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BMW I3 (2014–2021) — Verified Specs, Fluids & OBD2
Built 2014–2021 · all production years covered on this single page
42 kWh Single Motor RWD • Electric
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Bmw I3 (2014–2021) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair cost3.1
Parts & repairability3.0
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & support4.6
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Bmw I3 (2014–2021) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
Its battery is group H6 (BCI), rated at 680A cold-cranking amps. It is a fully electric vehicle (42 kWh Single Motor RWD). Its OEM tyre size is 215/55 R16. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Engine overheatingFREQUENT
Engine temperature over limits — check coolant level, thermostat and radiator.
Related codes: P0217
Oil pressure sensor: low signalFREQUENT
ECU detects insufficient oil pressure — check oil level and sensor.
Related codes: P0522
Insufficient oil pressureFREQUENT
Oil pressure below critical threshold — stop the engine and check immediately.
Related codes: P0524
Engine control module (PCM) faultFREQUENT
Faulty ECU processor — requires specialist workshop diagnosis.
Related codes: P0606
Throttle actuatorFREQUENT
Throttle actuator motor circuit open — loss of throttle response.
Related codes: P2100
COMMON REPAIRS
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.1h
€77 – €99
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.2h
€84 – €108
ABS Module
Difficulty: Hard
2.7h
€189 – €243
ABS Pump
Difficulty: Hard
3.4h
€238 – €306
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)
Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.
Brakes8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| ABS Module | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| ABS Pump | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| ABS Tone Ring | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| Brake Bleed - All Four | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Brake Caliper - Front | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Brake Caliper - Rear | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
Cooling8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Fan Assembly | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Cooling Fan Clutch | 3.9h | € 175–€ 292 |
| Cooling Fan Motor | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Cooling Fan Relay | 0.4h | € 18–€ 30 |
| Engine Oil Cooler | 3.9h | € 175–€ 292 |
| Heater Control Valve | 3.9h | € 175–€ 292 |
| Heater Core | 3.9h | € 175–€ 292 |
| Heater Hoses | 3.9h | € 175–€ 292 |
Electrical8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airbag - Driver | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Airbag - Passenger | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Airbag - Side | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Airbag Module/Computer | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Amplifier | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Antenna | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Backup Camera | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Battery | 0.4h | € 18–€ 30 |
Engine8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Camshaft Position Sensor | 10.4h | € 468–€ 780 |
| Connecting Rod Bearings | 10.4h | € 468–€ 780 |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | 10.4h | € 468–€ 780 |
| Engine R&R | 15.6h | € 702–€ 1170 |
| Freeze Plug - Single | 10.4h | € 468–€ 780 |
| Freeze Plugs - All | 13.5h | € 607–€ 1012 |
| Front Main Seal | 10.4h | € 468–€ 780 |
| Harmonic Balancer | 10.4h | € 468–€ 780 |
Fuel system3 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Canister | 3.3h | € 148–€ 247 |
| EVAP Purge Valve | 3.3h | € 148–€ 247 |
| EVAP Vent Valve | 3.3h | € 148–€ 247 |
HVAC8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| AC Accumulator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Clutch Coil | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Compressor | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| AC Compressor Clutch | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| AC Compressor Oil Add | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| AC Condenser | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| AC Evaporator | 8.1h | € 364–€ 607 |
| AC Expansion Valve (TXV) | 5.4h | € 243–€ 405 |
Steering8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Center Link/Drag Link | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Electric Power Steering Module | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| Idler Arm | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Pitman Arm | 1.6h | € 72–€ 120 |
| Rack and Pinion Boots | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Steering Angle Sensor | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Steering Column | 4.1h | € 184–€ 307 |
Suspension8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Line | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Air Spring/Air Bag | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Air Suspension Compressor | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Air Suspension Height Sensor | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Air Suspension Valve Block | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Ball Joint - Lower | 2.4h | € 108–€ 180 |
| Ball Joint - Upper | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Ball Joints - Upper and Lower | 4.1h | € 184–€ 307 |
Transmission8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch Hydraulic Line | 7.8h | € 351–€ 585 |
| Dual Mass Flywheel | 7.8h | € 351–€ 585 |
| Kickdown Cable | 7.8h | € 351–€ 585 |
| Manual Trans Fluid Change | 7.8h | € 351–€ 585 |
| Neutral Safety Switch | 7.8h | € 351–€ 585 |
| Overdrive Solenoid | 7.8h | € 351–€ 585 |
| Pressure Plate | 7.8h | € 351–€ 585 |
| Shift Fork | 7.8h | € 351–€ 585 |
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (8)
NHTSA 16V914000
Air Bags
Date: 20/12/2016
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…
NHTSA 18V652000
Equipment › Electrical
Date: 20/09/2018
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. Capaci…
NHTSA 19V310000
Hybrid Propulsion System
Date: 17/04/2019
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.
NHTSA 17V720000
Air Bags › Frontal
Date: 16/11/2017
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 Mot…
NHTSA 19V599000
Hybrid Propulsion System
Date: 14/08/2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 i3 BEV, i3 REx, and i8 vehicles. A circuit board problem within the Electric Motor Electronics (EME) module may shutdown the supply of high-voltage electrical power.
