2014 BMW i3 (Range Extender)
Powertrain
1 electric motor + 647cc inline-two range extender
Horsepower
170 hp
Torque
184 lb-ft
Transmission
Single-speed
Drivetrain
RWD
The BMW i3 occupies a very important place in the brand’s history. It was BMW’s first mass-produced zero-emissions vehicle, ushering in the automaker’s electrification program. It was also the first vehicle in BMW’s all-electric “i” sub-brand, which was, at the time, set to incorporate all of its EVs. However, BMW later changed its strategy and began to electrify vehicles from its mainstream lineup, rather than confining EVs to a separate brand.
The i3 was a subcompact five-door hatchback built with urban drivers in mind. Eco-friendliness, low weight (thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber), small dimensions and maneuverability were the key characteristics BMW focused on. Although recognizably a BMW, the i3 also incorporated some more futuristic design elements that set it apart from the rest of the lineup, including a unique selection of two-tone color schemes with vivid accents.
Orange 2015 BMW i3 back endBMW
At the heart of the i3 was a selection of two powertrains. One was entirely electric, with a single electric motor producing between 168–181 hp depending on trim level. Another added a 647cc two-cylinder motorcycle engine as a range extender; this option had an output of 170 hp.
The i3’s interior is – as one would expect of a subcompact city car – not especially spacious, especially for rear seat passengers. However, getting people and cargo in and out of the car is made easier by the structure of the rear doors, which are rear-hinged and have no pillar separating them from the front doors. The rear seats also fold down to create additional cargo space. In terms of tech, the i3 has a simple, intuitive interface, powered by BMW’s iDrive 6 infotainment system. Apple CarPlay connectivity is standard, but Android Auto is not offered.
However, for all its pros, there is one very big item on the i3’s “cons” list: in most cars, AC compressor failure is certainly a headache, but not typically a reason to write off the vehicle. The i3’s architecture, however, turns this issue into something much bigger, which carries the potential for huge repair costs.
A Very Expensive Fix: The i3’s Flaw You Need To Be Aware Of
Blue 2015 BMW I3 on charge from rearBMW
The fatal flaw that plagues BMW i3s from this generation has to do with the unique way the car’s cooling system is designed. Rather than using an indirect battery pack cooling system – where the batteries and their cooling channels are isolated from other components – the i3 uses a direct cooling system, where the AC compressor also takes care of cooling the batteries. The model was designed this way in order to reduce the number of components and cut down manufacturing costs.
Blue 2015 BMW I3 side viewBMW
This does mean, however, that failure of the AC compressor can result in the refrigerant being contaminated with metal shrapnel, turning to black sludge as it passes through the narrow cooling channels around the battery. Due to the structure of the system, this contamination has catastrophic consequences, effectively destroying the whole cooling system and potentially totaling the car.
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The fully electric Neue Klasse platform could receive an internal combustion range extender if the market demands it.
The resulting repair bill can run up to between around $10,000 and $21,000, on par with the value of many used examples of the i3 on sale today. However, a savvy owner who replaces the compressor ahead of time, before the “Black Death” can happen, will only face a bill somewhere in the $4,000–$5,000 region.
Still Want One? The i3 On The Used Market
2014 BMW i3 InteriorBMW
If you have decided that the lure of the i3’s price tag is too good to resist, and are willing to take steps to mitigate the risk of Black Death (or, alternatively, don’t mind paying a huge repair bill), there are plenty of options on the used market for you. The most affordable examples of the model start around the $5,000 mark, although they are more likely to be in poorer condition and, as a result, more prone to encounter “Black Death”. The most expensive examples, on the other hand, can be found around the $30,000 mark. Prices are currently stable, with no major upward or downward trend.
For comparison, the 2021 model (the original i3’s most recent year) started at a price of $44,450 when new. The i3 has depreciated to the point of being on par with a used Toyota Corolla from the same time period, whose price range on the used market is almost exactly the same.
2014 BMW i3 Exterior with doors openBMW
For buyers seeking alternative options, there are a few other affordable used EVs in a similar price range. These include the second-gen Fiat 500e ($18,000–$25,000), the first-gen Hyundai Kona Electric ($11,000–$30,000), and the first-gen Chevrolet Bolt EV ($8,000–$25,000). If you’re expanding your search to larger cars, the pre-2016 facelift Tesla Model S can be had for between $5,000 and $35,000.
Want A New i3 Instead? An Overview Of The Model That Brought Back The Nameplate
2027 BMW i3 ExteriorBMW
Maybe the old i3 isn’t quite your thing, and you would prefer a brand-new electric BMW over one that carries the risk of such expensive repairs. In that case, the modern i3 might be the right choice for you instead. This model was introduced in March, bringing back the i3 name after five years. Rather than being part of a separate sub-brand like its predecessor, the new i3 is simply an electrified member of the 3 Series lineup.
2027 BMW i3 ExteriorBMW
Its design reflects BMW’s new approach: instead of being visually distinct from other BMW models, the new i3 is recognizably a 3 Series, just one that’s equipped with a handful of styling cues that make it a little more futuristic. The slanted twin headlights and the grille flow together into a single element, while the tail lights are narrow and sleek.
The lines are minimalistic and clean, giving the car a sporty but high-tech feel. The i3’s interior is just as space-age as the outside; the BMW Panoramic iDrive system runs the show, controlled via a 17.9-inch touchscreen that you can customize to show your preferred features.
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Power comes from two electric motors, one at the front axle and one at the rear, producing a total of 463 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque. A single-speed transmission sends power to all four wheels. The “Heart of Joy” system, a staple of Neue Klasse vehicles, optimizes driving dynamics by analyzing acceleration and steering input in real time, changing power delivery accordingly to make the car agile and responsive. Regenerative braking makes city driving smoother and improves the i3’s efficiency.
The i3 performs well on the range front, too: maximum range is around 440 miles, but even if you only have 10 minutes to charge your car, you can still get up to 249 miles of range. You also have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network thanks to the NACS port, as well as bidirectional charging capabilities.
Sources: BMW
