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2020 BMW

i3

Auto (A1)

BMW i3: best and worst years

Overview

Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (A1)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Efficiency

Smog score
10/10
Range per hour (240V)
22 mi/hr
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
No
Lane-departure warning
No
Recalls
0
Owner complaints
0 See on NHTSA

Federal investigations NHTSA record NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

    Pedestrian alert sounds

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

31 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 6, 2026ENGINEB010525

    The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

  • Jan 11, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB611305

    The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

  • Sep 1, 2022EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICALB840922

    Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration.

  • May 1, 2022ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSIB651312

    The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 4 (HU-H4, also called MGU21) superseded the MGU starting with certain MY2021 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional. This uses map N

  • Nov 1, 2021ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGB012021

    For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Fuel Injectors to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.

  • Sep 1, 2021EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)B651312

    The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 3 (HU-H3, also called MGU) superseded the NBT-EVO starting with certain MY2019 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional or 6U2 Live Co

  • Sep 1, 2021ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICALB640621

    Different air temperatures are felt from left to right out of the front fresh air grilles (air vents).

  • May 1, 2021EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICALB840121

    TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.

  • and 23 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr
Maintenance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Source: bmwusaservice.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.