Jimmy
“Thanks to EngineMarket, I saved over £1,200 on my engine replacement and got matched with a great local specialist within the hour.”
Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW i Series engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines - supply & fit available nationwide.
-> Rebuilt units from £1,850 · Common codes: B38A15R, B38A15R-2, B38A15R-3
-> Rebuilt units from £2,400 · Common codes: B38A15T0, B38A15T0-2
-> Rebuilt units from £2,150 · Common codes: EM100, EM100-2, EM200, EM200-2, EM200-3
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Get Instant Quotes from BMW Engine Specialists Across the UK - 100% free, no obligation. Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
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The table below shows typical UK rebuilt engine costs across BMW i Series variants, covering documented failure causes, chassis codes, engine codes, fuel types and battery sizes based on current market data.

Customer Reviews
Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 1,081 verified customers who sourced reconditioned and used BMW i Series engines through EngineMarket.
Jimmy
“Thanks to EngineMarket, I saved over £1,200 on my engine replacement and got matched with a great local specialist within the hour.”
Pete
“Got three quotes within an hour and chose the best deal easily. The whole process was quick, clear and stress-free.”
Sophie
“I wasn't sure what I needed, but they helped me identify the right engine and connected me with a trusted garage.”
Thanks to EngineMarket, I saved over £1,200 on my engine replacement and got matched with a great local specialist within the hour.”
- Jimmy, London
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From the urban-focused i3 60Ah pure electric to the high-performance i8 Coupe plug-in hybrid, our network of UK BMW i Series engine specialists covers every electrified powertrain. Compare rebuilt, reconditioned and used engine prices with typical UK ranges for a rebuilt drive unit or range extender including a 12-month warranty - supply & fit available nationwide.
A full alphabetical listing of every BMW i Series trim covered by our network. All entries link to a dedicated variant page, where prices are further broken down by engine code, model year, and condition type. Click a live link to compare quotes.
Every engine code fitted to the BMW i Series across all generations, with technical specs, compatible variants and trims, known failure points, and average rebuilt prices from UK specialists. Select any engine code to compare quotes.
Extracted from detailed petrol and performance engine families across BMW i Series variants.
Extracted from electrified powertrains and hybrid engine families used in BMW i Series variants.
Can’t find your engine code? Enter your registration number above - we’ll instantly identify the exact unit, its technical specifications, and live replacement prices from UK BMW i Series engine specialists. Every rebuilt engine comes with a minimum 12‑month unlimited mileage warranty.
The BMW i Series electrified range - from the pioneering i3 to the hybrid i8 - has distinct failure patterns across its range extender petrol units, plug-in hybrid powertrains, and pure electric drive systems. The B38A15R range extender and B38A15T0 hybrid engine share some conventional engine failure modes, while EM-series drive units face bearing and thermal management issues. Every rebuilt engine or drive unit supplied through EngineMarket includes upgraded components designed to address the original failure point - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Below, we break down the most common i Series powertrain problems and what it really costs to fix them.
Every rebuilt engine includes a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty.
Why B38A15R Generators Lose Output
BMW i3 REx 60Ah, 94Ah, 120Ah (2014-2022, B38A15R, B38A15R-2, B38A15R-3)
30,000-60,000 miles
The 647cc two-cylinder range extender engine runs infrequently and often at low load, causing carbon deposits to accumulate on intake valves and injectors. This restricts airflow, reduces generator output, and can trigger emissions faults.
| Repair Tier | Dealer Price | Specialist Price | What It Involves | Longevity / Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Minor - Carbon Cleaning Service Minor | £450 - £800 | £250 - £450 | Walnut blasting or chemical cleaning of intake valves and injector servicing | 20,000-30,000 miles; suitable if caught before output loss |
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Range Extender Engine Best Value | £3,500 - £5,500 | £1,850 - £2,950 | Supply and fit of rebuilt B38A15R unit with cleaned intake system and new injectors | 60,000+ miles; only option if severe carbon has caused ring or valve damage |
If your i3 REx is showing reduced generator output or rough running during range extender operation, book a carbon cleaning service immediately - it costs £250-£450 at a specialist and typically restores full performance. Ignoring carbon buildup can lead to valve damage and full engine replacement, which is four times the cost. On a 2015-2018 i3 REx worth £6,000-£10,000, the preventative cleaning makes clear financial sense.
The i Series - from the pioneering i3 to the hybrid i8 and modern i4/iX range - has proven itself as a reliable electric and hybrid platform. But when range extender carbon, bearing wear, or inverter failure strikes, repair costs can quickly approach the value of an older car. EngineMarket makes it simple to compare prices from trusted UK BMW i Series specialists. Every rebuilt unit comes with upgraded components, 12-month warranty, and nationwide delivery. Compare prices and get back on the road without the main dealer premium.
Compare BMW i Series Engine Replacement Prices Now →The BMW i Series electrified range - from the pioneering i3 to the hybrid i8 - has distinct failure patterns across its range extender petrol units, plug-in hybrid powertrains, and pure electric drive systems. The B38A15R range extender and B38A15T0 hybrid engine share some conventional engine failure modes, while EM-series drive units face bearing and thermal management issues. Every rebuilt engine or drive unit supplied through EngineMarket includes upgraded components designed to address the original failure point - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Below, we break down the most common i Series powertrain problems and what it really costs to fix them.
BMW i3 REx 60Ah, 94Ah, 120Ah (2014-2022, B38A15R, B38A15R-2, B38A15R-3)
30,000-60,000 miles
The 647cc two-cylinder range extender engine runs infrequently and often at low load, causing carbon deposits to accumulate on intake valves and injectors. This restricts airflow, reduces generator output, and can trigger emissions faults.
