BMW i3: Why it's a GREAT used car to buy
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- Опубликовано: 11 июн 2024
- Here are 15 reasons why I bought this car. It's not for everybody but I think it's quite cool. Will upload at another time the negatives of this car... no car is perfect afterall.
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If there's any interest i'll post an update video. Let me know?
1. Sold the i3 REx
2. Bought a Honda Clarity PHEV
Still love the i3 but got a ridiculous deal on the Clarity and it's a more convenient for the long commutes I've been doing lately. I'm looking into an i3 2017+ or a city only 2014-2016 BEV i3 only.
Amazing video very insightful and meaningful approach. Please do a vid with your newly acquired Honda Clarity, I actually test drove that Honda a few years ago. Also I have been researching that BMW i3 years back and I very tempted to get a hold one of the latest models 2017+ Thank you for all that information.
@@loua.6849 good timing! I uploaded it a week or so ago. Check out my channel. Should be the last uploaded vid. Good luck in your search!
Following v.similar lines of argument (except the REX part but I want zero dyno juice and I don’t care about the range) I’m getting an 18month old ex demo 94Ah with all key options and a top interior at 40% off MSRP. With 5k miles on the clock it is literally brand new. And unlike the author, I am gonna make it so that it stays in the family until my dying day...
My I ask how much you sold it for?
@@donhuangny at the time $16k with only 30 days left on the factory warranty.
This is a very good if not the best video on the bmw i3 Rex. Most yt haven’t talked about it’s full potential with the hacks.
Thanks for all the details, exactly what I needed on the car I've been looking at!
I just bought a 2014 base model with 37,000 miles on it. Since watching this video I feel so great about my purchase. Thank You.
Very close to buying an i3 (totaled my Chevy volt) and this is far and away the most in depth and informative i3 video on all of RUclips. Seriously. Watching multiple times because you make really good points. Searching your channel for more i3 content lol
Thanks! glad it helps. I might propose checking out the Honda Clarity if you're coming from a Volt. I suppose it really depends what you're going after next after the Volt. If you want a bit more freedom and long range capability consider the Clarity PHEV. You want more EV and can live with the limitations the BMW i3 Rex is really good. Also depends which year i3 also. Newer ones have significantly more usable range. I'm going to get another one day!!! I hope soon!
Fantastic video, thanks. Very interested in listening to your future hack video. I am looking to buy a 2017 or newer used I3. It will have the REX motor. Keep your great videos on the I3 coming.
This is one of the best videos I’ve watched on the i3, and I’ve watched a lot of them. Thanks for making this! (I’m also a UZJ100 owner!)
Got ours last week, couldn’t agree more!
Best video around about the i3 rex, by far! Well done!
Good review man. I’ve seen many i3 reviews and you bring up novel points
Thanks for making this video man. i been curious about the i3 and watched every minute and am now searching for an i3.
Make me feel good this video thank you, a have full electric version i3 2018 my self....and i love it. Its great.
How is the reliability on 2018? Did you had any issues with it?
Thanks for all this information and insight. I bought a used i3 on a spur of the moment thing last Saturday and hearing your arguments confirms it was a good decision. 2015 i3 with all the bells and whistles including the Rex option and only 9900 miles on the odometer. Now I'll start looking into those hacking options you spoke about. 😊
Your I3 with 1 150$ inverter can be used like a Honda generator if you lose power to your house. Little known fact. I discovered it on my Chevy Volt but the I3 is the exact same technology.
Thanks for your film... interesting points of view.
thx for all the info and Im looking forward to your next post about what VINs to look for to able to hack an i3, so it can be customized the way we want it to be and other related issues.... I have been on the fence about buying a used i3 REX and if I can find enough cool features that can added via hacking like the hold feature (which is standard in the rest of the world) I will start look for one....thx again
Great vid! Hoping to pick mine up soon. Thxxx
Packed with a great deal of information. Well done. Just buying a 2015 REx . Should have it in a couple days. Thanks.
Great review and very informative and had I watched this when you first posted it I might have sprung for the i3 REX. Since I squeak when I walk and I wanted to get into an EV for a low cost I picked up a 2016 Spark EV with 11K miles and am really enjoying it. I find it funny when others bring up the whole power plant comments when they too are using the same power sources at their favorite fueling station. Since we're retired now our trips are very short to the store or visiting the grandkids so the little EV makes sense and allows me to keep my 2004 GTO for weekend drives and car cruises. The ability to hack the i3 to turn on features I never knew the car had is awesome.
that's awesome. congrats on the Spark! The GTO is certainly one of those sleeper muscle cars. Great engine in that car.
