BMW i3 Sport i3s Electric Car: Full Guide
The BMW i3s is the sportier, more powerful version of BMW’s i3 electric city car, offering sharper handling, a slightly lower stance, and more aggressive styling. It uses the same carbon-fiber passenger cell and aluminum chassis as the standard i3, but with a more powerful electric motor and sport-tuned suspension. This guide explains what the i3s adds over the regular i3, how it drives, what it costs to run, and what to check before buying one used.
What Is the BMW i3s?
The i3s is a performance-oriented trim of the i3, introduced for the 2018 model year alongside a mid-cycle refresh of the standard car. It was sold until the i3 was discontinued in 2022. The “s” stands for sport, and BMW gave it:
- A more powerful motor: 184 hp (135 kW) vs. 170 hp (125 kW) in the standard i3.
- Lower sport suspension (0.4 inches lower) with stiffer springs and dampers.
- Wider tires (175 mm front, 195 mm rear) on 20-inch wheels.
- A more aggressive front bumper and unique exterior accents.
The i3s was available as a pure electric (BEV) or with a range extender (REx), which added a small gasoline engine to charge the battery on the go. The REx version was popular in North America for its ability to reduce range anxiety.
How the i3s Works: Electric Drivetrain and Range
The i3s uses a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle, driving the rear wheels. There is no transmission—just a single-speed gearbox. The battery is a lithium-ion pack mounted under the floor, which keeps the center of gravity low.
Battery sizes changed over the years:
- 2018–2019: 94 Ah (about 27.2 kWh usable), EPA range of 153 miles (246 km) for the BEV.
- 2020–2021: 120 Ah (about 37.9 kWh usable), EPA range of 153 miles (246 km) for the BEV (the larger pack offset the heavier car).
The REx version adds a 647 cc two-cylinder gasoline engine that acts as a generator, providing about 60 miles of extra range when the battery is depleted. It does not drive the wheels directly—it only charges the battery.
Driving Experience: What Makes the i3s Different
The i3s is noticeably quicker and more agile than the standard i3. The extra 14 horsepower doesn’t sound like much, but the i3s also has a more aggressive throttle response and a sport mode that sharpens the steering. The 0–60 mph time is about 6.8 seconds for the BEV (vs. 7.2 for the standard).
Because the battery is mounted low, the car feels very stable in corners. The wider tires and sport suspension reduce body roll, but the ride is firmer, so you feel more road imperfections. The steering is quick but not heavy, and the car is extremely maneuverable in city traffic—the turning circle is just 32.3 feet (9.8 m).
One quirk: the i3s has a very tight turning radius, but the narrow tires can lose grip in the wet if you accelerate hard. The regenerative braking is strong—you can drive with one pedal in most situations.
Range Extender (REx) Explained
The REx option is a common source of confusion. It is not a hybrid in the traditional sense—the gasoline engine never drives the wheels. Instead, it acts as a portable generator. When the battery drops to a certain level, the engine turns on to maintain charge and keep you moving.
In the U.S., the REx was required to have a “hold” mode (to preserve battery for city driving) and a limited range of about 72 miles on gasoline alone, due to emissions regulations. In Europe, the REx could run longer. The REx adds about 300 pounds of weight and reduces cargo space slightly, but it eliminates range anxiety for many owners.
Important: the REx engine needs regular maintenance (oil changes, spark plugs) even though it runs infrequently. If you buy a used REx, check that the engine was exercised regularly—engines that sit unused can develop problems.
Common Problems and Reliability
The i3 has a good reliability record overall, but there are a few known issues to be aware of:
- 12V battery failure: The i3 has a small 12V battery that powers the electronics. If it dies, the car may not start or charge. It typically lasts 3–5 years and is a common replacement item.
- Tire wear: The narrow, low-rolling-resistance tires wear quickly, especially on the rear. They are also expensive and sometimes hard to find.
- Air conditioner compressor: Some owners report premature failure of the A/C compressor, which is expensive to replace.
- REx engine issues: If the range extender is not used regularly, it can develop carbon buildup or fuel system problems.
- Software glitches: Some early models had infotainment or charging software bugs, but most were fixed by updates.
Overall, the i3s is considered reliable, but it’s not a cheap car to maintain. Parts are expensive, and you’ll need a BMW dealer or a specialist EV shop for most repairs.
Costs: Purchase Price, Charging, and Maintenance
New i3s prices started around $48,000 for the BEV and $53,000 for the REx. Used prices have dropped significantly—you can find a 2018–2020 i3s for $20,000–$30,000 depending on condition and mileage. The REx version tends to hold value better because of its versatility.
Charging costs depend on your electricity rate. At home, a full charge (about 37.9 kWh) costs roughly $5–$10 in most U.S. states. DC fast charging (50 kW) can take about 40 minutes to 80% from a low charge. Public charging networks vary in price, but it’s generally cheaper than gasoline.
Maintenance is minimal compared to a gas car—no oil changes (unless REx), no spark plugs (unless REx), no transmission fluid. However, you will need to replace tires more often, and the cabin air filter and brake fluid should be serviced regularly. Brake pads last a long time because regenerative braking does most of the work.
How to Choose: i3s vs. Standard i3 vs. Other EVs
If you’re considering a used i3s, here’s how to decide:
- i3s vs. i3: The i3s costs about $2,000 more used but gives you more power, better handling, and sportier looks. If you enjoy driving, the i3s is worth it. If you prioritize range and comfort, the standard i3 is smoother.
- BEV vs. REx: If you have a home charger and your daily commute is under 100 miles, the BEV is simpler and cheaper. If you occasionally take longer trips or live in an area with sparse charging, the REx is a safety net.
- Alternatives: The i3s is unique, but you might also consider the Chevrolet Bolt EV (more range, less style), the Nissan Leaf (cheaper, less fun), or a Tesla Model 3 (faster, more tech, but more expensive). The i3s is the best choice if you want a small, premium, fun-to-drive EV with a distinctive look.
Safety and Recalls
The i3 received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS when new. It has a strong carbon-fiber passenger cell that protects occupants well. Standard safety features include multiple airbags, stability control, and a rearview camera. Advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were optional.
There have been a few recalls over the years, including one for a potential battery fire risk in certain 2019 models (BMW issued a software update to limit charging capacity). Check the NHTSA website for any open recalls on a used car before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BMW i3s a good used car?
Yes, if you want an affordable, premium, fun-to-drive EV. It has a unique design, excellent build quality, and low running costs. However, be prepared for expensive tires and occasional 12V battery issues. Check the battery health and any open recalls before purchase.
How long does the i3s battery last?
The lithium-ion battery is designed to last the life of the car. BMW offers an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the battery for the original owner. Real-world reports show minimal degradation—most i3s retain over 90% of their original capacity after 100,000 miles.
Can you drive the i3s on the highway?
Yes, it can reach 100 mph (limited) and cruises comfortably at 70–80 mph. However, range drops noticeably at high speeds—expect about 100–120 miles of real-world range at 75 mph in a 120 Ah model.
How much does it cost to replace the i3s battery?
A replacement battery is expensive—often $10,000–$15,000 if you pay out of pocket. However, most owners never need to replace it because the battery degrades slowly. If you’re buying used, check the battery health via the car’s diagnostic system.
Is the i3s a true sports car?
No, it’s a sporty city car. It has quick acceleration and agile handling, but it’s not a track car. The narrow tires limit cornering grip, and the suspension is tuned for comfort as much as sport. It’s more like a hot hatch than a sports car.
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