Walnut blasting or chemical cleaning of intake valves and injector servicing
Supply and fit of rebuilt B38A15R unit with cleaned intake system and new injectors
If your i3 REx is showing reduced generator output or rough running during range extender operation, book a carbon cleaning service immediately - it costs £250-£450 at a specialist and typically restores full performance. Ignoring carbon buildup can lead to valve damage and full engine replacement, which is four times the cost. On a 2015-2018 i3 REx worth £6,000-£10,000, the preventative cleaning makes clear financial sense.
The i Series - from the pioneering i3 to the hybrid i8 and modern i4/iX range - has proven itself as a reliable electric and hybrid platform. But when range extender carbon, bearing wear, or inverter failure strikes, repair costs can quickly approach the value of an older car. EngineMarket makes it simple to compare prices from trusted UK BMW i Series specialists. Every rebuilt unit comes with upgraded components, 12-month warranty, and nationwide delivery. Compare prices and get back on the road without the main dealer premium.
Compare BMW i Series Engine Replacement Prices Now →Disclaimer: All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data and repair requests from our network of engine specialists. Dealer pricing is estimated based on published main dealer labour rates and genuine OEM parts pricing. Specialist pricing reflects actual quote data from EngineMarket's UK network. Actual costs vary depending on damage severity, vehicle condition, variant, and workshop location within the UK. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your specific BMW i Series and engine code. Every engine supplied through EngineMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier.
Every engine type for your BMW i Series is available through our UK network, with typical price ranges based on your exact variant, engine code and budget.
All engine types include a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty when sourced through EngineMarket. Prices are typical UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network and depend on exact engine code, variant, mileage and supplier. Use our free comparison tool above - enter your registration to get tailored quotes for your specific BMW i Series within hours.
Every displacement fitted to the BMW i Series is listed below, with compatible engine codes, years and common failure notes.
The 647cc two-cylinder petrol engine serves exclusively as a range extender (REx) in the i3, never driving the wheels directly. Derived from the BMW C600 scooter, this lightweight auxiliary power unit generates electricity to charge the battery pack when depleted, adding approximately 40-80 miles of additional range depending on driving conditions . The REx option was introduced in 2014 for the 60Ah i3 and continued through to the 120Ah model until 2022 in European markets .
| Engine Code(s) | B38A15R, B38A15R-2, B38A15R-3 |
| Compatible Models (UK) | i3 REx 60Ah (2014-2016), i3 REx 94Ah (2016-2018), i3 REx 120Ah |
| Production Years | 2018-2022 |
Carbon buildup on intake valves, generator bearing failure (rattling noise), injector fouling from infrequent use
Not sure which engine size your BMW i Series needs? Enter your registration number above - we'll identify the exact displacement, engine code and compatible replacement options instantly. All engines supplied through EngineMarket include a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty from UK BMW i Series specialists.
BMW i Series Engines Fuel Type
Choose your BMW i Series engine by fuel type to compare realistic replacement prices, known issues, and compatible UK supply options - from the early i3 60Ah pure electric to the latest iX M60.
Petrol engines in the i Series appear exclusively as range extender units in the i3 and as the rear-mounted turbo three-cylinder in the i8 plug-in hybrid - no pure petrol i Series exists.
Not sure which fuel type your BMW i Series has? Enter your registration number above to instantly identify your engine code, fuel system and compatible replacement options - all backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty from UK BMW i Series specialists.
This section covers all major powertrain changes across the BMW i Series production timeline from 2013 to the present, organised so owners can quickly identify their engine code and compare rebuilt drive unit or range extender prices from UK specialists.
Not sure which year your BMW i Series was built? Enter your registration number and we'll identify the exact engine, model year, and compatible replacement options instantly - all backed by a minimum 12-month warranty from UK BMW i Series specialists.
FAQ
Question 1
A replacement BMW i3 REx engine typically costs £1,850-£2,950 supply-only for a rebuilt unit, or £700-£1,400 for specialist generator bearing replacement.
Key points
Question 2
Carbon buildup from infrequent generator use is the #1 killer of i3 REx engines, followed by generator bearing wear at 40,000-80,000 miles.
Key points
Question 3
The B38A15T0 is generally robust, but timing chain wear (60k-80k miles) and HPFP failure are documented weak points owners should budget for.
Key points
Question 4
Independent BMW i specialists typically charge 25-50% less than main dealers while delivering equal or better expertise on electrified powertrains.
Key points
Question 5
New OEM REx units are increasingly difficult to source and carry dealer pricing of £3,500-£5,500 - most owners now choose rebuilt or reconditioned units.
Key points
Question 6
Walnut blasting removes carbon deposits from intake valves - a £250-£450 service that restores generator performance and can prevent full engine replacement.
Key points
Question 7
Electric drive units typically last 100,000-150,000 miles, but bearing wear can appear from 50,000 miles on early EM100 units.
Key points
whining noise during acceleration, power loss
Question 8
Used REx engines are viable from £1,200-£2,500, but always verify generator bearing condition, carbon history, and mileage before purchase.
Key points
Question 9
Every engine supplied through EngineMarket includes a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - reconditioned and rebuilt units typically offer longer coverage.
Key points
Question 10
With i3 REx values at £6,000-£10,000, a £1,850-£2,950 rebuilt engine makes financial sense - carbon cleaning at £250-£450 is even better value.
Key points
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Join thousands of UK drivers who compare BMW i Series engine prices through our network of trusted specialists - every rebuilt and reconditioned unit backed by a minimum 12‑month unlimited mileage warranty and nationwide delivery.

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