Great video, I LOVE my I3. No more ICE cars for me.
Nice explanation. Clarity is interesting but something that can never leave its small support area.
Very informative and great tips on looking for options to hack.
Cool video man! Thinking of purchasing one with similar stats for 16k
The window sticker you showed us was for a fully loaded Tera World package (leather)/Harmon Kardon audio along with the tech and driver packages. The car you are driving in this video is the base model with Deka World package.
Very informative video! I am in the maker for this very car but didn’t know about all the coding options and now I want to make sure I’m getting one I can hack all the features in it like you mentioned briefly. Can we get more detailed info on this?
Great to learn a few things from this video about my 2014 i3, especially the battery replacement program that I'm looking forward to happening in Canada, if it does happen in the future.
Great points, enjoyable video.
This was an awesome video. I was hooked within the first 2 minutes.. and the rest was on par. The only thing I would say is that using gas to replenish the battery is more expensive than charging from the infrastructure, you should only use the range extender when you're actually very low on battery. I've gone down the rabbit hole and here I am, deciding on the i3.. over the bolt and over the volt and over the prius. i almost spent 17k on a prime and i'm so glad that didn't work out where the i3 brutalizes it with 1 exception adult backseat passengers.. but i haven't had them much in decades.. and well i have a crew cab and other cars but this will be my everyday car that's perfect for me.
Thanks for a great video. Your reasons are well articulated and relevant and it was 25 minutes well spent. I'm gonna go look at '14 and '15 i3 prices! I miss my 5 series so much right now!
Let the 1st model year go by. By the 2nd model year the bugs are worked out.
Great post. Thanks.
I just bought a 2015 Rex, Tera World with 15k miles for $17,900. I am driving the hell out of it and love it. No gas burned in four weeks to boot. It came coded as well.
That's an amazing price!
I have a 2014 I3 Rex I bought 2 years ago. True you can go without using the gas and it feels great, but I make a point to use the gas engine once a month. It’s important to keep the gas engine operational by active using. If you neglect to use it eventually around 5 or 6 weeks the Rex will do a force cycle and turn it on for about 10 minutes. It’s use it, or lose it. Likewise I make sure to use up most of the gas every quarter of the year. I get below a quarter tank, then fill it back up. Old gas can turn to sludge. Take care.
@@joesephwind Thanks for the advice! Since I posted above, I've dipped into my gas a few time on longer trips and days of heavy commuting and have indeed burned a couple of gallons in the REX. I'll be sure to run it every so often to keep it lubed up and the gas fresh.
Thanks for the video! I just found a i3s with all the tech for the software upgrades for 19k!
I also have an i3 and NSX in my garage. The height difference is insane but fun factor for both cars along with savings at the pump cover all my bases for commuting efficiently and cruising for thumbs up in a classic JDM ride while minimizing carbon footprint. We’ll done video sir!
Nice review! Just one note; those control arms and spindles don't look forged, you can see the casting marks all over them ;)
The rex is surprisingly fast. I wouldn't be saving on fuel lol
Great vid! I got a 2015 "executive demo" Terra BEV (from a MA dealership who obtained it in an auction) in early 2017 that had 600 miles on it. Was just driven around the NJ headquarters-methinks-used as a demo car to show local salesman about the i3 although I have no proof of this. Anyway, I "justified" the purchase with many of the reasons you stated in the video. It actually had something that really turned my head which was the hemp/leather seats and the eucalyptus curved wood dashboard. I-like the above poster-am interested in the battery upgrade once I can-at least-double my range. Compared to other EVs, the i3 is lacking on range but it's made up on the BMW niceties and the ground up approach to the car's design IMHO. So, no long trips but it's amazing for driving around town, picking up the kids and any trip no longer than say 70 miles round trip. I'm lucky if I get 70 miles to a full charge although in the best weather my GOM has read "100 miles" a few times. Good luck with yours!
Getting my used 2018 i3s next week (Sep 6 2021). If you haven't yet, check out the Reddit i3 page(s). Just read a serious thread about a guy who will soon introduce a replacement for an i3Rex battery which will give 200 miles range. Seems very legit, his company does other things but because he has an i3 he's going to start producing batteries for it. Good to be the boss. At first he said approx $8k, more recent post he says lower than that. If I come across the thread I'll edit this comment and provide details.
@@FelsNaptha Yes! I'd be interested in that better battery. Keep me posted. :)
Bought a 2018 BEX, 19000 miles, love it.
Thinking in the same area ... but terrified of being locked in BMW-land and being charged (literally) thousands for apparently trivial repairs. Do you have a warranty of some kind, from anyone?
Really enjoyed your video. Just started making videos on this car myself having recently fallen prey to its charm in a similar fashion to you. Great detail and articulate insights. Just did first oil change on my REx and basic coding - tell me what to do next..!
Thanks for the kind words. I believe I saw you also compiled an Oil Change video on the i3?? That's next on my list! I'm currently in search of how to change the 12V battery in this car. To my shocking dismay.. no one on the interwebs seems to have figured out that Deka makes the 12V battery for this car you can buy that version for $120 USD vs the $~500 dealer pricing. I haven't posted it yet because i'm still awaiting to receive mine. Hope to do a short video on that process to help folks.
The new battery needs to be registered with the i3's ECU or the new battery will have a very very short life span. More on this later...
Also, I'm struggling with E-Sys. That's the only software i'm aware of that can VO program (i.e. code for TJA). The E-sys world is a bit in disarray because the lead programmer decided to stop supporting the platform. I'm in talks with one of the online remote "coders" so they can remote connect into my machine to register the battery (since Bimmercode doesn't support it yet) and they can do TJA coding at the same time. This process isn't as easy as I thought. 95% of the other coding I want to do can be done on Bimmercode very very easily with the phone app. I just want this TJA now and i'm done...
@@RyuMoto I'll keep following along and let you know if I get any insights on the topic. Yes, I recently did an oil change on my i3 that landed this week.
thank you, you convinced me to keep my i3, I love love my i3, installed level 2 charger....and using it everyday.
Did you know if you lost power at home your I3 can be adapted for little of nothing to act just like a honda generator? Chevy Volt the same thing.
Just make sure if you've got a 2013/14/15/16 model that they've had the two engine mounts and also upgraded new modified brackets and bigger bolts installed that are designed to limit movement ie doesn't move as much and wobble around with a new angle designed shape on them, because if they move too much they can motors can damage eventually come off and smash condenses air-conditioning and electronics ....about $2000 Australian to replace those and the brackets and the new Bolts, otherwise brilliant Car, fantastic review loved keep up the great work subscribed cheers Andrew
I need to find the part number for the new bracket and new bolts. I'm thinking of buying another one. Thanks for sharing! I didn't know they revised those parts!
Cool video with some great points!
It's a great car, I have a 2016 model and overall is a really well made car, drives great and the range extender makes a huge difference. Word of advice, the major issue with this car is on the tires, so before you buy try to purchase a tire warranty since this car will give you several issues , it seems they haven't tested longevity on those smaller than average tires. You will pick up nails like a magnet, if you happen to hit a sidewalk or pot holes the rims will bent so easily. I have had the car for 8 months and just now I came back from the dealer with a tire needed replacement and I was told that all 4 rims are bent , so be aware if your roads nearby are rocky or you live in residential areas with speed bumps , is even worse if you have the low profile wheels. Other issue is the gas tank cover, it gets stuck often after pushing the release button. I hope this helps.
Totally agree. Got a 2017. Had about 25K miles.
You’re in the same situation. I have a 500e approaching 70k miles it’s a good car for commuting but for anything else especially on weekends it’s terrible relying on slow public charging. Looking at an i3. I do like the Tesla 3 but I’ve seen i3s for under $10k.
I’m interested in up to date info. I love the i3 and am considering purchasing a 2019 with range extender
I just got mine. A 2017 REX with 14,816 miles. It's a cool car!
Stumbled across this video. I just got a 2015 i3 REx in November 2018 that looks exactly like yours. Same color and wheels. But you have the tech package and mine doesn't. 30K miles for $16.6K plus an extended warranty. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and spend 95 percent of my time in my i3 commuting. The Range isn't amazing but the REx got rid of any range anxiety. I'm able to charge at work, so it charges once a day there and has plenty of range to get me round trip if I charge it to 80%. I use the Android version of Bimmer Code just to disable the fuel tank governor and enable "Hold State of Charge". Makes road trips MUCH easier as I'll just lean on the REx for a big chunk of the drive But 95% of the time day in day, I don't ever use it.
