Extending OEM warranty on an i3

[Roman Moroni]

I bought my MY15 REx this time last year. As this was my first foray into the EV world, I got it from an Official BMW Dealer. The car had done 44k when I picked it up; it now stands at 59k. It came with a years Warranty; it's been mechanically faultless but had the rear heated screen replaced as it wasn't working.

I've now been offered the chance to extend the Warranty for another year at a cost of £800. TBH I'm undecided whether to go with it or not, do I pay the money up front for peace of mind or put it away just in case. I really don't know how reliable the i3 is and if anyone has any horror (ie expensive) stories.

My intention is to replace it this time next year.

[BenS94]

£800 for a warranty you've had positive experience of is one to take up.

Good price compared to the aftermarket alternatives.

[ashenfie]

Roman Moroni said:

I bought my MY15 REx this time last year. As this was my first foray into the EV world, I got it from an Official BMW Dealer. The car had done 44k when I picked it up; it now stands at 59k. It came with a years Warranty; it's been mechanically faultless but had the rear heated screen replaced as it wasn't working.

I've now been offered the chance to extend the Warranty for another year at a cost of £800. TBH I'm undecided whether to go with it or not, do I pay the money up front for peace of mind or put it away just in case. I really don't know how reliable the i3 is and if anyone has any horror (ie expensive) stories.

My intention is to replace it this time next year.

I had BMWs for 20 years now and never claimed on the warranty as I never had a reason to. I have been where you have been and mostly decided against and 800 goes a long way to fixing a issue or new tyres etc.

[tr3a]

About a year ago we bought a 2020 i3 with only about 10,000 miles on it. It was a private sale, so no warranty. The heater packed up within two weeks, which cost €1,200 to fix. The steering is a bit stiff, especially in cold weather and doesn't self center very well. May be another big bill coming. Needless to say, I'm not too impressed with BMW quality.

Pre 2017 i3's tend to have more fundamental problems, almost all of them expensive to fix. Think failing plastic motor mounts (many workshop hours to fix), failing bearings in drive motors, requiring a motor replacement and A/C compressors disintegrating, sending shrapnel into the cooling system, totalling the main battery.

I'd go for the warranty if I were you.

[ashenfie]

For sure I wouldn’t go the private seller route these days. There just to many people trying to off load problem cars. Your
Going to pay a premium at the dealers, but at least you have some redressed if things go wrong. Repair wise a good independent will be loads cheaper than the dealer.