BMW i3 EV Opening Orders: Early Availability

Yes, BMW opened early orders for the i3 electric vehicle, but the timeline and process varied by market. In the US, customer reservations began in July 2013, with the first deliveries in May 2014. In Europe, order books opened earlier, in late 2013, with deliveries starting in November 2013.

Early Order Timeline: What Actually Happened

The BMW i3 was unveiled in July 2011 as the company’s first mass-produced electric car. The early order process was deliberately staggered by region. In Germany, BMW’s home market, orders opened in October 2013, with deliveries starting a month later. In the United States, the company took refundable $1,000 deposits starting in July 2013, but the first customer cars did not arrive until May 2014. This gap was due to the need to build up dealer inventory, train technicians, and certify the car for US safety and emissions standards.

For early adopters, BMW offered a special “Launch Edition” trim in some markets, which included unique paint colors and upgraded interior materials. This was a common tactic to reward those who committed before the car was widely reviewed.

How Early Orders Worked

The early order system was not a simple online form. BMW used a tiered approach:

• Expression of interest – customers could register on BMW’s website to receive updates and a priority code.
• Refundable deposit – a $1,000 (or €1,500) deposit secured a build slot. This was fully refundable until the vehicle entered production.
• Configuration and allocation – once production slots were assigned, customers configured their car online or at a dealer, and the deposit became non-refundable.
• Production and delivery – cars were built in Leipzig, Germany, and shipped to regional distribution centers.

In the US, BMW initially allocated only about 1,000 cars to the first wave of orders, prioritizing states with strong EV infrastructure like California and New York.

Why the Delay Between Regions?

The gap between European and US deliveries was not accidental. BMW had to:

• Homologate the car for US safety standards (including different bumper and headlight regulations).
• Train dealership staff on high-voltage systems and charging equipment.
• Set up a network of certified charging installers for the optional home wallbox.
• Wait for the US Department of Transportation to approve the car’s unique carbon-fiber passenger cell.

These steps took roughly six months after European launch. Similar delays occurred in other non-European markets like Japan and China.

Common Problems with Early i3 Orders

Early adopters faced several issues that are typical for a first-generation EV:

• Range anxiety – the 2014 i3 had an EPA-rated range of 81 miles (130 km) on a full charge, which was lower than many expected. The optional range extender (a small gasoline engine) added about 70 miles (112 km) but was not available at launch in all markets.
• Charging speed – the standard Level 2 charger (240V) took about 3.5 hours for a full charge. DC fast charging (CCS) was optional and took 30 minutes to 80%.
• Software glitches – early cars had occasional infotainment freezes and battery management system errors, which were fixed via over-the-air updates or dealer visits.
• Production delays – some customers who ordered the range extender version faced an extra 2-3 month wait because the gasoline engine supply chain was initially constrained.

These issues were not widespread, but they did generate forum threads and delay reports. Most were resolved by the 2015 model year.

How to Choose: Early Order vs. Waiting

If you were deciding in 2013 whether to place an early order, the trade-offs were clear:

• Early order advantages: guaranteed first-year allocation, special launch edition options, and the ability to claim the full $7,500 US federal tax credit before it phased out.
• Early order disadvantages: you were committing to a car with unproven real-world range and resale value. Reviews were not yet out, and the charging network was sparse.
• Waiting advantages: you could read professional reviews, see real owner reports, and potentially get a better lease deal as inventory grew.
• Waiting disadvantages: you might miss the first-year tax credit if your state’s rebate ran out, and you would be lower on the waiting list if demand exceeded supply.

In practice, most early orders were placed by enthusiasts and commuters who had already installed a home charger. Waiting was a reasonable choice for anyone who needed a car immediately or lived in an area without public charging.

Costs and Incentives: What Early Buyers Paid

The 2014 BMW i3 base price in the US was $41,350 (plus $925 destination fee). The range extender added $3,850. After the $7,500 federal tax credit, the effective base price was about $34,775. In Germany, the base price was €34,950, with a €4,000 government incentive (if available).

Early buyers also had to budget for a home charging station. A Level 2 wallbox cost about $500–$1,000 plus installation, which could range from $200 to $2,000 depending on electrical panel capacity. BMW offered a partnership with charging station installers, but the cost was not included in the vehicle price.

Lease deals were common, with BMW offering a 36-month lease at $399 per month with $3,500 due at signing, based on a $46,000 MSRP. These numbers varied by region and dealer.

Safety and Reliability of the Early i3

The i3 was designed with a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell, which is extremely strong and lightweight. It earned a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests in 2013. In the US, the IIHS rated it “Good” in most crash tests, though it did not receive the Top Safety Pick award due to a marginal rating in the small overlap front test (which was not part of the standard test in 2014).

Reliability was generally good for a first-gen EV, but there were recalls. In 2014, BMW recalled about 1,200 i3s worldwide for a potential steering column issue. Later, in 2017, a larger recall affected 2014-2016 models for a possible battery separator issue that could cause a short circuit. Both were fixed free of charge.

Owners reported that the car’s battery degraded about 5-10% over the first 100,000 miles (160,000 km), which is typical for early lithium-ion packs. The range extender engine, when equipped, required regular oil changes and fuel stabilizer if not used often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still order a new BMW i3?

No. BMW discontinued the i3 in 2022 after a 9-year production run. The last models were sold in Europe and the US in 2021-2022. You can only buy used or find leftover inventory at some dealers, but new orders are no longer possible.

How long did the first i3 take to deliver after ordering?

In Europe, the first deliveries took about 1-2 months after the order opened. In the US, it was typically 4-6 months from deposit to delivery because of homologation and shipping.

Was the i3’s range really only 81 miles?

Yes, the 2014 model had an EPA range of 81 miles (130 km) on a full charge. This was the official rating, but real-world range varied. In mild weather with city driving, some owners reported 90-100 miles. In cold weather or at highway speeds, it could drop to 60-70 miles. The range extender added about 70 miles of additional range once the battery was depleted.

Did early orders get a better price?

Not necessarily. The base price was fixed, but early buyers could secure the full federal tax credit before it began to phase out. In the US, the $7,500 credit was available for the first 200,000 EVs sold by BMW, which was not reached until much later, so early orders did not have a unique financial advantage in that regard. However, some regions offered limited-time launch incentives, such as free home charging station installation.

What was the difference between the i3 and the i3 REx?

The i3 REx (Range Extender) added a small 647cc two-cylinder gasoline engine that acted as a generator to charge the battery while driving. It did not drive the wheels directly. The REx increased the total range to about 150 miles (240 km) and cost about $3,850 extra. It was available from launch in most markets, but some US states (like California) required additional emissions equipment, which delayed availability there.

Is a used BMW i3 still worth buying in 2024?

Yes, if you find one with a healthy battery and a reasonable price. Early models (2014-2016) have lower range and may need a battery replacement, which is expensive. Later models (2017-2021) have a larger 42.2 kWh battery with up to 153 miles (246 km) of range. Check the battery’s state of health via the car’s diagnostic menu, and budget for potential charging port or electronics repairs. The i3’s unique carbon-fiber body does not rust, but the plastic panels can become brittle with age.

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