Anyway good video and all great points. Oh to the point of another commenter on this video. I also read a story about a German guy who was going to take advantage of the battery upgrade program. They got him all the way to the install day when he showed up to have it installed then they told him they couldn't (really WOULDN'T) install the battery in the REx version for some reason. It makes no sense to me why they would do this. Also in the warranty for the battery, they say you will get a replacement if it drops below 70 capacity but they don't state that you will get a new battery, just a "replacement". The previous owners of my i3 didn't take very good care of the battery and while it's not below 70% yet, I suspect I may have to try and take advantage of the battery warranty at some point. All that said I love my i3. It's been rock solid. Zero problems with it so far. Cheers.
HeliDragon510 Hi considering getting one myself. How have the maintenance fees been? Did you buy CPO?
@@jayc5405 Honestly it's been totally fine. If you get a CPO go over it suuuuuuper carefully. Make sure all the I-Drive buttons works perfectly, check under the seats, look for leaves under the hood/bonnet things like that. My CPO was not very well checked IMO. I had to argue with the dealership to fix the sticky buttons on the iDrive and found a few other things that really should have been addressed.
But otherwise it's been a super solid short range EV. If you can get one for under $16K USD and less thank say 30-40K miles snap it up. Was my first EV and other than the range it's been a good fit for me. But looking forward to getting into a Model Y.
Cheers and happy car hunting.
Excellent Video as I was considering changing from my Zoe ze40 to an i3 rex. I just need to test drive one now to see if its Comfortable on Irish roads which are quite rough when of the Highway.
What I like about the BMW i3 is that its main drive is electric, and has a rex engine to charge the battery.
but the Chevy Volt/Honda Clarity main drive is gasoline with small electric battery. (there is still a transmission, hoses, belts, fluids, etc)
Hello - I appreciate your time and information in this review. It's one of the most informative reviews and finally shows the use of the back seat area. Is the RE a problem to maintain? And would you buy another one now that you have bought the Honda Clarity? Thank you.
Happy to help! By "RE" I assume you mean the REX engine? It's really no different than any other BMW engine, probably much less complicated to be honest. I didn't have any issues with the REX motor during my ownership. Yes, if it wasn't for the shorter overall range of the 2015 I'd buy another. If I find a 2019+ for a good deal that would be a better city car for me. However, the autopilot options available with Comma.ai is much better supported for the Clarity and for that reason alone I prefer the Clarity. As an overall EV, I prefer the i3 REx.
@@RyuMoto thank you! Yes- I meant the range extender. I’m also on the search for a good 2019 in red. Good luck!
Great car with the REX. I had a 2015, used it over 2 years. I sold it for the same price I bought it, and bought the same color i3 with REX in a 2017 model with the bigger battery.
I'm actually surprised how well the prices have held up.
Awesome. Thanks
Traded in my 2014 MiniOne D . It was a quality and fun car ...
I too got a great deal on a used (August 2016) i3 94Ah REX with only 15000 Km . One owner - the dealer itself .
First impression was the overall build and quality materials . as to be expected from BMW.
The front visibility, most comfortable seats .Elevated driving position .
Most amazing to me is the overall EV driving experience .Its also a quality and fun car :-)
I will be paying almost insignificant yearly state auto Tax . 14 euros
in comparison with the previous 145 euros
not to mention lower maintenance , energy consumption and better for the environment.
I do not have a home charger .. So this will be my sacrifice. recharging at the public networks
which although I live in Germany the infrastructure is not yet practical , abundant and with the expected Visibility it should have .
I will rely on charging apps for these locations...and I have a backup plan the REX electricity generator - as you know this does not power the wheels . It only generates electricity.
great video, I want one.
The list you show at 3:43 is just great. Just wanted to thank you for the Video. For that list alone I have referenced back to this several times as I continue to shop for an i3 with just the right features.
You're welcome! Glad to help
78000 km so far. Without using the Rex. Going to lake Garda often, Sardegna. It’s the family car. And overtakes like my motorcycle :-)
Nice review! Referring to your 15th reason: unfortunately BMW does not provide the lastest battery upgrade for the earlier models. That's a pity, beceause like you said it would stretch the usability towards decennia. I am considering to buy a used BMW (I'm in Europe), where the upgrade from 60 Ah to 94 Ah is still possible
Nice thoughtful review
Excellent and very informative. Thank you.
Did u install the little adapter for the steering wheel to enable TJA? Quidzel is $300. Any cheaper option? Thanks
Great review. Can the model 2014 be hacked as well? / how many of the options you listed are not available on the 2014 model?
I have a 2014 REx and re-programed (hacked it) myself. It's very simple using the BimmerCode app (paid version, free one wouldn't save new coding) and a Veepeak scanner. I can now "Hold the charge" and expanded the gasoline volume to 2.4 gal, which gives me close to 100 miles of gas range.
You can customize the car in many ways.
Fantastic video. I have been looking into bmw i3's. Several issues, you reference bmw's plan to offer battery replacement. I have read that bmw will only do battery replacement on BEV model and not the REX models. Also, is the extra range of the 2017 model enough of a benefit to offset the added costs compared to the 2015-2016 models. I want to avoid the 2014 model as I have read that they have had many more issues including plastic engine mounts that have melted. Finally, could you make a video regarding the safety features and options for the i3. Thanks for great work.
I'll respond in order of Q asked. At this time, BMW's plan for retrofitting new batteries are all rumors and speculation here in the North American market. The option/service is available in Europe so it wouldn't be far fetched to look at their model of implementing as a guide. I have not read either way IF they do offer a NA based retrofit program if they'll only do so for BEVs. It would make sense if they did that though because they are phasing out the REXs in different markets given the new batteries have plenty of capacity. Again... purely speculation at this point.
The benefit of range vs cost is purely a personal one in my opinion. I think it really depends on your personal circumstance. However, the 2017's come closer to the price of a Tesla M3 so the value proposition in my eyes is not as compelling for the a 17' any longer.
I think the issues with the 14's motor mounts are a bit overblown because many of them have been corrected already. However, if you're eyeing a 14 or even 15, best to read up on the ways BMW has mitigated the motor mount issue. They proactively changed the bolts but in many cases not the mount itself. Mine has upgraded bolts, but is still on the plastic mount. Yes, it's a concern for me, but motor I don't abuse this car and i'm not particularly hard on the motor mounts to be honest. So I decided to take my chances. All 2016s have this issue fixed but you'll also notice a decent price hike for those.
Your last question, yes will consider that, thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately for me, i've learned my laptop is great with spreadsheets but terrible for video editing. It takes quite a long to edit and compile these videos and i'm just cutting and trimming! yikes.
I will tell you flat out that any device that will take away the "range anxiety" is money well spent. Any electric car that has that option. Chevy Volt is standard get it because it will vastly increase the resale value of your car. Imagine in some towns it will take the entire charge just to get to where you're going. That's "range anxiety."
I also think so in every point. The I3 is a very great car. 👍🏼 Very nice video.
Thanks! i hope it was useful
Awesome review!!! Cannot wait to get an i3
You're welcome! Hope it helps! If I was to do it over again i'd choose the 2017+. It has more usable EV range for not much more money. Good luck
Quick Question: What do you think is a decent mileage to buy the car used?
@@annkwon7274 That would depend on if you want a warranty. With this car, I might highly recommend it. Repairs are few but when they happen they are $$$$
Thank you even though mine is an older 2015 (with about 23k miles in 2022!) I'd like to keep it a LONG TIME. But was worried about if able to keep it 20 years or not!
but i also have a vintage car collection and a new Audi q7 for all my needs! but my i3 for my daily zip around town car!
Great info. Complete and concise. Thanks.
This is a great video that I am thinking to buy but people want to see the bad side of things because they need a direction or need to be educated.
I my self planning to get one of these but there is so much I need to get answered before making the jump.
Just make sure any electric car matches up to your driving needs and you will be happy.
It’s fine, until it needs attention, and the problem is finding a specialist to repair it. Most of the repairs can only be done by the dealership and can cost £1000s to repair
Thanks
Great vid! Really considering an i3 rex for my daily commute. Do you know if you can unlock the full tank for any year? I watched another vid that said you can only do this for i3s from 2014-2016? Any truth to that? Appreciate your help!
The newer years are already unlocked 👍
Wow, appreciate the quick reply! Thanks, bro👊
Do you have a mountain bike in the back of your i3? If so, what size is the mountain bike and does it fit in there okay just taking the front wheel off? I'm a mountain biker in LA and would love to be able to put my bike in the back. Great video and thanks for all your thoughts!
