need help with BMW i3 buying criteria

I have a friend who is shopping for a used BMW i3. As a 2011 LEAF owner, I am well acquainted with the downsides to being the early adopter, and I can advise those interested in buying a used LEAF what the early technology problems were, what model years to favor, and how to ascertain the condition of the battery (the most important consideration).

Although I have superficial exposure to it, I have no such knowledge about the i3.

Anyone knowledgeable on the BMW i3 here? What are the differences in model year on the full electric models? What are the buying criteria for the first two or three model years? How does one verify the battery condition for this car?

Thanks in advance...

Steve in New Mexico

The biggest issue is problems with the range extender engine. Avoid the i3 Rex in favor of the pure electric version.

LeftieBiker said:

<span>The biggest issue is problems with the range extender engine. Avoid the <a href="http://www.mybmwi3.com/forum" class="interlinkr">i3<span class="tip">Visit the i3 Forum</span></a> Rex in favor of the pure electric version.</span>

Click to expand...

Absolutely. I have already advised my friend to stay away from that version!

I need to know a lot more about the i3's battery and the particular way BMW conveys its state of health.

Steve

Ask in the i3 forums?
https://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/

Cwerdna, who posts here later at night, used to follow the i3 forums elsewhere. He may have helpful info.

Joined and posted to the i3 forum as well.

Thanks, I'll PM Cwerdna.

Steve

I don't want to suggest that people PM Cwerdna, who is now a Bolt driver. He'll see this topic and respond, I'm sure.

zialeaf said:

Joined and posted to the i3 forum as well.

Click to expand...

For anyone interested:
https://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=16756

LeftieBiker said:

Cwerdna, who posts here later at night, used to follow the i3 forums elsewhere. He may have helpful info.

Click to expand...

Sorry. I don't any longer due to lack of time and interest.

Besides the already mentioned i3 forum (which I hardly ever visited), one can also join https://www.facebook.com/groups/BMWi3/. I used to monitor that FB group a lot more but not any more.

I will also second the advice to avoid older RExes. I can't speak to the new ones but the first few years were to me (from a reliability POV) utter POSes.