i3 REx Range Extender Engines
from £1,850 to £2,950
Rebuilt units from £1,850 · Common codes: B38A15R, B38A15R-2, B38A15R-3
Get specialist quotes from UK BMW i Series EV & hybrid experts. Compare electric motor & hybrid system solutions for i3, i4, iX & i8. Find UK EV specialists.
i3 REx Range Extender Engines
from £1,850 to £2,950
Rebuilt units from £1,850 · Common codes: B38A15R, B38A15R-2, B38A15R-3
i8 Hybrid Petrol Engines
from £2,400 to £4,200
Rebuilt units from £2,400 · Common codes: B38A15T0, B38A15T0-2
i Series Pure Electric Drive Units
from £2,150 to £4,800
Rebuilt units from £2,150 · Common codes: EM100, EM100-2, EM200, EM200-2, EM200-3

Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
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.


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Not sure which variant your BMW i Series is- Enter your registration number above - we'll identify the exact sub-model, engine code and compatible replacement options instantly.

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.

B38A15R - 0.6L Petrol (Range Extender)
Main replacement demand comes from timing-chain, cooling-system and performance thermal-management faults.
Compatible variants
Avg. rebuilt price
£1,850 - £2,950
Supply only
Technical specifications
Common failures
Not sure which engine code?
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...
BMW i3 REx Range Extender Carbon Buildup
Most affected vehicles
BMW i3 REx 60Ah, 94Ah, 120Ah (2014-2022, B38A15R, B38A15R-2, B38A15R-3)
Failure mileage range
30,000-60,000 miles
Typical failure window
Root cause
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 options & estimated costs (UK ranges)
| Repair tier | Dealer price | Specialist price | What it involves | Longevity / suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor - Carbon Cleaning Service | £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 | £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 |
Our recommendation
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.
Compare rebuilt B38A15R range extender prices for your BMW i3 REx
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.
Compare BMW i Series engine prices with vetted UK suppliers
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
Power output
Verified by registration
Common Failure Points
Carbon buildup on intake valves, generator bearing failure (rattling noise), injector fouling from infrequent use
Production Years: 2018-2022
Get quotes for BMW i Series 0.6L petrol engines
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.
Common BMW i Series Petrol Engine Families
Found In
Known For
Typical Petrol Models
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.
Common BMW i Series Petrol Engine Families
Found In
Known For
Typical Petrol Models
Pure electric drive units power most i Series models - from the pioneering i3 to the i4 sedan and iX flagship - all using BMW's eDrive technology.
Common BMW i Series Electric Motor Families
Found In
Known For
Typical Electric Models
The i8 pairs BMW's B38 turbo petrol engine with an eDrive electric motor, delivering supercar performance with EV-only urban capability.
Common BMW i Series Plug-in Hybrid Engine Codes
Found In
Important Notes
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.
⚙Key Changes
▣Main Engines
EM100- 60Ah electric drive unit (170hp)
▰Popular Models
🔧Known For
Engine Codes Covered:
EM100