BMW i3 (2013-2022) running costs, insurance, warranty & tax
When new, the BMW i3 was pricier to buy than some less premium rivals, but day-to-day running costs are as low as for any EV
| Insurance group | Warranty | Service intervals | Annual company-car cost (20%/40%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28-29 | 3yrs/unlimited miles | 2yrs/18,000 miles | From £135/£270 |
The BMW i3 is expensive to buy, especially if you’re trying to the most range for your money. The Hyundai Kona Electric goes further on a full charge for a similar price, while the Nissan Leaf and Renault ZOE look even better value.
No rival has either the prestige or design cool of the BMW, of course, and the i3’s success suggests drivers are prepared to pay for that privilege. Charging an i3 overnight will cost little more than a couple of pounds, while company-car drivers enjoy 2% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax until at least April 2024.
BMW i3 insurance group
Group 28 out of 50 (for the i3) and 29 (for the i3s) insurance ratings mean premiums won't be cheap compared to conventional city cars. It'll cost a little more to insure the i3 than a Kona Electric, but the difference is unlikely to be drastic.
Warranty
There's a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty for all BMW i models, along with an eight-year/100,000-mile guarantee for the battery. Warranty extensions are available too, as long as servicing is done on time.
Servicing
The BMW i3 service plan costs just £239 annually and includes full diagnostic checks and parts replacement if required for electrical items.
Road tax
There’s no road tax (aka Vehicle Excise Duty, or VED) to pay on a BMW i3, thanks to its zero CO2 emissions. London drivers also benefit from free entry to the Congestion Charge zone until 2025.
