Free used car buyer guide / I01 early 60Ah / 2013-2016
BMW i3 common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
7.7/10
1 walk-away risk, 7 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: ac compressor black death. Score methodology.
The early BMW i3 is a brilliant city EV, but the 60Ah cars are now old enough that battery size is the least interesting risk. The big-ticket traps are the KLE onboard charging module, air-conditioning compressor "black death", early plastic motor-mount bolt failure, and REx fuel vent-line recall on 2014-2016 range-extender cars. The safest version is a late-2016 94Ah if you can stretch outside this guide, but inside 2013-2016 the best buy is a well-kept BEV with KLE action completed, no heat-pump compressor noise, and a fresh 12V battery. Current owners should treat the 12V battery and AC system as preventative maintenance because both can strand an otherwise healthy carbon-fibre i3.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
AC compressor black death
Best years
2014-2016
Best buys
- Late-2016 BEV with KLE replacement documented and no REx system to maintain.
- REx car only if 17V-088 fuel vent recall is complete and the engine runs monthly.
- Low-mileage 60Ah city car with recent 12V battery and clean AC compressor sound.
Inspect hard
- Every 2014-2015 car for KLE charging history and 7.4 kW Level 2 charge acceptance.
- All heat-pump cars for compressor noise, weak cooling, and metal-debris history.
- Early cars for motor-mount bolt service action B22 01 16.
Avoid
- Cars with AC compressor failure diagnosis and no proof the refrigerant circuit was flushed.
- REx cars with unresolved 17V-088 fuel vent line or stale petrol smell.
- Any i3 showing drivetrain malfunction with an old 12V battery and no scan report.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a BMW i3 viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which BMW i3 should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
60Ah / 21.6 kWh gross, BEV
2013-2016
BEST EARLY I3 IF RANGE FITS
The 60Ah BEV is simple and light. Its weakness is range, not a known pack-failure epidemic. A realistic 55-75 mile winter range makes it a local car in 2026. If that fits, the BEV avoids the REx fuel and emissions hardware entirely.
60Ah / 21.6 kWh gross, REx
2014-2016
USE WITH REX PAPERWORK
The REx solves range anxiety but adds fuel tank vent lines, oil changes, emissions warranty questions, and a small petrol engine many owners rarely exercise. It is the right early i3 only for buyers who need occasional limp-home range and will maintain the engine.
94Ah / 33.2 kWh gross transition
late 2016
BEST IF YOUR MARKET INCLUDES IT
Late-2016 94Ah cars are the turning point. They keep the original i3 character but add enough range to reduce REx dependence. If a seller lists a 2016, confirm whether it is a 60Ah or 94Ah by VIN and usable capacity screen.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2013
European launch for the I01 i3. Earliest 60Ah BEV cars have the purest specification and the shortest range.
Buyer: Buy only as a local second car. Expect early software, early charging hardware, and a battery warranty that is now historical rather than protective.
Owner: Keep it simple: 12V battery, tyres, brakes, and AC health matter more than chasing range that the 60Ah pack never had.
2014
US sales and REx availability expand. Early KLE charging service action and REx fuel vent-line population begin.
Buyer: This is the riskiest year because early hardware and old age overlap. Demand KLE and REx recall paperwork before price discussion.
Owner: Exercise the REx monthly and keep fuel fresh. A dormant REx creates its own problems.
2015
Software and build quality improve but the car remains 60Ah. AC compressor and 12V battery age now dominate ownership.
Buyer: A 2015 BEV can be a good cheap EV if range fits. A 2015 with weak AC is not cheap; price it as a potential compressor job.
Owner: Replace the 12V battery proactively every 4 years. Many drivetrain errors start there.
2016
Last early-shape 60Ah cars and transition into 94Ah in some markets. Motor-mount bolt and REx recall checks still matter.
Buyer: Decode the battery size. A late 94Ah is worth paying for; an early 60Ah should be priced for city-only use.
Owner: If your car is still on its original 12V or original compressor, treat both as scheduled risk items rather than surprises.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
AC compressor black death
Affects
2013-2016 i3, worst on older heat-pump BEV cars.
Symptoms
Weak cooling, loud compressor growl, drivetrain/battery thermal warnings, metal debris found in refrigerant oil.
Typical repair cost
$1,500-3,000 early; $8,000-17,000+ after contamination.
Codes / scan clues
801252 compressor-related service references; HVAC faults vary.
Root cause: Internal compressor wear sends metal through the shared cabin and battery thermal refrigerant circuit.
