2016 BMW i3 BEV (60Ah)
All photo credits
- Photo: 2020 BMW i3 by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW i3 (Facelift) – f 05072025 by © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Rear view 2021 BMW i3 CRI 8119 by Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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 Type | Hatchback |
| Powertrain | Electric |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $42,400 ($57,417 *) |
| MSRP with Destination | $43,395 ($58,764 *) |
| Destination Charge | $995 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | AC synchronous electric motor |
| Horsepower | 170 hp @ 4,800 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
| 1st Gear | 9.7 |
| Final Drive | 9.7 |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 137 MPG |
| Highway | 111 MPG |
| Combined | 124 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Electricity |
| Suspension | |
| Turning Diameter | 32.4 ft |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | 11 in ventilated disc |
| Rear Brake Disc | 11 in disc |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 5J x 19 |
| Wheels Rear | 5J x 19 |
| Tires Front | 155/70R19 |
| Tires Rear | 155/70R19 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 157.8 in |
| Width | 69.9 in |
| Height | 62.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in |
| Front Track | 61.9 in |
| Rear Track | 62 in |
| Ground Clearance | 5.5 in |
| Cargo Volume | 15.1 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 2,860 lbs |
| Weight Distribution (F/R) | 48.4% / 51.6% |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 39.6 in |
| Headroom Rear | 37.2 in |
| Legroom Front | 40.5 in |
| Legroom Rear | 31.9 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 53.6 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 49.2 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2016 BMW i3 BEV (60Ah) with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
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
| Structure | 10 |
| Steering | 8 |
| Air Bags | 6 |
| Electrical System | 5 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Engine | 2 |
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.