Second Hand BMW i3 Window Motor

The BMW i3 does have electric window motors, fitted to all variants including the standard i3 and i3s, on both the front and rear doors. The key things to match are the generation (pre-facelift 2013–2017 or post-facelift 2017–2022), the door position (front or rear), and the side — NS (nearside, passenger left) or OS (offside, driver right). Always confirm these details with the breaker against your registration before ordering.

The BMW i3 received a significant facelift in 2017, and a 2016 car sits in the pre-facelift generation while a 2018 sits in the post-facelift generation, so these are not the same generation. Door panel and mechanism designs can differ across that boundary, so a direct swap is not guaranteed. You should confirm compatibility with the breaker using both registration numbers before purchasing.

The BMW i3 is available with either two or four conventional doors, but it uses a distinctive rear-hinged coach door arrangement for the rear passengers rather than a traditional 5-door layout — there is no conventional 5-door version. Front and rear door motors are different parts, so you must specify whether you need a front or rear motor, as well as the side (NS or OS), when requesting a quote from a breaker.

Trim level and the i3s designation do not typically affect which window motor is fitted, as the door and glass mechanism is the same across the i3 range for the same generation. The i3s differs mainly in its wider body kit, tuned motor output, and suspension setup, not the window regulator or motor assembly. Confirm the generation, side (NS/OS), and door position with the breaker and you should be on the right track.

No, the drivetrain — whether your i3 is the full battery electric version or the range extender REX variant — has no bearing on the window motor fitment. Window motors are part of the door assembly, which is identical across drivetrain variants within the same generation. Just match the generation, door position, and side (NS/OS) when asking a breaker for a quote.

In the UK, NS (nearside) refers to the passenger side, which is the left side of the car as you sit in the driver's seat, and OS (offside) refers to the driver's side on the right. You also need to specify whether it is a front or rear door motor, as these are different parts. Give the breaker your registration and these details — NS or OS, front or rear — to get an accurate quote.