2026 BMW i3

The BMW i3 base model lacks keyless entry (Comfort Access), requiring manual key fob use to unlock, but this is not clearly disclosed on build configurators or main website pages. Owners discover it o...

BMW Connected Services subscription ($120/year) descriptions fail to specify inclusions like state of charge monitoring, leading owners to confusion over what they pay for. Distinction between free li...

BMW sends notifications for initial 4-year free services expiration but not for annual Connected Services renewals, leaving owners surprised by lapsed access.

Free Remote Services are advertised as providing 'control and check functions as long as technically capable,' but BMW requires extra Connected Services payment to unlock check functions like state of...

BMW's privacy notices are long, complicated, and filled with legalese, making it hard for buyers to understand data handling practices before agreeing.

Connected services require agreeing to arbitration terms and a separate Privacy Policy for data processing, not clearly disclosed in purchase documents.

The i3's pedestrian alert system emits an artificial whirring sound at low speeds to warn nearby pedestrians of the quiet electric vehicle. After a software update, owners report this sound became exc...

The i3's camera-based adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist systems are designed to maintain speed and distance automatically. Owners complain they frequently disable unexpectedly due to weat...

The i3's seatbelt warning chime activates immediately upon vehicle startup. It cannot be disabled and requires fastening the seatbelt before turning on the car to avoid it.

The i3's climate control system automatically turns on every time the car is started, forcing owners to manually disable it each drive. This lacks a setting to keep it off by default.

The i3's infotainment system resets volume to zero and input to default every time the car starts, requiring manual readjustment each drive. Owners miss retaining previous audio settings.

The i3's radio lacks a true power-off button and only mutes audio, preventing complete shutdown of the entertainment system.

The i3 replaces the traditional rotary iDrive controller with steering wheel controls that feel fiddly and require screen interaction for changes like climate, distracting while driving.

The i3's built-in charging timer often fails to hold settings and defaults to immediate charge, frustrating owners trying to schedule for off-peak rates without external solutions.

Apple CarPlay in the i3 does not utilize the full screen, leaving about one third black on the right side, and lacks touch input for widget selection due to non-touchscreen.

The My BMW app fails to show lock status, preconditioning, or accurate location unless the user is inside the car, despite an active subscription.

The i3 automatically powers off whenever the driver exits, even for brief stops like checking the mailbox, preventing quick returns without restarting.

The i3 key fob lacks a hatch release button, requiring extra steps to access the trunk since it remains locked after auto-locking.

The i3's charge-remaining indicator is limited to a simplistic 4-bar gauge with no detailed options like kWh remaining.

The i3's auto door locks cannot be fully disabled, and the hatch does not automatically unlock when parking.

The i3 horn produces a single note with a noticeable delay when pressing the steering wheel button.

The i3 digital instrument cluster lacks next/previous track controls for Bluetooth audio via steering wheel, unlike other BMW models.

The BMW i3 receives over-the-air (OTA) software updates to add features or fix bugs. After a recent OTA update, all driver preferences, presets, digital keys, and iPhone connections were completely wi...

The BMW i3's telematics system and My BMW app collect vast amounts of personal data including precise location, driving behavior, diagnostics, sensor readings, vehicle images, contacts, and even audio...

BMW shares collected data with affiliates, dealers, service providers, business partners, insurers, advertisers, and potentially data brokers or for marketing. It may also disclose data to law enforce...

The i3's embedded telematics control unit uses GPS to continuously track the vehicle's precise location, direction, and movements, accessible via the My BMW app and services. BMW can locate the car as...

Data collected by the My BMW app cannot be deleted, with no guaranteed deletion rights in all regions. This traps personal and driving data indefinitely.

The BMW i3's Digital Key feature lets owners share vehicle access with others via the Connected Drive app. Owners complain it imposes strict limitations like speed caps and radio volume restrictions, ...

BMW's Connected Drive services, which enable remote control features like locking/unlocking and preconditioning the i3, can be suspended or terminated by BMW at any time without cause. This risks sudd...

The iDrive navigation system, which provides GPS mapping and routing, suddenly displays incorrect positions like being in the middle of the sea instead of the actual location. Owners report this glitc...

The vehicle's software has bugs that affect overall reliability, particularly in charging and electrical systems. Owners frequently need to reset the software to address these issues.

The MyBMW app provides remote access to vehicle status like state of charge (SOC), charging status, and door locks. After the initial 4-year free Connected Services period ends, SOC and other key data...

BMW ConnectedDrive remote services like lock/unlock, horn, and full app functionality previously worked via the BMW i Remote app even after some subscriptions expired. The newer MyBMW app loses these ...

BMW's ConnectedDrive services, including app access and remote features for 4G-equipped i3s, now cost $120/year after the free trial—up from $50 previously—with owners complaining it's overpriced and ...