DecodedCars2017 BMW i3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 0.6L 2-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV, Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 36 city / 33 hwy
- EV range
- 114 mi · 4 h on 240 V
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 52% better than the average 2017 subcompact car (23 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid and electric as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 BMW i3 is a subcompact car offered with a 0.6L 2-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (36 city / 33 highway), 52% better than the 2017 subcompact car average of 23 MPG, for an estimated $600 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 114 miles and takes about 4 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2017
- Best combined MPG down from 39 to 35
- Longest EV range up from 81 to 114 miles
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 i3 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i3 BEV (60 Amp-hour battery) EV | 125 kW AC Induction | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 81 mi · 27 kWh/100mi | – | $600 | – |
| i3 BEV (94 Amp-hour battery) EV | 125 kW AC Induction | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 114 mi · 29 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| i3 REX (94 Amp-hour battery) Plug-in Hybrid | 0.6L 2-cyl | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 36 / 33 / 35 | +52% | $2,350 | 29 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 BMW i3.
Similar 2017 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 BMW i3 (this car) | 35 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Audi A5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 BMW i8 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2017 Audi S3 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2017 Audi RS 3 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2017 Audi TT Coupe | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Audi TTS Coupe | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Frontal · Nov 16, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V720000 · 32,000 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-3361.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Feb 9, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V088000 · 19,130 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
- Risk
- A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags · Dec 20, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V914000 · 3,506 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S, Mini 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, John Cooper Works and 2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5 and 535d vehicles. The affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator initiators that may fail to ignite during a crash.
- Risk
- If the air bag inflator initiator fails to ignite, the seat-mounted air bag will not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2017 BMW i3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 BMW i3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 11 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Structure › Body — 10 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 8 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,650 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 114 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 BMW i3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other i3 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →