Search for “BMW i3 MSRP” and you’ll see a wide spread of numbers: mid-$40,000s, low-$50,000s, even higher when heavily optioned. That’s because the BMW i3 spent nearly a decade on sale in the U.S., with changing batteries, trims, and the sporty i3s model all affecting the sticker price. If you’re eyeing a used i3 today, understanding its original MSRP is the first step to knowing whether you’re getting a smart deal.
Quick take
Most BMW i3s sold in the U.S. carried an original MSRP in the mid-to-high $40,000s, with well‑equipped i3s Range Extender models pushing into the low‑$50,000 range. Today, they often sell for a fraction of that, depending on battery health and mileage.
BMW i3 MSRP overview: what shoppers really mean
When people ask about the BMW i3 MSRP, they’re usually trying to answer one of three questions: how expensive the car was new, how much depreciation they’re benefiting from now, and whether a specific used i3 is fairly priced. Because BMW sold the i3 from the 2014 to the 2021 model years in the U.S., MSRP changed several times as the battery grew, equipment lists evolved, and the i3s performance model arrived.
- Early 2014 i3 models typically carried base MSRPs just over $41,000 before options and destination.
- By 2017, a 94 Ah i3 with the range extender engine listed around the mid‑$40,000s to high‑$40,000s.
- The 2018 refresh and i3s model pushed top MSRPs into the low‑$50,000s for fully loaded Range Extender versions.
MSRP vs what people paid
MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, not necessarily what buyers actually paid. Incentives, dealer discounts, and federal tax credits all lowered effective transaction prices on new i3s, something to keep in mind when you compare MSRP to today’s used values.
BMW i3 MSRP by year and trim (U.S.)
Exact pricing varied by options and destination charges, but published guides give a clear picture of how BMW i3 MSRPs evolved. The table below focuses on commonly cited base prices for key U.S. model years and trims so you can benchmark the car you’re looking at.
Approximate BMW i3 MSRP by year and key trims (U.S.)
Representative base MSRPs for popular BMW i3 configurations in the U.S. market. Actual window stickers could be higher with options and packages.
| Model year / trim | Battery / variant | Approx. base MSRP* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 i3 BEV | 60 Ah (all‑electric) | ~$41,000–$42,000 | First U.S. model year, smaller battery |
| 2014 i3 REx | 60 Ah Range Extender | ~$45,000–$46,000 | Adds 0.65L two‑cyl. gasoline generator |
| 2017 i3 60 Ah | 60 Ah BEV | $42,400 | Entry 2017 trim with smaller pack |
| 2017 i3 94 Ah | 94 Ah BEV | $44,450 | Larger battery, more range |
| 2017 i3 94 Ah REx | 94 Ah with Range Extender | $48,300 | Popular configuration for longer trips |
| 2018 i3 94 Ah | 94 Ah BEV | $45,445 | Facelifted model, updated tech |
| 2018 i3s 94 Ah | i3s performance BEV | $48,645 | More power, sport suspension |
| 2018 i3 94 Ah REx | 94 Ah with Range Extender | $49,295 | Comfort‑oriented, extended range |
| 2018 i3s 94 Ah REx | i3s with Range Extender | $51,500–$52,495 | Top‑of‑range performance REx |
| 2019–2021 i3 / i3s | 120 Ah BEV / REx | High‑$40Ks to low‑$50Ks | Larger 42.2 kWh battery, similar pricing bands |
Use this as a sanity check when comparing a used BMW i3’s asking price to its original MSRP.
About the numbers
Figures above are rounded and focus on representative trims. Destination charges and option packages (Tech, Driver Assistance, "World" interior lines, etc.) could move an individual i3’s MSRP several thousand dollars higher.
BMW i3 pricing in context
Key BMW i3 trims, options, and how they affected MSRP
To make sense of BMW i3 MSRP, you need to understand the trim and option structure. BMW didn’t use traditional “SE/SEL” trims here. Instead, it sold the i3 in a handful of mechanical configurations, then layered on interior “Worlds” and packages.
How configuration changed BMW i3 MSRP
Three main decisions shaped what showed up on the Monroney sticker.
