Used BMW i3 for sale

What types of used BMW i3 cars are there?

The BMW i3 launched back in 2013 and sat in a strange position in the market because it was one of the first of its kind.  

This hybrid/electric hatchback took the world by storm as one of the first decent mainstream EVs that didn’t cost an arm and a leg to buy and run.  

– Read our BMW i3 review

In 2018, the i3 saw its biggest change with the introduction of a larger battery pack, putting it in the same league as the Hyundai Kona electric, Renault Zoe and Mini Electric.   

Popular BMW i3 trims 

There are two different versions available, starting with the standard i3 and then moving up to the sportier i3s. 

> BMW i3 – despite being the basic model, it offers a beautifully designed interior with recycled materials and great tech as standard 

> BMW i3s – this adds a sporty touch with more power, lowered sports suspension and a heat pump to help the car’s range when using the heating on the go 

BMW i3 history 

Production for the BMW i3 ended in 2022, giving this quirky city car a good nine-year run. In that time, it saw a few different changes to incrementally improve it. 

> First-generation BMW i3 (2013-2017) - a revolutionary design and philosophy, making one of the most interesting cars of the century 

> Facelifted BMW i3 (2017-2018) - added battery tech improvements, increasing the range and making it more efficient 

> Facelifted BMW i3 (2019-2022) - with minor styling changes and the addition of the i3s sports model, it reached its best and final iteration 

What features does the BMW i3 have?

Inside, the i3 has a minimalist design that isn’t too unfamiliar for anyone coming from another BMW product. 

All standard models have a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system fitted with BMW’s iDrive software.    

There's also a built-in sat-nav on all models, DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, plus access to the various apps that come with BMW’s system.  

Upgraded models may also come with the flashy Harman Kardon sound system.   

There are also options for used i3 models with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring.   

In terms of practicality, the i3 is plenty roomy enough and can comfortably seat four people.  

It's also an easy car to get in and out of due to its lack of a B-pillar between the doors. The boot offers 260 litres of space, increasing to 1,100 litres once the rear seats are folded flat.  

You can see the full range of features in each model by checking our current used BMW i3 listings.   

Is the BMW i3 reliable?

Being electric, the BMW i3 is a very reliable car because it has fewer moving parts than a traditional internal combustion engine and is therefore, in theory, less likely to go wrong. 

Across various owners’ forums, the i3 scores highly for overall dependability, once again testament to BMW’s incessant attention to detail. 

How much does the BMW i3 cost to run?

Because the i3 has been improved so much over the years, its powertrain options get a little confusing.   

Essentially, all i3 models since 2018 are fully electric, and this includes the standard i3 and the sportier i3s.  

The standard model is powered by a 170hp electric motor, and the sports model produces 183hp.    

Before 2018, you could buy a hybrid i3 from BMW and there are still many around – just check our stock to see what's available.    

Fully electric models are ideal for anyone wanting to cut back on running costs and enjoy cleaner power, while the hybrid is a perfect first step and provides increased fuel efficiency.  

Thanks to the magic of electricity, the all-electric i3 can launch itself from 0-62mph in just 7.3 seconds, dropping to 6.9 seconds for the sporty i3s model.    

In terms of driving, the i3 feels very light thanks to its carbon fibre body and responsive traction control system, which is found on the i3s.    

Who is the BMW i3 suitable for?

A used BMW i3 is an ideal choice for anyone after a sleek electric car that is spacious without seeming too bulky. 

Its levels of tech are way ahead of its time, and if you care about the environment, it’s the one to go for. 

Its closest rivals include the Renault Zoe, Peugeot e-208 and Nissan LEAF.