NHTSA 14V422000
Air Bags › Frontal
Date: 14/07/2014
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling a certain model year BMW i3 vehicle manufactured March 31, 2014, and certain 2014 MINI Cooper Hardtop vehicles manufactured February 2, 2014 to May 30, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with an air bag inflator th…
NHTSA 17V088000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 09/02/2017
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.
NHTSA 15V628000
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module
Date: 07/10/2015
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper two-door vehicles, 2015-2016 MINI John Cooper Works and MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper four-door vehicles and 2014-2015 BMW i3 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the passe…
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
Coolant Thermostat Below Regulating Temperature
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P1755
powertrain
MODERATEP1612
powertrain
HIGHP1570
powertrain
CRITICALP1747
powertrain
HIGHP1545
powertrain
HIGHP1634
powertrain
LOWP1250
powertrain
MODERATEC0445
chassis
HIGHC0441
chassis
CRITICALC0440
chassis
CRITICALC0425
chassis
MODERATEB0009
body
CRITICAL⏱ 1.13h avgU0253
network
CRITICALC0431
chassis
MODERATEU0197
network
LOWU0176
network
HIGHC0435
chassis
LOWC0430
chassis
MODERATEC0421
chassis
HIGHC0420
chassis
HIGH
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
58 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
Run-Flat Warning (BMW) (Bmw)Tyres
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
CBS — Brake Fluid (BMW) (Bmw)Brakes
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
CBS — Oil Service (BMW) (Bmw)Engine
iDrive System Fault (Bmw)Electrical
DSC OFF (BMW) (Bmw)Chassis
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
175 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Bmw I3 across model years 2014–2021. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
9 crash reports 2 fires 8 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 201449
Model year 201748
Model year 201546
Model year 201632
Most reported components (all years)
Steering40
Structure30
Electrical System22
Power Train21
Air Bags19
Unknown Or Other16
Sample reports
BMW ARE MANUFACTURING NEWER MODEL TIRES FOR THEIR I3 . THESE TIRES ARE VERY NARROW COMPARED TO OTHER CARS THAT GET EASILY WORN OUT . THE TIRE TREAD READINGS SHOW THAT THEY ARE BELOW SAFETY LEVEL, WITHIN 12K MILES OF DRIVING. THEY ARE VER… (MY 2014)
I am writing to bring to your attention a persistent issue I have been facing with my 2014 BMW i3, VIN: [XXX] . Unfortunately, I have been experiencing an airbag and/or seatbelt alert problem identified as "Driver Restraint System Malfun… (MY 2014)
THE "STOP AND GO" CRUISE CONTROL HAS DISENGAGED OVER 100 TIMES AND HAS SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES FOR NO REASON 5 TIMES. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED TWICE ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS NOT SAFE. I HAVE SHOWN BMW OVER 50 PHOTOS AND 3 VIDEOS OF THI… (MY 2016)
THE STEERING BECOMES HEAVY INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES LIKE THERE IS NO STEERING ASSIST. ALSO WHEEL DOES NOT COME BACK TO CENTER AFTER TURNS. TYPICALLY ON COLDER DAYS AND DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED. (MY 2016)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 2014–2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bmw I3 have any safety recalls?
Yes — 8 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0071 mean on the Bmw I3?
Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Range/Performance This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0070 mean on the Bmw I3?
Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Bmw I3?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are engine problems common on the Bmw I3?
Yes — 18 of 165 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “When the vehicle depletes it's battery and switches over to the range extender or the gas engine, the car will suddenly shut off and a drivetrain error appears. This seems to only happen when the car …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Bmw I3?
Yes — 41 of 165 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “When the vehicle depletes it's battery and switches over to the range extender or the gas engine, the car will suddenly shut off and a drivetrain error appears. This seems to only happen when the car …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are steering problems common on the Bmw I3?
Yes — 48 of 165 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the steering. One owner reported: “While driving through a parking lot at slow speeds on 6/24/2023 around 6:30 pm in Phoenix AZ, I noticed the steering felt very heavy and the car pulled hard to the left. While driving slowly down a dr…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What tyres does the Bmw I3 (2014–2021) use?
The original OEM tyre size for the Bmw I3 (2014–2021) is 215/55 R16. Compatible alternative sizes: ["245/45R19", "155/70R19", "155/60R20", "175/55R20", "175/60R19"]. See the Tyres section on this page to compare offers from the main suppliers.
What is the right battery for the Bmw I3 (2014–2021)?
The battery specified for the Bmw I3 (2014–2021) is group H6 (BCI), with a cold cranking rating of 680A. See the Battery section on this page for the main cross-references between brands.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Bmw I3 (2014–2021)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Bmw I3 (2014–2021) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Bmw I3 (2014–2021) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
This spec sheet is updated with data verified from OEM sources and shop databases. If you spot an inaccuracy or have additional data on the Bmw I3 (2014–2021), let us know — every correction improves quality for all users.