Battery size
60 Ah, 94 Ah, 120 Ah battery packs each bumped MSRP as range improved. Later 94 Ah and 120 Ah cars commanded higher prices new and still bring stronger money used.
Range Extender (REx)
Adding the small 2‑cylinder gasoline generator and fuel tank typically added several thousand dollars to MSRP. Many U.S. buyers paid the premium for peace of mind on longer trips.
i3 vs i3s
The i3s performance model brought more power, a sport‑tuned chassis, and wider tires. It also carried a higher base price, especially in Range Extender form.
Interior “Worlds” and style packages
Instead of classic trim levels, BMW offered the i3 with themed interiors known as Megaworld, Giga World, Tera World, and others. These changed upholstery, dash materials, and features like heated seats or upgraded navigation.
Choosing a higher "World" or adding packages such as Tech & Driver Assist or Parking Assist readily pushed MSRP several thousand dollars above the base figure you see in pricing guides.
Options that moved the needle
- Tech & Driver Assist Package: big infotainment upgrade plus advanced safety tech.
- Premium interior materials: leather, open‑pore wood, and unique eco‑friendly trims.
- DC fast‑charging capability: effectively a must‑have option for public charging flexibility.
When you evaluate a used i3, check the original window sticker or build sheet if available. A fully optioned car might have carried an MSRP $5,000–$8,000 higher than the nominal “base price” for its year.
BMW i3 MSRP vs today’s used prices
Here’s where things get interesting. A car that wore a $48,000 MSRP as recently as the late 2010s can now appear on dealer lots for well under half that number. That’s a combination of normal luxury‑car depreciation, rapid EV technology improvement, and consumer anxiety around range and battery life.
From MSRP to used‑market asking prices
How original sticker prices for common i3 configurations compare to typical used‑market asking ranges today (as of late 2025).
| Example configuration | Original MSRP (approx.) | Typical asking range today* | What that means for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 i3 BEV, 60 Ah | ~$41,000–$42,000 | Often mid‑$8,000s–$12,000s | Heaviest depreciation; focus hard on battery health and charging history. |
| 2017 i3 94 Ah BEV | $44,450 | Routinely around low‑to‑mid‑teens | More range than 2014 cars, still relatively affordable. |
| 2017 i3 94 Ah REx | $48,300 | Low‑teens to high‑teens depending on miles | Popular spec; Range Extender makes these more desirable used. |
| 2018 i3s 94 Ah REx | $51,500–$52,495 | Mid‑teens to low‑$20Ks | Performance and REx keep values stronger, especially with reasonable miles. |
| 2019–2021 120 Ah i3 / i3s | High‑$40Ks to low‑$50Ks | Frequently high‑teens to mid‑$20Ks | Newer battery and extra range bring higher used prices, but still far below MSRP. |
Think of this as a depreciation snapshot, not a quote. Actual prices depend on mileage, battery health, options, and local demand.
The upside of steep depreciation
For used‑EV shoppers, the i3’s luxury‑car depreciation curve is a feature, not a bug. You’re getting high‑end materials, BMW driving dynamics, and distinctive design for compact‑car money, as long as the battery checks out.
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How battery health affects what a BMW i3 is worth
Unlike a gasoline 3 Series, a used BMW i3 lives or dies in the market based on its battery health. Two cars with the same original MSRP and similar mileage can differ thousands of dollars in real‑world value if one has significantly more usable range left.
Why battery condition matters more than MSRP
Three reasons you shouldn’t judge an i3 only by its original price tag.
Range equals usability
A 60 Ah i3 that now manages only 60–70 miles of realistic range may not fit your daily needs, no matter how high its MSRP once was. Later 94 Ah and 120 Ah packs give you more breathing room.
Charging pattern history
Frequent DC fast‑charging and constant 100% charges can stress a pack over time. A car primarily charged at home on Level 2, kept between about 20–80% regularly, will typically age more gracefully.
Diagnostics beat guesswork
A proper battery diagnostic report tells you usable capacity and cell health instead of leaving you to infer everything from the dash’s range estimate on a single test drive.
Where Recharged fits in
Every EV sold through Recharged includes a Recharged Score Report with verified battery health and transparent pricing. That means you can compare a car’s current condition to its original BMW i3 MSRP and quickly see whether the deal actually makes sense.
Cost of ownership: fuel, maintenance, and incentives
High original MSRPs sometimes scare shoppers away, but the BMW i3’s ongoing costs can be surprisingly reasonable compared with a similarly priced gasoline BMW. When you factor in lower fuel and maintenance expenses, a used i3 can pencil out very favorably.
Electricity vs gasoline
- Even early i3s delivered triple‑digit MPGe figures in EPA testing, meaning far less energy cost per mile than a comparable gas vehicle.
- Charging at home on a reasonable electricity rate is typically the cheapest way to run an i3, especially if your driving is mostly local.
- Public DC fast charging is more expensive per kWh, but you’ll likely use it occasionally rather than daily.
Maintenance and repairs
- No oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust system work on BEV versions.
- Brake wear is usually low because of aggressive regenerative braking.
- You still have tires, suspension, cabin filters, and, on REx models, engine‑related service to budget for.
Because original MSRPs were high, some buyers expect luxury‑car maintenance bills. In practice, many i3 owners see lower day‑to‑day running costs than in a comparable gas BMW, as long as they keep up with routine service.
Don’t forget past incentives
When the i3 was new, many buyers claimed a federal EV tax credit and, in some states, additional rebates. That means the effective price paid new was often well below MSRP. Depreciation is based on market reality, not just the original sticker.
How to shop smart for a used BMW i3
Knowing what the BMW i3 cost new is useful, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. A smart shopper looks at configuration, battery, usage history, and current pricing in today’s EV market.
Used BMW i3 buying checklist
1. Decode the car’s configuration
Confirm whether you’re looking at a 60 Ah, 94 Ah, or 120 Ah car; whether it’s BEV or Range Extender; and whether it’s an i3 or i3s. A 2018 i3s REx with a ~$52K MSRP is a different animal than an early 60 Ah BEV that stickered around the low‑$40Ks.
2. Compare asking price to original MSRP
Once you know the configuration and approximate MSRP, compare it to the current ask. Has the car lost 50–70% of its original value? That’s common for luxury EVs of this age, but unusually strong or weak pricing deserves a closer look.
3. Get objective battery health data
Insist on a battery report rather than relying on the guess‑o‑meter range display. On Recharged, this is built into the Recharged Score so you can quickly filter out cars with questionable packs.
4. Review charging and service history
Ask how the car was charged (mostly home Level 2 vs frequent fast charging) and request service records. Regular software updates and BMW‑recommended maintenance are good signs that the car was cared for.
5. Inspect tires, brakes, and suspension
The i3’s narrow tires and unique suspension setup matter to how it drives. Excessively worn tires or neglected brakes may not be deal‑breakers, but they should factor into your negotiation.
6. Factor in your daily driving pattern
Match the car’s realistic range to your commute and road‑trip expectations. A 60 Ah i3 might be perfect as a city runabout, while a 120 Ah i3s REx is better suited to mixed highway use.
What not to do
Don’t fixate on the highest MSRP you’ve seen quoted for the i3 and assume every used example is a steal. A neglected early car with a tired pack can be overpriced at $10,000, while a later, low‑mile 120 Ah i3s with a clean battery report might be very fairly priced over $20,000.
BMW i3 MSRP and value: FAQ
Frequently asked questions about BMW i3 MSRP and pricing
Is a used BMW i3 a good deal today?
Stacked up against its original MSRP in the $40,000–$50,000 range, a well‑kept used BMW i3 looks like a bargain today. You’re buying into a carbon‑fiber structure, a distinctive high‑design cabin, and the sort of city‑friendly agility that still feels ahead of its time. The key is to look past the headline sticker price from years ago and focus on configuration, battery health, and real‑world asking prices.
If you want help making sense of all that, Recharged was built for exactly this moment in the EV market. Every i3 we list comes with a Recharged Score Report that pairs a verified battery‑health diagnostic with fair‑market pricing data and EV‑specialist guidance from start to finish. That way, you can treat BMW’s original MSRP as interesting history, and focus on whether the i3 in front of you is the right electric car, at the right price, for the way you drive.
