BMW I3 reliability
The BMW I3 fails its MOT less often than most cars up to 5 years old: 10.6% of 11,630 tests failed in 2023, against 14% on average.
7 DVSA recalls for the BMW I3
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
During supplier s production process of the battery cells a manufacturing defect occurred with the winding of cell-internal films for the high-voltage battery.
During supplier�s production process of the battery cells a manufacturing defect occurred with the winding of cell-internal films for the high-voltage battery.
Fix: The defective cell module will be replaced.
Recalled models: i3 · 18 vehicles
The micro gas generator within the front seatbelt's retractor may have been damaged
The micro gas generator within the front seatbelt�s retractor may have been damaged and may not act according to the specification in the event of an accident.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the front seatbelts will be checked and replaced if they are found to have been damaged
Recalled models: i3 · 2,018 vehicles
The material quality of the screws used for seat belts and rear seats may not be to specifications.
The material quality of seat and seatbelt screws may not be according to specification.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the screws will be replaced in specific locations on the seat belts or rear seats.
Recalled models: i3 · 38 vehicles
The control ring of the backrest recliner in the second seat row may break
The control ring of the recliner of the backrest in the second seat row may break due to insufficient material performance.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the seat frames of the second seat row will be replaced.
Recalled models: i3 · 82 vehicles
The air bag control unit may have been equipped with a defective sensor for the rollover detection
The air bag control unit may have been equipped with a defective sensor for the rollover detection.
Fix: The Airbag control unit (ACSM4i) will be replaced on the affected vehicles.
Recalled models: i3 · 189 vehicles
The electric motor electronics printed circuit board was not manufactured according to the specifications
The Electric Motor Electronics (EME) printed circuit board was not manufactured according to specifications
Fix: The Electric Motor Electronics (EME) of vehicles affected will be replaced.
Recalled models: i3 · 120 vehicles
Steering may not behave as designed
The engine current sensors have not been calibrated correctly which could lead to an increased recuperation torque during vehicle deceleration. An increased recuperation torque during deceleration could lead to a vehicle oversteer condition in the i3 and vehicle understeer condition in the i8. This could lead to skidding on slippery roads during driving.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and calibrate sensors for measuring the engine current.
Recalled models: i3 · 41 vehicles
Checking a BMW I3 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.