If you’re hunting for a BMW i3 range extender for sale, you’re probably looking for a city-friendly EV that can still bail you out on longer drives. The i3 REx (Range Extender) is one of the quirkiest, most cleverly engineered small EVs of the last decade, and on the used market, it can be a bargain. This guide walks you through how the system works, real‑world range, which model years to target, what to inspect, and how to buy with confidence.
Quick definition
In BMW‑speak, “REx” means the i3 has a small gasoline engine that acts purely as a generator. It does not drive the wheels; it just maintains battery charge to extend your range when the pack gets low.
Why the BMW i3 Range Extender Is Still Interesting
BMW stopped building the i3 in 2022, but the range‑extender versions are still drawing used‑car shoppers in 2025. If you commute mostly on electricity yet worry about road trips or surprise detours, the i3 REx hits a sweet spot. You get the light, rear‑motor feel of a pure EV, plus a compact gas generator that roughly doubles your usable range without the complexity of a conventional hybrid.
What Makes the i3 REx Stand Out on the Used Market
Three reasons shoppers still search for BMW i3 range extender models
City EV with backup
High efficiency
Depreciation is your friend
How the BMW i3 Range Extender Actually Works
Under the rear floor of the i3 REx sits a 647 cc two‑cylinder gasoline engine derived from a BMW scooter. It’s tuned to around 34–38 horsepower and connected to a generator. When the battery drops to a low state of charge, the engine starts automatically and feeds electricity to the motor and battery to maintain charge, not restore it to full.
- You drive on battery power as usual. The i3 behaves like a regular EV until the state of charge gets low.
- At a preset threshold, the range extender engine starts and runs at steady revs to power a generator.
- The generator feeds the electric motor and lightly supports the battery to hold charge rather than recharge it deeply.
- You can keep driving at normal city and moderate highway speeds; very steep grades at high speed can eventually outrun the generator’s output.
- Once you plug in and recharge, the car goes back to being a pure EV until the next time the battery runs low.
Think of it as an insurance policy
The smoothest way to live with an i3 REx is to treat the gas engine as a backup plan, not primary propulsion. If you’re regularly running long highway stints on gas, a plug‑in hybrid or longer‑range EV might suit you better.
Real-World BMW i3 REx Range: Battery and Gas
When you’re eyeing a BMW i3 range extender for sale, you’re really buying a package: electric range from the battery plus safety‑net range from that little fuel tank. The exact numbers depend on the battery generation.
BMW i3 REx EPA Range by Battery Generation
Approximate EPA‑rated ranges for U.S.‑market i3 REx models. Real‑world results depend on speed, temperature, and driving style.
| Battery pack | Model years (U.S.) | Electric range (EPA) | Total range (EPA) | Gas-only range (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 Ah (22 kWh gross) | 2014–2016 | ~72 miles | ~150 miles | ~75–80 miles |
| 94 Ah (33 kWh gross) | 2017–early 2018 | ~97 miles | ~180 miles | ~80–85 miles |
| 120 Ah (42.2 kWh gross) | 2019–2021 REx | ~126 miles | ~200 miles | ~70–75 miles |
Later 120 Ah cars meaningfully stretch both electric and total range.
Fuel tank details
U.S. i3 REx cars carry about 1.9 gallons of usable gasoline from a 2.4‑gallon tank, limited by software to satisfy regulatory rules. Expect roughly 35–40 mpg on the range extender in mixed driving.
Quick Range Snapshot for the i3 REx
Highway caveat
At 75+ mph on steep grades, the generator can struggle to keep up, slowly draining the battery. It’s not dangerous, but you may notice reduced performance if you push hard for extended periods with a low state of charge.
Model Years: Which BMW i3 REx Should You Look For?
The i3 lineup didn’t stand still. BMW quietly improved battery capacity, features, and charging over the years. When you’re scanning listings for an i3 range extender for sale, understanding these changes helps you spot the sweet spots.
Early cars: 2014–2016 (60 Ah)
- Battery: 60 Ah pack, about 72 miles EPA electric range on REx.
- Pros: Often the least expensive; still great city cars.
- Cons: Shorter range, earlier infotainment, and older DC fast‑charge standards on some cars.
- Best for: Short commutes, multi‑car households, buyers with tight budgets.
Mid‑cycle and final cars: 2017–2021 (94 & 120 Ah)
- Battery: 94 Ah (2017–2018) and 120 Ah (2019–2021) packs with significantly more range.
- Pros: More miles per charge, later software, and better long‑drive flexibility.
- Cons: Higher purchase price; low‑mileage examples can be sought after.
- Best for: One‑car households and buyers who regularly do 80–120‑mile days.
Sweet‑spot picks
For most shoppers, a 2017–2018 i3 REx with the 94 Ah pack offers the best balance of price and range. If your budget stretches further, a 2019–2021 120 Ah i3 REx gives you total range close to 200 miles in a compact package.
Common Issues to Watch For When Shopping i3 REx
Visitors also read...
No used car is perfect, and the i3 REx has a few quirks worth understanding before you fall for a particular listing. The good news: most are manageable if you know what to look for and budget accordingly.
i3 REx Trouble Spots
Four areas to pay attention to on a pre‑purchase inspection
Battery health & DC fast charging
Range extender maintenance
Suspension, tires, and wheels
Charging port and cables
Walk‑away red flags
Salvage or flood titles, unexplained warning lights, or a seller unwilling to share service records are reasons to keep shopping, no matter how rare the color or how tempting the price.
Pricing: What a Used BMW i3 Range Extender Costs
Used pricing for the i3 REx swings with battery size, model year, mileage, options, and local demand for small EVs. Early 60 Ah cars with higher mileage tend to be the most affordable doorway into electric ownership; low‑mileage 120 Ah cars command a premium, especially with desirable colors and options like Tech or Giga World packages.
Why prices vary so much
Remember that the i3 was sold as a premium small BMW. Two cars that look similar in photos can differ thousands of dollars in original MSRP, options, and battery pack, so don’t compare only on year and mileage.
- Expect older 2014–2016 60 Ah REx cars with average mileage to price closer to mainstream compact hatchbacks.
- 2017–2018 94 Ah REx models usually sit in the middle of the range, with stronger demand in EV‑friendly states.
- 2019–2021 120 Ah REx cars often command the highest prices, especially with low miles and clean histories.
- Vehicles with documented battery health, complete service records, and DC fast‑charge capability are worth paying more for.
Inspection Checklist Before You Buy
Whether you’re shopping at a dealership, from a private seller, or through a marketplace like Recharged, use a structured inspection approach. The right checklist can turn that first test drive into real confidence instead of guesswork.
BMW i3 REx Pre‑Purchase Checklist
1. Confirm battery size and options
Verify whether the car has a 60, 94, or 120 Ah pack, and confirm <strong>DC fast‑charge capability</strong>. Original window stickers, VIN decoders, or a seller’s build sheet can help.
2. Review battery health data
Ask for a recent <strong>battery state‑of‑health report</strong>. On Recharged vehicles, this comes via the Recharged Score, which measures real pack capacity in an independent test rather than guessing from a dash gauge.
3. Cold start and test the REx engine
Ideally start the gasoline engine from cold and listen for rattles, misfires, or warning lights. Check for any stored engine‑related codes and ask about past maintenance.
4. Drive both city and highway
A proper test drive should include <strong>stop‑and‑go traffic and a highway stint</strong>. Feel for smooth transitions when the REx kicks in, and check that the car tracks straight and brakes confidently.
5. Inspect charging equipment and port
Confirm the portable charger powers on, locks into the port securely, and charges without errors. Look closely at the port for cracks, corrosion, or bent pins.
6. Check Carfax and service history
Look for regular maintenance, especially REx engine oil services and any warranty work. Be wary of repeated high‑voltage or range‑extender‑related repairs that were never fully resolved.
How Recharged Helps You Buy a Solid i3 REx
The hardest part of shopping for any used EV isn’t the paint color, it’s battery health and transparency. That’s exactly where Recharged focuses. When you browse an i3 range extender for sale on Recharged, every vehicle comes with a Recharged Score Report that measures real battery capacity and benchmarks pricing against the market so you’re not guessing.
What You Get When You Buy an i3 REx Through Recharged
Less guesswork, more confidence
Verified battery diagnostics
Fair, transparent pricing
Financing, trade‑in & delivery
Expert EV support included
EVs are different. When you work with Recharged, you get access to EV‑specialist support from first question through final paperwork, so you always know what you’re buying and why it fits your life.
BMW i3 Range Extender FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About the BMW i3 REx
Is a BMW i3 Range Extender Right for You?
If you spend your days threading through city streets, parking in tight spots, and racking up mostly short trips, a BMW i3 range extender can feel like the perfect cheat code: nearly all the benefits of an EV with a built‑in plan B. The key is matching the battery size and price to your daily reality, and verifying battery health so you know how much range you’ll actually have in your climate.
Take your time, drive a couple of examples, and use a structured checklist, not just your gut. And if you’d rather skip the guesswork, shopping i3 REx models on Recharged means every car comes with a Recharged Score Report, clear pricing, financing options, trade‑in support, and nationwide delivery. That way, the only surprise you get is how much you enjoy driving this little carbon‑fiber oddball every day.
