2014 vs 2015 BMW i3

Both years

• Battery capacity loss 2014–2018 One source so far

  What to check: Ask for a battery state of health report, read with BMW's diagnostic software or a suitable scan tool.

  Euro Premium Parts says the 22 kWh battery loses the most range with mileage, and that the 33 kWh battery holds up better but shows wear past 70,000 to 90,000 miles.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Range extender wear All years

  What to check: Ask for the range extender's oil change records and listen for vibration when it runs.

  Euro Premium Parts says the scooter engine is not built for sustained hard use, can overheat and wear early, and its mounts can loosen around 50,000 miles. Edmunds says the range extender is not meant for cross-country travel.

  Edmunds, a seller's guide (unofficial)

• Range extender fuel vent recall 2014–2017

  What to check: Make sure the fuel vent line recall was done.

  NHTSA lists a recall for 2014 to 2017 cars with the range extender whose fuel tank vent line can rub through and leak fuel vapor.

  NHTSA

• DC fast charging faults All years One source so far

  What to check: Try a DC fast charge, and look at the charging inlet for bent pins or corrosion.

  Euro Premium Parts says some cars refuse to start a fast charge because of a faulty charging control module or a damaged inlet.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Narrow, costly tires All years One source so far

  What to check: Look at the tire sidewalls for damage and budget for replacements.

  Euro Premium Parts says the i3's narrow, tall tires are easily damaged by potholes and are expensive and harder to find than common sizes.

  A seller's guide (unofficial)

Both years

• 15V628000 2014–2015

  Because of a manufacturing error, the passenger's frontal airbag may not deploy properly in a low-speed crash, so the cars do not meet the federal occupant protection standard. Dealers replace the airbag module. NHTSA

• 17V088000 2014–2017

  The fuel tank vent line can rub through on the battery cable's protective sleeve and leak fuel vapor. Dealers inspect the line, replace it if needed and fit a clip to stop the rubbing. NHTSA

• 17V720000 2014–2018

  Unbelted small adult drivers may be at higher risk of neck injury in a frontal crash, so the cars do not meet the federal occupant protection standard. Dealers update the driver's airbag control software. NHTSA

Both years

Engines

Electric motor, 22 kWh battery (2014–2017) Edmunds, a published reference, 0.6L two-cylinder range extender Edmunds, a published reference, a seller's guide (unofficial)

Transmissions

Single-speed direct drive Edmunds, a published reference

Drivetrains

Rear-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference

Trims

Mega World Edmunds, a published reference, Giga World Edmunds, a published reference, Tera World Edmunds, a published reference

Packages

Technology + Driving Assistant Package Edmunds, Parking Assistant Package Edmunds, Harman Kardon premium sound Edmunds, 20-inch wheels Edmunds

Both years

• Watch for: A high-mileage 22 kWh car without a battery report 2014–2017 Less sought after One source so far

  Euro Premium Parts calls battery wear on the early cars critical for buyers on a budget, with some owners reporting much shorter range past 60,000 to 80,000 miles. A seller's guide (unofficial)