If you’re considering buying a BMW i model, such as the i3, i8, i7, or i4, you may be wondering about the battery warranty. After all, the battery is one of the most important and expensive components of an electric vehicle.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the BMW battery warranty for these models and answer all of your questions.
From the duration of the warranty to what is covered, we’ve got everything you need to know.
How Long is the Battery Warranty on BMW i?
One of the key concerns for many EV buyers is the battery’s longevity and reliability. The good news for BMW i3, i8, i7, or i4 owners is that the battery warranty for this vehicle is quite generous.
The high voltage battery in the BMW i is covered by a warranty that lasts for up to 8 years from the date of first registration, or up to 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever comes first.
This warranty is intended to give owners peace of mind, knowing that the battery is covered against defects or premature failure. If any issues arise with the battery during the warranty period, BMW will repair or replace it free of charge.
When Does the BMW i Battery Warranty Apply?
BMW battery warranty applies to new BMW i vehicles and covers certain repairs and replacements that may be needed due to defects in materials or workmanship.
In other words, the warranty will be accepted if the vehicle was operated in accordance with the owner’s manual provided by BMW.
Additionally, the warranty does not cover damage or repairs that result from accidents, misuse, modification, or normal wear and tear.
Normal wear and tear includes the gradual reduction in battery capacity over time due to usage, which is expected in all lithium-ion batteries.
According to BMW, the battery warranty covers if battery capacity has dropped below 70% of its original value at delivery of the new BMW i, the portion below 70% will be regarded as excessive capacity loss.
It’s important to note that the warranty is fully transferable to subsequent owners of this BMW i vehicle.
How to Operate Your Car to Ensure That Your BMW i Battery Warranty Remains Valid?
To ensure that your BMW i Battery Warranty remains valid, it is essential to have your vehicle inspected at the recommended service intervals specified by your BMW i onboard service indicator system.
During these inspections, any necessary checks and corrective work must be carried out.
Claims for technical defects or excessive capacity loss will not be accepted in case of an accident or under any of the following circumstances:
- Operating your BMW i in conditions for which it was not homologated, such as in a country with different regulations from the one it was originally supplied for.
- Overstressing or abnormal operation of your BMW i, such as participating in competitive motorsports events.
- Installing parts in your BMW i that were not approved by the manufacturer or manipulating your BMW i or any of its parts, including software, in a manner not approved by the manufacturer.
- Failing to follow the instructions for use, maintenance, and care of your BMW i vehicle, as outlined in the owner’s manual.
- Allowing someone other than an approved BMW i Service Authorised Workshop to remove or open the high voltage battery from your BMW i vehicle.
Important: EV battery replacement can cost $1000s. To avoid high-voltage battery replacement, there are some things you can do. Read this article to find out the 10 best ways to maximize EV battery life and save tons of money!
What are the Symptoms That May Indicate a Need for Battery Replacement?
- Rapid loss of charge: If your vehicle is not holding a charge as long as it used to or is losing charge more rapidly, it could indicate an issue with the battery.
- Reduced driving range: If you’re not able to go as far on a single charge as you did when the vehicle was new, this could also be a sign that the battery is deteriorating.
- Slow charging: If your vehicle is taking longer to charge than it used to, it could indicate that the battery is struggling to hold a charge.
- Warning lights or messages: Most electric vehicles have warning lights or messages that will indicate when there is an issue with the battery. If you receive a message or see a warning light related to the battery, it’s important to have it checked out as soon as possible.
- Unusual noises or vibrations: If you hear unusual noises or feel vibrations that you haven’t experienced before, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the battery or the electrical system.
- Decreased battery capacity: If battery capacity has dropped below 70% when warranty still applies, it’s a sign of problem.
It’s important to note that some of these symptoms may be caused by factors other than the battery, so it’s important to have your vehicle checked by a qualified technician to determine the cause of the issue.
If your BMW i3 i8, i7, or i4 is still under warranty, and you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be able to make a claim for battery replacement under the terms of the warranty.
Also read: BMW i8 Battery Replacement Cost Explained (in 2024)
How to Claim the Warranty and What to Expect During the Process?
If you encounter any problems with the battery during the warranty period, it’s essential to act promptly. Here’s what you can expect when making a battery warranty claim:
- Diagnostic Check: First, the BMW i must be brought to an authorized BMW i Service Center for a diagnostic check to determine the issue with the battery.
- Repair or Replacement: If the battery is found to be faulty, the authorized BMW i Service Center will either repair or replace it under warranty, depending on the extent of the issue.
- Warranty Coverage: If the battery is repaired or replaced under warranty, the remaining coverage of the original battery warranty will continue to apply.
To claim the BMW i battery warranty, it’s important to have your vehicle serviced at authorized BMW i Service Centers and maintain your BMW i at the recommended service intervals.
Additionally, keep records of all maintenance work performed on your BMW i to ensure that the warranty coverage is not voided.
In case of any issues, you can contact your local authorized BMW i Service Center or BMW i Customer Care to initiate a warranty claim.
The BMW i Customer Care team will assist you in finding an authorized BMW i Service Center and guide you through the process of making a warranty claim.
It’s important to note that the BMW i battery warranty may not cover all types of damage or issues caused by factors beyond the manufacturer’s control, such as accidents or misuse.
In such cases, it’s advisable to check with your authorized BMW i Service Center for repair options and associated costs.
Comparing BMW i Battery Warranty with Other Electric Cars
Here’s how the BMW i battery warranty compares to other popular EVs.
- Tesla Model S: The battery and drive unit are covered for 8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Nissan Leaf: The battery is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Leaf’s electric powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles.
- Chevrolet Bolt EV: The battery and electric propulsion system are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: The battery and electric components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Volkswagen ID.4: The battery and electric components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
As you can see the battery warranty duration is pretty similar, and warranty rules are pretty much the same in each case.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace Your BMW i EV Battery if the Warranty is Voided?
If your BMW i is voided, or expired, you might want to consider replacing your battery at your own cost.
The cost of replacing the battery in electric vehicles is subject to several variables such as the model, battery size, battery availability, labor expenses, and geographical location.
It is important to keep in mind that the replacement of the battery is a costly process. In most cases, BMW i battery replacement can cost around $15,000 (about £12,000).
It is essential to note that the replacement cost of batteries may reduce gradually as the technology advances and production costs decrease.
However, before considering battery replacement, it’s worth exploring alternative options that can save you money. One alternative is to refurbish the battery rather than replacing it entirely.
Refurbishing involves replacing only the damaged or worn-out cells of the battery instead of the entire unit. This process can be significantly cheaper than battery replacement, and it can extend the life of your existing battery.
Another option is to buy a used battery from a reputable source. This can be a cost-effective solution, but it’s important to ensure that the battery has been tested and certified as safe and reliable.
Some car dealerships or specialized electric vehicle shops may also offer refurbished or used batteries for sale.
If you’re looking to save money on battery replacement or refurbishment, you can consider reaching out to independent mechanics or specialized EV repair shops.
These shops may have lower labor costs than dealership service centers, and they may also offer competitive pricing on battery replacement or refurbishment.