Tank figures are the manufacturer's rated capacity, sorted smallest tank first. Range is tank size times EPA city or highway MPG (worked out from the rated MPG where the EPA range wasn't published).
How far a 2016 BMW i3 goes on a tank
Gallons left and the distance they cover at each mark on the fuel gauge, at EPA city and highway mileage. At the combined rating of 39 MPG, a full 1.9-gallon tank covers about 74 miles.
Gauge
Gallons
Highway miles
City miles
Full
1.9
70
78
3/4
1.4
53
58
1/2
1.0
35
39
1/4
0.5
18
19
1/8
0.2
9
10
Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 385 gallons, roughly 202 full tanks.
Fuel gauges aren't perfectly linear and the low-fuel light comes on with a few gallons still in the tank, so plan your stop before the last eighth.
NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 2016 BMW i3, out of 2 recalls in total. A recall applies only to the vehicles named in it, so check your VIN.
Delivery · Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsFeb 9, 2017 · NHTSA 17V088000 · Bmw Of North America, LLC · 19,130 vehicles
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2017 i3 REx hybrid electric vehicles. The fuel tank vent line may rub against the ribbed wire protection sleeve of the battery positive (B+) cable, creating a hole in the vent line and causing a fuel vapor leak.
Risk and remedy
Risk: A fuel vapor leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vent line, replacing it as necessary, and install a clip to prevent it from chafing, free of charge. The recall beganApril 3, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2016 BMW i3?
The 2016 BMW i3 holds 1.9 gallons (7 liters).
How many gallons and liters does the 2016 BMW i3 gas tank hold?
The 2016 BMW i3 tank holds 7 liters, or 1.9 gallons in US gallons.
How far can a 2016 BMW i3 go on a full tank?
About 70 miles on the highway and 78 miles in town, going from full to empty at its EPA ratings. Expect less in practice, since nobody runs the tank dry.
How many miles can a 2016 BMW i3 go on a quarter tank?
About 18 highway miles or 19 in town from the 1.9-gallon tank, which has roughly 0.5 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.
What gas does the 2016 BMW i3 take?
Premium unleaded. The label inside the fuel door confirms it for your car.
How much does it cost to fill up a 2016 BMW i3?
At the US average of $5.28 a gallon for premium (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 1.9-gallon tank from empty costs $10.03. It ranges from $8.68 in the Gulf Coast to $12.08 in California.
How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 2016 BMW i3?
About 12 pounds for the 1.9-gallon tank. Gasoline weighs roughly 6.2 pounds a gallon.
Has the 2016 BMW i3 had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 2016 BMW i3: 17V088000 (delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your car is affected.
Sources
Tank sizes: manufacturer-rated capacities from US-market specifications, checked against independent references. Updated October 2026.
MPG and range: EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov). Range is tank size times EPA MPG.
Fuel prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, week of October 26, 2026 (this week's prices).