29er Enduro. Have to take off the front wheel and push the seat all the way to the front. I have a hitch mount rack now
@@RyuMoto Thanks for letting me know! That's great. What hitch mount rack did you end up getting? I have a monster North Shore Racks 4-bike for my RDX (current car) but wouldn't want to use that on the little i3. Cheers!
Ecohitch is the brand. Yes, 2 bikes will max it out. I believe tongue weight is capped at 200, maybe 300lbs.
How do you play full screen videos on your screen?
#3 is a game changer. Makes the thing a hybrid for long trips. But the range extender is probably a relatively significant maintenance item. So if you don't need it for long trips who cares.
I own two Teslas (Model 90D and a AWD Model 3), but I purchased one of these for my mother for xmas. I found an incredible deal for a low-mileage 2016 REx with backup camera for $17K which ended up being $14.5K after state rebate. I totally agree that these are fun little daily commuter cars and a great deal used and a really bad deal new ($55K window sticker).
wow! That's a really good deal on the '16 REx (although I don't know the mileage). What state was that found in?
@@VenomousR1 Oregon and it had less than 20K miles on it. It was also sold by a BMW dealership and came with a pre-owned certified warranty.
@@FurEngel nice! You guys a
On the west coast are so lucky. I've been studying tends and watching market for about 4 months before purchasing mine used, and I found that the further east you went, the more expensive they got. I live in the DC area
I found a used 2014 ,,, without extended range.. can you tell me. how to hack please.
Yeah...that makes sense. You can't cash in on the government rebate if you lease it. But if someone buys it after the lease they could get it. Didn't think about that.
I would not own this car without a warranty unless you are willing to take on the risk for repairs. You will spend a lot less for maintenance in a year, but repairs, if you should be so unlucky to have something go wrong, will be very expensive and could exceed the cost of the car very quickly. I have not experienced any reliability issues with the 2 i3s I've had, but they were new and under factory warranty. Also, if you get into a wreck with this car, what may seem like a minor fender bender will likely result in the car being totaled because the cost to repair is so high. On the plus side the CFRP safety cell and the aluminum frame do an excellent job of protecting the occupants for it being such a small and light body.
Great points.
Thank u
You sold me on the bike in the back. I'm in LA too and want to trade in my low milage fit and get an i3! I go mountain biking all the time!
Yes! MTB Rocks! What do you ride?
@@RyuMoto I have a basic All City Hard Tail, I am going to trade it in and get a full suspension Juliana or Santa Cruz. I'm just getting into it, I mostly do road right now! If you have any ride recommendations let me know! I'm looking for a fun, zippy, electric car that is about the same price as my fit. This video is so great. Thank you so much!
@@lizzypicardi the Juliana is an amazing bike. The Yeti Beti too. So many amazing MTBs these days! Have fun!
@@RyuMoto Thank you!
@@RyuMoto Can you put a bike rack on the back of this car?
How's the car going? I'm swapping to one this fri
Great info, and you're handsome too! 😆
can you elaborate on the used electric car rebates ? im thinking of buying a used i3 soon.
Rebates only apply to a "new" car purchase. It could be a 2019 but it has to be new. It's actually a tax credit and can only be used if you owe that much in Federal taxes the specific year you purchase the car.
Great video. Bought a used 2015 i3 Rex with 18k miles. Just found out that I have 15.1 kwh left out of the 18kwh usable battery. Full charge only gives me 55miles. Took it to the BMW dealer to have the battery checked and have the high voltage battery replaced under warranty but was told battery is still good without any explanation. Any inputs? Thanks
I believe you have to be under 13 or so. 55 miles is not unheard of in the winter in freezing climates
@@RyuMoto Bought this last summer my full charge is the same 55 miles. Did you activate your TJA? What adapter did you use with your steering wheel ?
any used electric car is great buy them all. Tesla leaf BMW etc great stuff.
James Ellis everyone should avoid a used nissan leaf , GM volt , mercedes B class , vw e-golf or BMW i3(without range extender). They all lose life as time goes
Bad advice: don't buy a Leaf! Trust me, I own one! Your battery will degrade and you're left with a car that you can't use, and good luck selling it on.
Do not buy any EV that lacks active battery cooling. Luckily the Leaf is the only EV without a battery cooling system, AFAIK. All the other used EV'svout there have this, including the dirt-cheap Spark, Fiat 500e and Ford Focus Electric. I'd actually buy any of these over a Nissan Leaf, because of the battery issue.
