# BMW i3 — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the BMW i3 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bmw-i3

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2019
- **Ideal trim**: i3 120Ah
- **Target mileage**: 40,000–50,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £13,664

## Why this model

The BMW i3 is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a distinctive, agile, and efficient electric car for urban and suburban driving. Its unique design, lightweight carbon fibre construction, and premium interior make it stand out. It's surprisingly spacious for its footprint and offers a fun driving experience. With a 27.2 kWh usable battery, it's perfect for daily commutes and shorter trips, offering a real-world range of around 113 miles. It's also a BMW, so you get that quality feel and driving dynamics, even in an electric city car.

## What you should pay

The used EV market has seen significant price adjustments recently, making the i3 a real bargain. The average used EV in the UK in Q4 2025 was around £16,826, and the i3, with its 27.2 kWh usable battery and unique design, sits comfortably within the sweet spot. We're seeing 2019-2020 models, typically 3-4 years old with 30-50k miles, priced around £13,664. This reflects the general softening of the EV market and the i3's age, but it means you're getting a lot of car for your money. While the battery is passively cooled, its smaller size means degradation isn't as severe as some larger, older passively cooled packs, with an expected ~2.5% degradation per year.

## Which trim to buy

The standard i3 120Ah is the best value trim. It offers the updated 27.2 kWh usable battery, giving you a decent real-world range for most daily needs without the added complexity and cost of the Range Extender (REx) model. The 's' model adds a bit more power and sportier suspension, but for most drivers, the standard i3 is already agile and fun enough, and you'll save a bit of money on the purchase price. Focus on finding a well-maintained 120Ah model with good service history.

## What to check before you buy

- Passively cooled battery: The i3's battery is passively cooled, which means it relies on ambient air for cooling rather than a dedicated liquid system. This can lead to slightly faster degradation in very hot climates or with frequent rapid charging, though the small pack size limits the worst effects. Expect around 88% State of Health (SoH) at 5 years.
- Carbon fibre repair costs: The i3's unique carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) 'Life Module' is fantastic for weight saving and strength, but if it gets damaged, repairs can be more specialised and expensive than traditional steel bodywork.
- Suspension wear: Some owners report premature wear on suspension components, especially on models with larger wheels or those driven frequently on rougher roads.
- Range Extender (REx) maintenance: If you opt for the REx model, remember it has a small petrol engine. This means it requires traditional engine servicing (oil changes, spark plugs) which adds to maintenance costs compared to a pure EV.

## Running costs

Running an i3 is generally very cheap, especially if you can charge at home. Using a smart EV tariff like Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus (around 9p/kWh overnight), you're looking at about 2.2p/mile, which works out to roughly £217 a year for 10,000 miles. Even on a standard home rate (24.5p/kWh), it's still only about 5.9p/mile, or £590 a year. That's a saving of £373/yr with a smart tariff! Just try to avoid relying on public rapid chargers (70-85p/kWh) for daily use, as they'll push your costs up to 16.7–20.2p/mile. Road tax is free for EVs until April 2025, then it's £195 per year. Insurance costs will vary but expect to pay between £500-£800 annually.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Electric
- **Horsepower**: 170 hp
- **Mpg**: N/A (Electric)
- **Reliability Score**: Above Average
- **Safety Rating**: 5 stars (Euro NCAP 2013)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| i3 120Ah | £35,000 | £13,600 | 27.2 kWh usable battery; 170 hp electric motor; 19-inch alloy wheels |
| i3 120Ah with Range Extender (REx) | £38,000 | £15,500 | All features of 120Ah model; 647cc two-cylinder petrol engine (range extender); Increased total range |
| i3s 120Ah | £37,000 | £14,800 | Sport suspension; Wider tyres; Increased power (181 hp) |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £13,664 | 0% |
| 2027 | £12,200 | 10.7% |
| 2028 | £10,900 | 20.2% |
| 2029 | £9,800 | 28.3% |
| 2030 | £8,900 | 34.9% |

The i3 has already taken a significant hit in depreciation, especially with the broader EV market adjustments. Buying a 2019 model now means you're getting it well past its steepest depreciation curve. While EVs will continue to depreciate, the rate should slow down, making your ownership period more financially stable. You're buying into a mature used EV market for this model, meaning less risk of sudden value drops.

Total value lost since new: 35%.

## Alternatives to consider

- Nissan Leaf (40kWh)
- Renault Zoe (52kWh)
- VW ID.3 Pro

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.