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2016 BMW i3 BEV (60Ah)

The 2016 BMW i3 BEV (60Ah) is a 170-hp electric with a single-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $42,400 MSRP and is rated at 124 mpg combined.

It makes 170 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 137 mpg city and 111 mpg highway (124 mpg combined).

The i3 measures 157.8 inches long on a 101.2-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,860 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainElectric
Price
MSRP$42,400 ($57,417 *)
MSRP with Destination$43,395 ($58,764 *)
Destination Charge$995
Engine
Engine TypeAC synchronous electric motor
Horsepower170 hp @ 4,800 rpm
Torque184 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRear-wheel drive
Transmission
TransmissionSingle-speed automatic
1st Gear9.7
Final Drive9.7
Fuel Economy
City137 MPG
Highway111 MPG
Combined124 MPG
Recommended FuelElectricity
Suspension
Turning Diameter32.4 ft
Brakes
Front Brake Disc11 in ventilated disc
Rear Brake Disc11 in disc
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front5J x 19
Wheels Rear5J x 19
Tires Front155/70R19
Tires Rear155/70R19
Dimensions & Weight
Length157.8 in
Width69.9 in
Height62.1 in
Wheelbase101.2 in
Front Track61.9 in
Rear Track62 in
Ground Clearance5.5 in
Cargo Volume15.1 ft³
Curb Weight2,860 lbs
Weight Distribution (F/R)48.4% / 51.6%
Interior
Headroom Front39.6 in
Headroom Rear37.2 in
Legroom Front40.5 in
Legroom Rear31.9 in
Shoulder Room Front53.6 in
Shoulder Room Rear49.2 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Tested, but no star ratings were published (2016 BMW I3 5 HB RWD).

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 BMW I3. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Nov 16, 2017 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 BMW i3 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Unbelted, small adult, drivers may be at a higher risk of neck injury in the event of a frontal crash. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence: During a frontal impact, unbelted, small adult, drivers could be at a higher risk of neck injury.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the Driver air bag control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at the dedicated i3 recall number 1-855-269-3361.

NHTSA campaign 17V720000

Feb 9, 2017 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.

Consequence: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 17V088000

33 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2016 BMW I3

Owner Complaints

33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 BMW I3 (3 mention a crash, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Structure10
Steering8
Air Bags6
Electrical System5
Power Train3
Engine2
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Jun 12, 2026 · Air Bags
“Driver airbag warning light illuminated. Vehicle was diagnosed at BMW of Sherman Oaks (RO# 176741) and confirmed as a faulty driver airbag module - part# 32-30-6-870-366. BMW technician found fault…”
Jan 15, 2026 · Power Train, Electrical System, Fuel/Propulsion System
“While driving my 2016 BMW i3 with Range Extender, the vehicle experiences sudden and complete loss of propulsion at very low state of charge (0–1%). The car abruptly loses motive power, forcing me to…”
Jul 29, 2025 · Electrical System, Air Bags
“Faulty airbag warning”
Apr 22, 2025 · Fuel System, Gasoline, Air Bags, Engine
“The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and the air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where…”
Mar 3, 2025 · Structure
“The roof has bubbled and peeled away leaving an exposed permeable roof, meaning if it rains, water will get into the car because of the roof material being not safe, not strong, peeling away. Just…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2016 BMW I3. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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