Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 i3.
The 2021 BMW i3 is an electric compact hatchback built on BMW's dedicated electric vehicle platform, representing the brand's sustained commitment to battery-powered urban mobility. The 2021 model year arrived with 31 total owner complaints and 9 recalls, a figure that places it well below the model's historic peak of 50 complaints recorded in 2017, though above the historic low of 33 complaints logged in 2016, with electrical system issues comprising the primary concern throughout the i3's complaint history. This trajectory suggests that while BMW has made measurable progress in addressing the i3's most problematic issues over time, the continued prevalence of electrical system complaints indicates that prospective owners should remain attentive to potential reliability considerations in this model year.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 11427673541. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11427673541 |
| Engine air filter | 13718603090 |
| Spark plug | 12122357197 |
| Battery | 61219321815 |
| Front wiper blades | 61615A87368 |
| Cabin air filter | 64316835405 alt 64316835406 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 157.5 in |
| Overall width | 70.1 in |
| Overall height | 62.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in |
| Curb weight | 2635 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 61.8 / 62.2 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 45/55 |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
No 2021 road test on record; the results below are same-engine tests from nearby model years, each shown under its own year.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | s Deka World eDrive Hatchback Elec 33.2-kWh | 6.30 sec | 15.00 sec | 181 hp | RWD |
| 2018 | s Giga World eDrive Hatchback w/Range Extender Elec 33.2-kWh | 6.80 sec | 15.30 sec | 181 hp | RWD |
| 2018 | s Giga World eDrive Hatchback w/Range Extender Elec 33.2-kWh | 6.90 sec | 15.50 sec | 181 hp | RWD |
| 2017 | Deka World eDrive Hatchback Elec 33.2-kWh | 6.60 sec | 15.50 sec | 170 hp | RWD |
| 2017 | Giga World eDrive Hatchback w/Range Extender Elec 33.2-kWh | 7.00 sec | 15.80 sec | 170 hp | RWD |
| 2017 | Giga World eDrive Hatchback w/Range Extender Elec 33.2-kWh | 7.20 sec | 16.00 sec | 170 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | eDrive Hatchback Elec 22-kWh | 6.40 sec | 15.30 sec | 170 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | eDrive Hatchback w/Range Extender Elec 22-kWh | 7.90 sec | 16.30 sec | 170 hp | RWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine DOT 4 brake fluid.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Clutch Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
| Refrigerant | R1234yf |
| Oil Type | 46YF |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| 1 | 37.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 155° | 37 ft. lbs |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The federal record provided covers only the 2014–2017 model years, showing complaints fluctuating between 33 and 50, recalls declining from four to two before ticking back to three, and TSBs dropping steadily from 313 to 201. The 2021 i3 falls outside this dataset, so its position in the generation's trend arc cannot be determined from the supplied figures. For 2021 specifically, the data records eight Electrical System complaints, five Engine complaints, two combined Power Train/Electrical System/Engine complaints, two Unknown/Other complaints, one crash complaint, and three fire complaints; total complaint, recall, investigation, and TSB counts for 2021 are not provided. Without those aggregate metrics, it is impossible to gauge whether 2021 represents an improvement, regression, or continuation of the earlier pattern. The data doesn't specify root causes for the listed complaint categories. Given the absence of complete 2021 federal summary statistics, a definitive buy recommendation cannot be made from this record alone.
All 31 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.
Showing 5 of 228 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B010324 | 2026-05-06 | Engine | The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or… |
| B010325 | 2026-03-06 | Structure | The Radiator Grilles Lower Active Air Flap Assembly limited warranty for defects in… |
| B410725 | 2025-08-20 | Structure | While driving on a smooth and/or uneven road, a “cracking” sound is heard from the rear… |
| B720225 | 2025-06-11 | Air Bags | The Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Front Passenger’s Seat Occupancy Capacitive… |
| B010825 | 2025-05-13 | Structure | A vehicle listed above may arrive with a Check Control Message (CCM), and/or malfunction… |
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NHTSA lists 9 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.