2020 vs 2021 BMW i3

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

2020

Nothing that 2021 lacks.

2021

Nothing that 2020 lacks.

Both years

  • 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)

  • 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)

What changed between

After 2020, up to and including 2021.

  1. 2021Adaptive LED headlights become standard in the i3's last US year. Edmunds, a published reference

What it came with

2020

Packages
Edition RoadStyle (2020) Edmunds

2021

Nothing that 2020 lacks.

Both years

Engines
Electric motor, 42 kWh battery (2019–2021) Edmunds, a published reference, i3s electric motor, 42 kWh battery (2019–2021) 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
Deka World (2017–2021) Edmunds, 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, Power glass sunroof (2017–2021) Edmunds, Wireless charging pad (2019–2021) Edmunds

Colors

2020

  • Capparis White with BMW i Frozen Blue accents 2016–2020 Edmunds
  • Fluid Black with BMW i Frozen Blue accents 2016–2020 Edmunds
  • Mineral Grey with BMW i Frozen Blue accents 2016–2020 Edmunds
  • Melbourne Red Metallic with Frozen Grey accents 2020 Edmunds
  • Jucaro Beige Metallic with Frozen Grey accents 2020 Edmunds
  • Imperial Blue Metallic with Frozen Grey accents 2020 Edmunds

2021

Nothing that 2020 lacks.

Interiors

2020

  • Deka Dark Cloth, Deka World, 2020 Edmunds
  • Carum Spice Grey and Brown Highlight Leatherette and cloth, Mega World, 2020 Edmunds
  • Brown Natural and Carum Spice Grey Leather and cloth, Giga World, 2020 Edmunds
  • Dark Truffle Vernasca Leather, Tera World, 2020 Edmunds

2021

Nothing that 2020 lacks.

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2020

Nothing that 2021 lacks.

2021

Nothing that 2020 lacks.

Both years

  • Sought after: A 2019 to 2021 car with the 42 kWh battery 2019–2021

    Euro Premium Parts calls the 2019 to 2021 i3 with the largest battery the best mix of range, reliability and value, and prefers the all-electric car to the range extender. Edmunds says to stick with the standard i3 rather than the i3s. Edmunds, a seller's guide (unofficial)