BMW i3 Crankshaft Replacement Parts

No — the BMW i3 is a fully electric vehicle (BEV) or, in the range-extender variant (REx), uses a tiny two-cylinder petrol engine purely to generate electricity, and neither drivetrain uses a conventional crankshaft in the way a petrol or diesel car does. The pure electric i3 has no internal combustion engine whatsoever, so there is no crankshaft to source. If you believe your i3 has a drivetrain fault, the part you actually need is likely related to the electric motor, power electronics, or — on the REx — a component specific to that small generator unit; a breaker specialising in EV dismantling will be best placed to advise.

It is very unlikely. The range-extender engine in the i3 REx is a small two-cylinder unit used solely as a generator and is not a conventional combustion drivetrain, so while it does contain internal rotating components, independent repair using a salvage crankshaft from this unit is extremely rare and parts availability through normal breaker channels is very limited. The fault is far more commonly traced to the electric motor assembly, the high-voltage battery, or the generator unit itself rather than a crankshaft specifically. We'd strongly recommend getting a precise diagnostic readout and confirming with a breaker or EV specialist exactly which component has failed before searching for this part.

For the pure electric i3, the most commonly needed drivetrain parts sourced from breakers are the electric motor, rear subframe assembly, power electronics module, or high-voltage battery pack. For the rarer REx variant, the range-extender generator unit is typically replaced as an assembly rather than individual internal components. Quoting your registration or VIN to a breaker who handles EV stock will help them identify the correct part for your exact variant.

Yes — BMW updated the i3 across its production run (2013 to 2022), with a significant update in 2017 bringing the 120Ah battery variant, and trim levels such as standard, Suite, Loft, Lodge, and Sport are cosmetic distinctions that do not affect the drivetrain. What matters most is whether your car is the pure BEV or the REx, the battery generation (60Ah, 94Ah, or 120Ah), and the exact build date, which a VIN check will confirm. Always give the breaker your registration so they can match the correct motor or battery specification to your car.