DecodedCars2018 BMW i3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 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 · 5 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 — 48% better than the average 2018 subcompact car (23.7 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 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 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), 48% better than the 2018 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $650 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 114 miles and takes about 5 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 14 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 i3 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 i3 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i3 (94Ah) EV | 125 kW AC Induction | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 114 mi · 28.6352 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| i3s (94Ah) EV | 125 kW AC Induction | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 107 mi · 29.9713 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| i3 (94Ah) with Range Extender Plug-in Hybrid | 0.6L 2-cyl | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 36 / 33 / 35 | +48% | $2,350 | 29 |
| i3s (94Ah) with Range Extender Plug-in Hybrid | 0.6L 2-cyl | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 36 / 33 / 35 | +48% | $2,350 | 29 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 BMW i3.
Similar 2018 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 BMW i3 (this car) | 35 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2018 Audi A5 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Audi S3 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Audi RS 3 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Audi TT RS | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Audi TT Coupe | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Audi TTS Coupe | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Apr 17, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V310000 · 159 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 i3 BEV and i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high voltage electrical power.
- Risk
- A shut down of high-voltage electrical power would result in a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EME module, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Equipment › Electrical · Sep 20, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V652000 · 3,501 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
- Risk
- An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Not every 2018 BMW i3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 BMW i3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 3 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 3 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Structure › Body — 3 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 17,000 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 2018 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 →