BMW i3 buying guide (Ireland, 2026)
What a used BMW i3 costs in Ireland, how it does at the NCT, what goes wrong and what it costs to fix. Based on 52 for sale right now.
Our take on the BMW i3
It's an electric car: no engine oil, timing belt or clutch to worry about. At the NCT, the 2015–2017 cars do better than other cars the same year.
Check a BMW i3's priceNCT pass rate by year
Used BMW i3 prices by year
Typical asking price by registration year, and typical mileage. Private sellers usually take 5–10% less than asking; expect dealers to be a little dearer.
| Year | Typical price | Typical mileage | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | €76,000 | 0k km | 29 |
| 2019 | €15,950 | 76k km | 7 |
| 2018 | €16,000 | 108k km | 7 |
BMW i3 NCT pass rate
How often BMW i3s pass their NCT first time, compared with other cars the same year (Road Safety Authority (RSA), NCT make & model data 2025, initial tests).
| Year | Pass first time | Other cars, same year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 68% | 74% | |
| 2017 | 76% | 64% | |
| 2015 | 63% | 53% |
Most common reasons a 2019 BMW i3 fails: headlight aim (18.4% of tests, more than most cars), wheels & tyres (9.9% of tests, more than most cars), safety equipment (4.3% of tests), brakes (3.5% of tests, more than most cars).
Cheap fixes before the NCT (eBay.ie): Tyre tread depth gaugeWiper blades for the BMW i3Brake pads for the BMW i3
Common BMW i3 problems
Known weak spots to check before you buy, with typical Irish garage costs if the problem is there.
Automatic gearbox health · €300–€2,500
Make sure the gear changes are smooth when warm, check for a gearbox warning light and ask if the gearbox oil was ever changed.
Parts and upgrades for the BMW i3
Parts for the BMW i3 on eBay.ie
New and used parts from Irish and UK sellers. Check the part number or fit before you buy.
Brake padsCheck front or rear, and the disc size if there are twoSee on eBay.ie →
Brake discsReplace in pairs, with new padsSee on eBay.ie →
Wiper bladesSplit or smearing blades can fail the NCTSee on eBay.ie →
BulbsA blown bulb is an easy NCT failSee on eBay.ie →
12V batteryCheck the size and terminal layoutSee on eBay.ie →Example photos, not the exact product (Wikimedia Commons): Treemonster86, CC BY-SA 3.0; Tharish, CC BY-SA 3.0; Wesha, Public domain; Mib18, CC BY-SA 3.0; Cjp24, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Upgrades for the BMW i3
Popular add-ons. The mats are made for this model; the rest fit most cars. More car accessories →
Floor matsMade to fit the BMW i3See on eBay.ie →
CarPlay screenAdds Apple CarPlay (and usually Android Auto) to a car without it: sits on the dashSee on eBay.ie →
Wireless CarPlay adapterFor cars that already have CarPlay with a cableSee on eBay.ie →
Reversing cameraMakes parking easier; some CarPlay screens come with oneSee on eBay.ie →
Phone holderKeeps your phone off your lap for directionsSee on eBay.ie →
Dash camFootage settles insurance arguments quicklySee on eBay.ie →Example photos, not the exact product (Wikimedia Commons): Keystones, CC BY-SA 3.0; Butterhimmel, CC BY-SA 4.0; Sunnyboy122, CC0; https://www.flickr.com/photos/banoootah_qtr/, CC BY 2.0; Shixart1985, CC BY 2.0; Ellin Beltz, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Before you buy a used BMW i3
Run a history check on the reg (write-off, finance owing, mileage), ask for the service history and receipts, and take it for a proper test drive. The used car checklist takes you through a viewing step by step.
Other BMW guides
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