BMW's 2017 electric lineup: the i3 and i8

BMW offered two fully electric vehicles in 2017: the i3 and the i8. The i3 was a compact city car with a 42-kilowatt-hour battery and an EPA-estimated range of 114 miles on a full charge. The i8 was a plug-in hybrid sports car with a 7.6-kilowatt-hour battery, a gasoline engine, and a combined range of roughly 330 miles (about 15 miles on electric power alone before the engine engaged). Both used BMW's proprietary charging connector, not the standard SAE J1772 plug found on most other electric vehicles.

The i3 started at around $43,000 before incentives, while the i8 began near $143,000. The i3 came in standard and "Range Extender" versions—the Range Extender added a small gasoline engine that kicked in when the battery depleted, extending total range to over 200 miles. The i8 was always a plug-in hybrid; there was no all-electric version in 2017.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2017 i3 offered 114 miles of electric range and could be charged at home with a Level 2 charger or at public stations with BMW's proprietary connector.
  • The i8 was a plug-in hybrid with only 15 miles of electric range, designed as a performance car rather than an electric commuter.
  • Both models used BMW's proprietary charging plug, which limits charging options compared to vehicles using the standard SAE J1772 connector.
  • The i3 Range Extender added a gasoline engine for longer trips, making it practical for owners without reliable home charging.
  • Used 2017 models are now eight years old and may have battery degradation, so inspecting battery health and charging history is important before purchase.

Battery range and real-world driving distance

The 2017 i3's EPA rating of 114 miles assumed mostly highway driving under ideal conditions. Real-world range typically fell between 90 and 110 miles depending on driving style, weather, and terrain. Cold weather reduced range by 20 to 30 percent, and highway driving at higher speeds consumed battery faster than city driving. Owners who drove mostly on local roads and highways under 55 miles per hour often reported reaching the upper end of that range.

The i8's 15-mile electric range was intentional—BMW designed it as a performance hybrid for drivers who wanted electric acceleration and low-emission city driving, not as a vehicle meant to run on battery alone for long distances. Most i8 owners used the electric mode for commuting and short trips, then relied on the gasoline engine for highway travel.

Charging infrastructure and connector compatibility

The 2017 i3 and i8 both used BMW's proprietary connector, which was not compatible with the SAE J1772 standard plug used by Tesla, Nissan, Chevrolet, and most other manufacturers. This meant owners could not use the majority of public charging stations in the United States without an adapter or a visit to a BMW-specific network.

BMW operated its own charging network called ChargeNow (later rebranded as BMW Charging), but coverage was limited compared to networks like Electrify America or EVgo. Home charging with a Level 2 charger was the most practical option for 2017 i3 owners. Installation of a 240-volt home charger typically cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on electrical work required. A full charge at home took 6 to 8 hours with a Level 2 charger, or roughly 30 hours with a standard 120-volt outlet.

Maintenance and battery degradation in used 2017 models

The 2017 i3 came with an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty on the battery, which has now expired for most used models. Battery degradation in the i3 was typically gradual—most owners reported losing 5 to 10 percent of capacity over the first five years, with the rate slowing afterward. By 2025, an eight-year-old i3 might have lost 10 to 15 percent of its original range, though individual results varied based on charging habits and climate.

The i8's smaller battery degraded more slowly in absolute terms because it was used less intensively, but the loss of even a few miles from a 15-mile electric range was more noticeable. Owners considering a used 2017 i3 or i8 should request the battery health report from the seller or have a BMW dealer run a diagnostic. This report shows the current capacity as a percentage of the original specification and can reveal whether the battery has degraded normally or faster than expected.

Charging costs and electricity rates

Charging a 2017 i3 at home cost roughly $3 to $5 per full charge, depending on local electricity rates. This translated to about 3 to 4 cents per mile of range, compared to 10 to 15 cents per mile for a gasoline car averaging 25 miles per gallon. Owners in states with lower electricity rates (such as Louisiana or Washington) paid less; those in high-cost areas (California, Massachusetts, New York) paid more.

Public charging through BMW's network or third-party stations typically cost $2 to $4 per hour or $8 to $15 per session, depending on the provider and location. Fast charging was not widely available for the i3 in 2017—most public chargers were Level 2, which delivered the same 6 to 8 hour charge time as home charging. This made the i3 less practical for road trips without planning multiple charging stops.

Comparing the i3 and i8 to other 2017 electric vehicles

The 2017 Nissan Leaf offered 107 miles of range at a lower starting price (around $30,000) and used the standard CHAdeMO fast-charging connector, which had broader public infrastructure. The Tesla Model S and Model X offered significantly longer range (250+ miles) but at higher prices. The Chevy Bolt, released in late 2016, delivered 238 miles of range and used the standard SAE J1772 connector, making it more practical for long-distance travel.

The i3 was best suited for urban and suburban drivers with reliable home charging and short daily commutes. The i8 competed in a different market—it was a luxury performance car where the electric motor and battery were features, not the primary purpose. Neither model was designed to compete directly with the Bolt or Model S on range or practicality; they served different buyer priorities.

Depreciation and used market value

A 2017 i3 with moderate mileage (40,000 to 60,000 miles) typically sold for $18,000 to $25,000 in 2024 and 2025, depending on condition, battery health, and local market. The Range Extender version commanded a slight premium because it offered more flexibility for owners without reliable charging. The i8, with its higher original price and lower production volume, held value better in percentage terms but still depreciated significantly—a 2017 i8 with similar mileage ranged from $80,000 to $110,000.

Depreciation was driven partly by battery concerns and partly by the rapid improvement in competing electric vehicles. A 2017 i3 with 114 miles of range looked less attractive in 2024 when a new Chevy Equinox EV offered 319 miles for a similar price. Used buyers often prioritized newer models with longer range and better charging infrastructure compatibility, which pushed older i3 and i8 prices down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Tesla Supercharger or Electrify America station with a 2017 BMW i3?

No. The i3 uses BMW's proprietary connector, not Tesla's or the standard SAE J1772 plug. You would need an adapter to use some third-party networks, but adapters are not widely available for the BMW connector. Home charging or BMW's own ChargeNow network are your most reliable options.

How much does battery replacement cost if the battery fails on a used 2017 i3?

A replacement battery for the 2017 i3 costs between $5,000 and $12,000 before labor, depending on the capacity and whether you choose an OEM or aftermarket unit. Labor adds another $1,000 to $2,000. Since the factory warranty expired after 8 years, most owners pay out of pocket. This is one reason to check battery health before buying a used model.

Is the 2017 i3 practical for someone without home charging?

It is difficult. Without home charging, you depend on public stations, which are less common than gas stations and often require planning. The 114-mile range means you cannot charge opportunistically—you need to know where chargers are located. The Range Extender version is more practical in this situation because the gasoline engine removes the range anxiety.

What is the difference between the i3 and i3 Range Extender?

The standard i3 is fully electric with a 42-kilowatt-hour battery and 114 miles of range. The Range Extender adds a small gasoline engine that activates when the battery is depleted, extending total range to over 200 miles. The Range Extender costs more upfront but is better for owners who take longer trips or lack reliable home charging.

Does the 2017 i8 make sense as an everyday car?

The i8 is a sports car first and an electric vehicle second. With only 15 miles of electric range, it is not designed for all-electric commuting. It is best suited for buyers who want performance, luxury, and the prestige of owning a plug-in hybrid, not for those seeking to minimize fuel consumption or emissions on a daily basis.