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zia<a href="http://www.mynissanleaf.com" class="interlinkr">LEAF<span class="tip">Visit the LEAF Forum</span></a> said:
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<span>I have a friend who is shopping for a used BMW i3. As a 2011 <a href="http://www.mynissanleaf.com" class="interlinkr">Nissan Leaf<span class="tip">Visit the Nissan Leaf Forum</span></a> owner, I am well acquainted with the downsides to being the early adopter, and I can advise those interested in buying a used LEAF what the early technology problems were, what model years to favor, and how to ascertain the condition of the battery (the most important consideration).</span>
Although I have superficial exposure to it, I have no such knowledge about the i3.
What are the differences for the i3 in model year on the full electric models? What are the buying criteria for the first two or three model years?
Most importantly: How does one verify the battery condition for a used i3?
Thanks in advance...
Steve in New Mexico
Wow, I had a lot of those same questions, you can find good info. here using the search function. The short answer would be to avoid 2014 MY.
60 Ah battery 82 miles of range.
94 Ah battery 114 miles of range. 2017. Note: not all vehicles have the 94Ah because it's an option.
120 Ah battery 153 miles of range. 2019.
Note the range estimates are based on ideal conditions. Level roads, around 70 deg. ambient temperature, conservative driving. So YMMV.
I have experienced near 30% drop in capacity due to ambient temperature.
To check the battery "condition", you could look at the Max Kappa. Do a search on youtube for the video on how to.
https://bmwi3owner.com/2016/01/secrets/
Essentially, you do a few long presses of the trip reset button, on speedo, and enter the sum of the last 5 of the VIN. Note: This isn't a perfect way to determine battery health, but will give you an idea. You should ask the seller if they've been regularly charging the battery. If they let it run flat for a long time on the lot, it will turn in bad readings. Also, in cold weather, below 40's or above 100's the reading will be off.
I would be sure the car comes with the vehicle maintenance history.
<span>Make sure all safety recalls have been completed. Check for important TSB fixes. If a 2014/2015 check for motor mount<a href="http://www.mychevybolt.com/forum" class="interlinkr" target="_blank"> Bolt <span class="tip">Visit the Chevy Bolt EV</span></a>replacement.</span>
Good luck.