Quick check
- Command maximum cooling from cold and listen under the frunk.
- Confirm cold air within a few minutes.
- Ask if any compressor repair included dryer and flush.
- Reject cars with noisy compressor and no repair estimate.
Buyer note
A noisy compressor is a walk-away unless priced as a major repair.
Owner note
Replace before it grenades; early action is the difference between a normal AC bill and a battery-cooling teardown.
Fault 2
KLE onboard charging module derate/failure
Affects
Early 2014-2015 i3 and i3 REx; some later cars by symptom.
Symptoms
Slow Level 2 charging, charge interruption, 21E6E9 fault, or car refusing AC charge.
Typical repair cost
$0 if service action applies; $1,500-3,000 outside support.
Codes / scan clues
SI B61 31 14; SI B61 13 16; 21E6E9.
Root cause: Convenience Charging Electronics module overheats or faults, reducing AC charge acceptance.
Quick check
- Plug into a 32A Level 2 charger and verify expected charge rate.
- Ask for KLE replacement/service action invoice.
- Scan KLE for stored 21E6E9.
- Check whether seller has lived with slow charging.
Buyer note
A city EV that cannot charge properly is not a small defect.
Owner note
Do not repeatedly clear charge faults; KLE issues can leave you unable to charge away from home.
Fault 3
REx fuel tank vent-line chafing recall
Affects
2014-2016 i3 REx produced March 2014 to December 2016.
Symptoms
Usually none; possible fuel vapour smell in enclosed REx engine bay.
Typical repair cost
$0 under recall; about 2 hours.
Codes / scan clues
NHTSA 17V-088.
Root cause: Fuel tank vent line can chafe against the positive battery cable sleeve, creating fuel-vapour leak risk.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 17V-088 completion.
- Smell around REx compartment after running the engine.
- Ask for recall letter or dealer invoice.
- Do not assume BEV guidance applies to REx cars.
Buyer note
Unresolved 17V-088 is an easy reason to pause purchase until BMW completes it.
Owner note
Have the clip/line work done even if the REx runs normally.
Fault 4
Motor mount screw / mount breakage
Affects
Early high-torque launch 2014-2016 cars, especially driven hard.
Symptoms
Clunk under acceleration, drivetrain movement, vibration, or damaged mount hardware.
Typical repair cost
$500-1,500 depending on mount damage.
Codes / scan clues
SIB B22 01 16 / B220116 service action.
Root cause: Sharp traction events can overload early motor mount screws; BMW released a service action to replace screws.
Quick check
- Look for B22 01 16 completion.
- Accelerate firmly from low speed and listen for a rear clunk.
- Inspect mount area on a lift.
- Check tyres for signs of repeated hard launches.
Buyer note
A rear clunk on an early i3 is not normal EV character.
Owner note
Avoid repeated full-torque launches on old mounts; fix clunks immediately.
Fault 5
12V battery causing drivetrain malfunction
Affects
All early i3; common once 12V battery is 4+ years old.
Symptoms
Drivetrain malfunction, no-start, random module warnings, charging refusal, or dead car after sitting.
Typical repair cost
$250-600 including registration.
Codes / scan clues
Multiple undervoltage module faults rather than one reliable code.
Root cause: The i3 depends on a small AGM 12V battery to wake high-voltage systems. When it weakens, modules fail to boot cleanly.
Quick check
- Check 12V battery date.
- Measure resting voltage and load test it.
- Scan for undervoltage history.
- Be suspicious of many unrelated faults at once.
Buyer note
A bad 12V is cheap, but it can hide real faults. Replace and rescan before buying a warning-filled car.
Owner note
Replace proactively; waiting until failure often means a tow.
Fault 6
REx engine neglect and stale-fuel faults
Affects
2014-2016 i3 REx.
Symptoms
REx fails maintenance run, check-engine light, rough running, stale fuel smell, or emissions codes.
Typical repair cost
$200-1,500.
Codes / scan clues
REx misfire/emissions faults vary; recall 17V-088 separate.
Root cause: The small scooter-derived petrol engine is often unused for months. Old fuel, low oil attention, and failed exercise cycles cause avoidable faults.
Quick check
- Force or request a REx maintenance run.
- Confirm oil-service history.
- Smell fuel and ask how often the tank is refreshed.
- Scan engine module, not only EV modules.
Buyer note
A REx that does not run cleanly removes the only reason to buy the REx.
