If you’re hunting for a BMW i3 black with blue roof, you’re not alone. The i3 attracts buyers who want an efficient city EV that also stands out, and black paint combined with BMW i’s signature blue accents is one of the most striking ways to do it. But when you start searching, you quickly discover there’s no official “black with blue roof” package in the brochure, so what are you actually looking at, and how do you shop smart for a used i3 in this color combo?
Quick Take
BMW never sold a factory two‑tone black body with a contrasting blue roof on the i3. What most shoppers mean is an i3 in a dark exterior color with BMW i’s blue trim on the roof line, kidney grille surround, and bumper accents. The good news: those cars are fairly common on the used market; you just need to know which packages to look for.
Why People Search for a BMW i3 Black With Blue Roof
The BMW i3 has always been a bit of a design outlier. With its tall greenhouse, skinny tires, and carbon‑fiber structure, it doesn’t look like anything else on the road. A black i3 with blue accents around the roofline leans into that futuristic look even more. Shoppers gravitate to this combo for three main reasons:
- Contrast and style: The dark body color makes the blue BMW i highlights pop, especially around the roof arches and grille outline.
- Low‑maintenance color: Black and dark grays hide minor scratches and panel gaps better than white or silver on the i3’s mix of painted and unpainted surfaces.
- Resale appeal: Special‑looking i3s with eye‑catching color schemes often attract more interest when you go to sell or trade, especially in EV‑savvy markets.
Search Like a Pro
When browsing inventory, don’t limit yourself to the phrase “black with blue roof.” Also look for "Fluid Black," "Capparis White with BMW i Blue," and listings that mention "BMW i Blue accents." Photos will tell you more than the text description.
BMW i3 Color Packages and Blue Accents Explained
To understand what you’re seeing in photos, it helps to know how BMW handled exterior colors and blue trim on the i3. Rather than offering a simple two‑tone paint job, BMW used a base color plus accent pieces.
Common BMW i3 Color & Accent Combinations
What they look like and how close they get to “black with blue roof.”
Fluid Black with BMW i Blue
This is the combo most shoppers have in mind. The body is deep black, with BMW i Blue accents tracing the grille outline and lower bumpers. The roof itself is black glass, but the blue framing along the shoulder line gives a two‑tone effect in photos.
Capparis White with BMW i Blue
Bright white body with bold blue surrounds on the grille and bumpers. Not black, but the blue accents are identical, and the dark glass roof can read as a separate color, another high‑contrast, futuristic look.
Mineral / Platinum Grey with Blue
Darker grays paired with BMW i Blue trim deliver a more understated version of the same idea. In overcast photos, these can be mistaken for black; sometimes sellers simply call them "black."
Don’t Chase a Brochure Unicorn
Dealers sometimes describe cars loosely, and older online listings get copied. If a listing says “black with blue roof,” treat it as shorthand for a dark i3 with BMW i Blue trim, not a custom factory two‑tone paint job. Always verify using photos from multiple angles.
Which i3 Years and Trims to Target
BMW built the i3 from the 2014 through 2021 model years for North America. Over that time, battery size, range, and even styling details evolved, but the core character remained: light weight, rear‑wheel drive, and a surprisingly fun city car demeanor.
BMW i3 Generations and What You Get
A quick reference for shoppers deciding which years to prioritize.
| Model Years | Battery (usable) | Approx. EV Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2016 | ~18.2 kWh | 80–81 miles (BEV) | Early cars; DC fast charging optional in 2014; best prices today. |
| 2017–2018 | ~27.2 kWh | 107–114 miles (BEV) | More range; i3s sport model arrives in 2018 with wider track. |
| 2019–2021 | ~37.9 kWh | Up to 153 miles (BEV) | Longest‑range i3s; many with DC fast charge standard, stronger used demand. |
All ranges are approximate EPA figures for US models.
If you’re focused on a black i3 with blue accents, you’ll find Fluid Black cars sprinkled through the entire run, but they’re particularly common from 2017 onward as BMW broadened its palette and simplified packages.
BEV vs. REx (Range Extender)
The i3 came in pure battery‑electric form (BEV) and with a small gas generator called the Range Extender (REx). The REx doesn’t drive the wheels; it feeds the battery, adding roughly 60–80 miles of real‑world cushion when the pack gets low.
- BEV: Simpler, lighter, a bit quicker; zero gasoline, especially appealing if you charge at home.
- REx: Extra flexibility on long days, handy if public charging is sparse where you live.
Standard i3 vs. i3s
In 2018 BMW introduced the i3s, a sportier version with a wider rear track, retuned suspension, and slightly more power. Visually, many have darker trim and larger wheels that work well with black paint and blue accents.
If you’re style‑driven and don’t mind a firmer ride, an i3s in Fluid Black is worth seeking out, just know tires are more expensive and can wear faster.
Battery Sizes, Range and What They Mean Day to Day
Battery size is the single biggest factor in how livable a used i3 will feel. BMW offered three main packs over the car’s life, all paired with the same basic motor layout. Here’s how they translate into real driving for a typical US owner.
Real‑World Range Snapshot for US Drivers
Those numbers assume a healthy battery and mixed city/highway driving in mild weather. Cold temperatures, high speeds, and heavy HVAC use will pull them down, so it’s smart to give yourself a buffer of at least 20–30% over your absolute minimum daily needs.