When it comes to EV's, it's all about the battery and how well the systems can keep it from getting too hot, too cold, etc.
Hi just picked up a 2016. This video was a great influencer help. Do you still have yours? What do you think about coding or hacking with a chip to increase range?
I sold the i3 when I inherited a longer commute but I might pick up a 2019 when they come down on price. Yes, I love all the hacks!
Skinny tyres are also to reduce aerodynamic drag.
Hello everybody! Fuel cost in my country is around 1,24 USD per liter and electricity around
5- 14 cent per kw, depending on supplier. That means this type of car is even more practical in my country.
Does this car require you to have smog test?
Thank you for making this video. I've been looking into buying a used i3
Two things that You did not include: A) Due to less steel involved, the i3 is probably less prone to corrode, in areas where that white stuff falls from the skies, and salt is sprayed on the roads to keep vehicles from sliding. B) Tight turning radius, that comes handy in old urban areas..
Agree! Good points
and how do you hack it to get more miles out of the battery?
You don’t absolutely need to hack. You can just set the threshold at which the Rex kicks in. However this resets to its default every time you switch off, unless you have a hack. For most people they won’t need to do that. The default in UK is set at 6% because if it were lower the generator may not be able to keep up with the rate of depletion, especially if you were on a steep hill, or in extreme cold. At the other end of the scale, you cannot engage the Rex above 75% state of charge, probably because you might overload the battery balancing at the top end of capacity. None of this would usually be a problem because you won’t always start with 100% charge. You might do so on a long journey, in which case you could stop at any time between 6% and 75% state of charge and set the threshold at your preferred level. This will work fine for motorways or freeways, preserving your battery range perhaps for town driving. But for most people, most of the time this car may be used for town driving, so using electricity makes better economic and environmental sense.
Hi, I have read that there is a difference in gas tank size between U.S. and European i3 REx models. In Europe, the i3 REx's fuel tank is reported to have a 2.37 gallon capacity and in the US it is 1.9 gallons. Have you considered swapping the existing gas tank for the larger volume European option? thanks
The physical size is the same. Look up 'coding'.
@@RyuMoto I read that the Euro tank holds nine liters and the US version 7. Must be a misprint. Thanks
Great vid thanks!
the narrow tyres are to reduce grip so this tall narrow car does not roll over, the same as the smart car for two
How much is it in a dollar?
so would we be able to get the i3s battery/engine upgrade for the older i3?
Afaik not yet I'm afraid
Although the range extender has nice benefits, it also introduces some negatives. It means I will still have to go to the gas station from time to time (can't wait to put those in my rearview mirror!) and more importantly, it adds mechanical complexity to the overall vehicle, meaning there are now more things that can go wrong and need to be repaired or replaced. And being a BMW, those parts are not going to be cheap! It is nice to not have to worry about long distance traveling, however.
It is a BMW, yes, but keep in mind that the ICE that powers the generator, is made by BMW's motorcycle-division. (As far as I know)
@@Greybone62 I think you're right about the engine being made by the motorcycle division. I've noticed in other reviews from people that the Rex engine is the one thing that seems to be a common factor in things that went wrong with people's i3's. But for me, even if it was known for being problem free I would still shy away from it if possible just because it's a mechanically complex part with lots of moving parts that can wear out and break.
if you turn on range extender, will it recharge a battery to full?
no, that's not what it was designed to do. All it will do, at best, is hold your current state of charge.
Does this car comes in 5 seaters?
As much as I love my electric Leaf, they told me that a cheaper low cost electric battery would emerge as it got older. It never happened and the price just has gone up so it will not happen. And there are a zillion Leaf's on the road. A new Leaf battery is now $8,000 and no increased range to it. There are way less electric BMW's. But you do have the range extender.
I got my 2015 REX with 17k for the exact same reasons you mentioned, the price is so attractive. I have it for 4 months now, no issue at all. It is still under warranty and the dashboard indicates the car has a service schedule for april 2019, does anybody know how much it cost for this service and what does it include?
I have been quoted as low as $89 for it but I believe the average is approx $200. It includes replacement of the Cabin filter and changing the brake fluid. Congrats on your i3! I hope you're enjoying it as much as I am.
No need to overpay 4 Bimmer service. Sure someone on here has a video on how to change cabin filter yourself as I learned 4 my Benz