Owner note
Run it monthly and cycle fuel. Treat it as an engine, not an emergency ornament.
Fault 7
Narrow tyre wear and cracking
Affects
All 2013-2016 i3, especially cars on original-size Bridgestone tyres.
Symptoms
Rapid rear wear, sidewall cracking, tramlining, or expensive tyre availability.
Typical repair cost
$600-1,000 for a set depending on size.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: The i3 uses unusual tall, narrow tyres. Rear torque and age crack tyres before tread looks fully gone.
Quick check
- Read tyre date codes.
- Inspect inner and outer sidewalls.
- Check matching sizes front/rear.
- Budget tyres before negotiating range.
Buyer note
Odd tyres are part of i3 ownership. Old cracked tyres on a cheap car are an immediate bill.
Owner note
Keep pressures correct and order tyres before they are urgent; sizes are not stocked everywhere.
Fault 8
Carbon-fibre body repair and door/glass damage costs
Affects
All i3.
Symptoms
Panel gaps, cracked CFRP tub areas, door misalignment, wind noise, or salvage history.
Typical repair cost
$1,000-8,000+ depending on structure.
Codes / scan clues
None unless restraint modules were triggered.
Root cause: The i3 uses a carbon-fibre passenger cell and thermoplastic panels. Cosmetic panel damage is easy; structural CFRP damage is specialist work.
Quick check
- Check history for accident/salvage.
- Inspect door apertures and roof rails.
- Look for mismatched panels and glass replacement.
- Have a BMW body shop inspect any crash history.
Buyer note
Do not buy a structural-damage i3 because it is cheap. The repair network is narrower than for a normal 1 Series.
Owner note
Use shops familiar with i3 CFRP repairs, not generic panel beaters.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
- VIN recall report for 17V-088, KLE service action, and motor-mount service action.
- 12V battery receipt with registration date.
- AC compressor, dryer, and refrigerant-system invoices.
- Check tyre dates, panel gaps, roof/door apertures, and charge-port condition.
- Inspect frunk condenser for stone damage.
- Run max AC, max heat, window regulators, infotainment, and check warning history.
- On REx, confirm fuel level and maintenance-run status.
- Firm low-speed acceleration for motor-mount clunk.
- Drive long enough to verify regen, steering, and no drivetrain malfunction.
- Scan KLE, EME, REx engine if fitted, HVAC, battery, and body modules.
Bottom line
Buy: The clean early i3 buy is a BEV with range expectations nailed down, KLE paperwork, a quiet AC compressor, and a fresh 12V battery. If you need REx, buy one that proves the engine and fuel-vent recall are handled.
Avoid: Avoid noisy-compressor cars, unresolved REx recalls, crash-repaired carbon tubs, and any seller who explains away drivetrain malfunction without first replacing and registering the 12V battery.
Quick answers
BMW i3 buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common BMW i3 2013-2016 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: AC compressor black death; KLE onboard charging module derate/failure; REx fuel tank vent-line chafing recall. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which BMW i3 years are the best to buy?
2014-2016 stand out in this generation. The clean early i3 buy is a BEV with range expectations nailed down, KLE paperwork, a quiet AC compressor, and a fresh 12V battery. If you need REx, buy one that proves the engine and fuel-vent recall are handled.
Which BMW i3 should I avoid?
Avoid noisy-compressor cars, unresolved REx recalls, crash-repaired carbon tubs, and any seller who explains away drivetrain malfunction without first replacing and registering the 12V battery.
Is the BMW i3 2013-2016 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 7.7/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 7 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: ac compressor black death.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the BMW i3 guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC-10148185-9999.pdf
- bmwrepairguide.com: 611316.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCLRPT-17V088-5114.PDF
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCMN-17V088-8030.pdf
- carcomplaints.com: tsb-b220116.shtml
- mybmwi3.com: i3-hvac-compressor-woes.18220
- mybmwi3.com: a-c-compressor-failure.17783
- repairpal.com: drivetrain-malfunction-9ac6896c-70b3-40a2-8c5e-693087ed9dac
- reddit.com: 8000_i3_catastrophe
- mybmwi3.com
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCONL-17V088-7591.pdf
- bmwtechinfo.bmwgroup.com: B061014_Slides.pdf
- cgmotorsports.com: top-3-common-bmw-i3-issues-and-how-to-spot-them
- cnsbattery.com: bmw-i3-battery-fault-no-start-troubleshoot
- Tire Rack BMW i3 tyre fitment records
- NHTSA BMW i3 crash/complaint records