Cold‑Weather Reality Check
In a harsh winter climate, an early 18 kWh i3 that’s rated for ~80 miles might deliver 55–65 miles on a frigid highway commute. If you regularly do 50–60 miles at freeway speeds in winter, strongly consider a 27 kWh or 37.9 kWh pack, or a REx model.
Reliability and Battery Health on Used i3 Models
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The big question with any used EV is, “How’s the battery?” The good news is that i3 packs have held up better than many early skeptics expected. Real‑world data and BMW’s own testing indicate that many older i3s still retain around 80–85% of their original capacity after close to a decade of use, assuming normal charging habits and no abuse.
As for the rest of the car, the i3 has a solid reputation. With no traditional engine in BEV models and few moving parts in the driveline, most owners report modest maintenance needs: brake fluid and cabin filters, the occasional 12‑volt battery, and suspension wear as mileage climbs. REx versions add simple engine servicing, oil changes and spark plugs, but nothing exotic.
What Can Go Wrong
Like any older premium car, a used i3 can surprise you if it hasn’t been maintained. Common items that deserve attention include worn suspension bushings, TPMS sensors, DC fast‑charge port latches, and high‑priced, narrow tires. None are deal‑breakers, but they’re worth budgeting for.
Pricing: What a Used BMW i3 Costs in 2025
Used BMW i3 pricing in late 2025 depends heavily on model year, battery size, mileage, and whether you’re looking at a rare i3s or a standard car. Market data from recent listings shows a wide but fairly predictable spread.
Typical Asking Prices for US‑Market BMW i3s (Late 2025)
These are ballpark figures from dealer and online marketplace listings; actual prices vary by condition and location.
| Model Years | Battery Pack | Typical Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2016 | 18.2 kWh | $6,000 – $12,000 | Older tech, shortest range; best bargains, especially above 80k miles. |
| 2017–2018 | 27.2 kWh | $12,000 – $18,000 | Sweet spot for value; more range without top‑of‑market pricing. |
| 2019–2021 | 37.9 kWh | $18,000 – $25,000+ | Most capable daily drivers; rare specs and i3s models can list higher. |
Expect to pay a premium for low‑mileage, late‑run cars with the largest battery pack.
Why Color Can Nudge Price
A striking configuration, like a black i3 with BMW i Blue accents and desirable options, won’t usually add thousands of dollars on its own, but it can make a car sell faster and give the seller more confidence holding firm on price compared with a plain, unpopular color.
Inspection Checklist for a Used BMW i3
Once you’ve found a black‑and‑blue i3 you like the look of, it’s time to decide if it’s as good mechanically as it is visually. Here’s a focused checklist to work through in person or with a trusted inspector.
Used BMW i3 Inspection Checklist
1. Confirm the Exact Color and Package
Compare the VIN‑decoded build sheet with the photos. Make sure the car is truly Fluid Black (or similar) with factory BMW i Blue accents, not a respray or mismatched body panels.
2. Evaluate Battery Health and Range
Check the in‑car range estimate after a 100% charge and compare it with the original EPA rating for that year and battery size. A professional battery‑health report gives you a much clearer picture than guesswork.
3. Test DC Fast Charging
If the car has a DC fast‑charge port, plug in during your test drive. Confirm that the connector locks, charging starts promptly, and no error messages appear on the dash.
4. Inspect Tires and Wheels
The i3’s narrow, unique‑size tires can be pricey. Look for uneven wear, curb rash, or mismatched brands. Factor replacement costs into your negotiation, especially on i3s models with larger wheels.
5. Listen for Suspension and Steering Noise
Over rough pavement, pay attention to clunks, knocks, or looseness in the steering. Older i3s may need control arm bushings or other suspension components, normal wear, but a bargaining point.
6. Check the REx (If Equipped)
On REx cars, let the generator run during your drive. Listen for odd noises, check for warning lights, and review service history for regular oil changes and emissions‑system care.
Walk Away If You See This
Multiple high‑voltage system warnings, evidence of crash damage to the battery tunnel, or any suggestion of flood exposure are red flags. With a specialized EV like the i3, those issues can turn a bargain into a money pit.
How Buying Through Recharged Can Help
Finding the right BMW i3 black with blue roof accents is one thing. Knowing exactly what you’re buying under the skin is another. That’s where a specialized EV marketplace like Recharged comes in.
Why Consider a BMW i3 Through Recharged
Style on the outside, verified battery health on the inside.
Recharged Score Report
Every vehicle listed on Recharged includes a Recharged Score Report that summarizes battery health, charging performance, and overall condition, crucial data for an aging EV like the i3.
Fair Market Pricing & Financing
Recharged benchmarks each i3 against current market data so you’re not overpaying for a particular color or trim. Financing options make it easy to roll your next EV into a single monthly payment.
Trade‑In & Delivery
You can trade in your current vehicle, get an instant offer or choose consignment, and have your i3 delivered nationwide, without ever setting foot in a traditional showroom.
If you prefer to touch and feel before you decide, Recharged also operates an Experience Center in Richmond, VA, where EV specialists can walk you through how the i3 charges, drives, and fits your lifestyle.
FAQ: BMW i3 Black With Blue Roof
Frequently Asked Questions
A BMW i3 in black with blue roof accents is one of the most distinctive small EVs you can own, efficient, easy to park, and visually unlike anything else at the office charging lot. Focus less on chasing a mythical paint code and more on getting the right battery, trim, and condition for how you drive. If you pair that with a transparent look at battery health and fair market pricing, you’ll end up with a stylish city EV that still has plenty of life left in it, and that’s exactly where a platform like Recharged is designed to make your search easier.
