120k miles on 2017 REx. - Recoded to allow gas engine to fire up at 75% SOC (if you choose) - Zero repairs yet - brakes last forever with regen - 95% of miles on EV only - Annual DIY oil changes are so easy. - We never hesitate to use on long road trips all over the Pacific Nortwest.
I have a 2014 i3 REX. I drive about 6K miles a year and only burn about 5 gallons of gas. I average about 50 to 70 miles a charge depending on the outside temperature. It's more than enough range for most commutes. Plus, many places have free charging at their parking lots. It's a great run about. I through on winter tires on and have no issues with snow here in MN. You can charge easily with a 110v outlet overnight. If you need a great run about, I can't recommend this car enough. Not everyone likes the looks, but I think it looks great.
I wish all PHEVs were more like the I3, i.e. big battery small engine only needed when you really need the range but 90% of the time you would just use the battery.
Keep your eye on the 12v accessory battery. That will fail faster than you would think. It's an EV issue for many brands. Other than that it's awesome!!!
@@dtl thanks! Understood...I was a member and daily reader of the Reddit i3 Forum for over a year before we got ours. That problem seemed to come up several times a month for someone in the forum...
Thank you! Good, honest review. I'm holding out for an Aptera. In the unfortunate event that it doesn't make it to full production, the i3 REX is probably my top choice. It seems like such a natural way to build an EV - decent electric range, but with enough gasoline power to get you practically anywhere without a charger. It's a shame it isn't being built anymore and that there aren't more models with the same setup.
Nice! If you aren’t a EV club member… What you do…is What EV chapters loves… Talk EV, Share your Leaf and BMW experiences ( Aptera ahead ) You and Sarah have the perfect delivery of good and not so good… to engage and educate people. In our chapters I speak about our KIA EV 6 experiences ( our 1st EV ) and still a chapter’s Point Person for early Aptera questions. Trying to be an EV ONLY Household… Holding out for Aptera! 🤔BTW CPC, Italy also makes “ some BMW composite parts… Do you know who makes the BMW i3 plastic panels? EVjoy!
BMW i3 is a great car. If your on the fence and thinking about getting one DO IT!! you won't regret it. We love the little BMW ii3 so much we bought a second one for the family.
I really, really want one of these. I'm just not sure with the limited range that it would be practical as we regularly drive 400+ miles to visit out of state family. Maybe we could make it work with the Rex version though. This is my little dream car
@@dtl the IS has larger diameter wheels and it's also wider which they say makes it better on the highway. I'm not sure where it's wider though, at the hub or just from the wheel width, some people use wheel spacers but don't know if needed for the IS wheels.
For a learner car for kiddos the i3 w no range extender is excellent also and really affordable. Back and forth to school and other places in the city. Easy to handle and teach in.
I have mixed feelings about PHEVs -- part of me likes the idea. Best of both worlds... day to day probably all electric. But the gas engine is there for road trips or when your're driving in DCFC wastelands. But the complexities of having two separate motors (the electric motor and the ICE) rubs me the wrong way. I want to get away from fossil fuels, the gas pump, the maintenance needs, and the dirtiness of the ICE. The BMW i3 REX seems like a really great alternative. The REX is not a power train engine, but just an on-board battery charger (when needed). PHEVs are big ICE / small battery. The i3 REX is big (well, sort of) battery / small ICE. Sweet.
Yeah it's a perfect alternative for me with the REX only for charging occasionally, gets little wear and tear and with reduced service intervals (despite the US recommendation), I don't like the extra 120kgs but considering it's on a lightweight platform, I can deal with it.
This is not a traditional PHEV. Those typically are ICE vehicles with a battery/electric helper. This car is a proper EV which has an optional small ICE generator. It doesn't have dual drive trains. It doesn't require that option and in 2019 didn't come with that option in europe. My experience is, I believe, typical that I never use it in day to day driving. The only time was when I forced it into use by running the battery down to 6% which triggers the generator. I wanted to see how well it worked. Seventy on the freeway under range extender? Yes! No issues. It means I would take the car on trips that I might otherwise use our Volvo for just because of the security.
I'm 6 ft and don't find the back seat too bad, just have to move the front seat a notch or 2 forward from where I normally have it.. there are many cars that are worse in any case.
I have two for 7 yeard and my only beef if the ac system if it goes you dead in the watter, reason been. The ac compressor cools the battery a required system. Tesla used glycool too cool the battery. If this was the case on the i3 it would be just as a Tesla. Now the tires issue is correct. The rest of thr car is just very cool
I got the 2016 i3 with REX, right now 165.000km (102K mls), absolutely love it. Best / cheapest car I ever drove. Battery capacity excellent, no repairs, great on tyres, no wear on the interieur. I drive it 95% pure electric at 14,9kWh per 100km (4,17 mls / kWh). I did an EPROM change so it always starts in Eco (instead Comfort) mode, which much better fits the character of the car.
GREAT video! So helpful. I have one important question: Can I charge an i3 using a standard household outlet, running a long extension cord to the car? If I get an i3, I wouldn't be able to park it in our 1-car garage as it's already spoken for, so I wouldn't really be able to plug the i3's charging cable straight into a wall outlet. Thanks!
Thanks for your review Chad. I'm not a huge fan of the I3's styling, but they were very innovative in their engineering. Especially for 10 years ago. I don't think that I would consider getting an I3 that didn't have the range extender, but with the REX model it does make it compelling for many people's needs. I think that the toughest argument against the I3 is simply the Gen II Chevy Volt, which gets over 50 miles of EV-only range, but its gas assisted range (and overall capability) is far better. I have two friends who just bought newer used Volts, and it was an excellent fit for their extended driving needs. The recent, super low prices on (non-REX) i3s and Leafs do make them a surprise choice for people who do not need to drive much, or very far. But who want an EV for very economical, around town driving.
I'm very interested in the i3, but I am weary of the cost to repair. What if i'm in a fender bender? Nobody can repair the body, except the BMW dealer. Lots of $$$
Interesting point. If we ever crash it we will report the costs. Of course we have it fully covered from State Farm for about $40/ month so we are not worried.
I have to disagree with your observations about the back seat being tight. Sure, if you push the front seat all the way back it will be snug in back for a tall person, but my 5'6" wife has plenty of room. I am 6'2" and can comfortably drive with the driver's seat a couple of notches forward. It's not uncomfortable at all and a 6 footer can ride behind me. BTW when you show the back also show that the front seat tips forward for easy egress. BTW I also have a Volvo estate V60 which has less back seat room than the i3.
How many miles do you have on your vehicle? What about battery degradation? How’s it holding up? Do you still get to range compared to when you first got it? Thanks in advance!!
70,000 plus miles. No noticeable denigration yet. Holding up great. I got 90 miles of electric only range this AM at 70mph. Has another 100 or so via REX if needed.
@@ronwatson3237 33kw no major repairs. Just the 12v accessory battery. I'm changing the front brake pads this week. The sensor says they are ready to be changed. BMW.claims.180 miles between battery and REX. I do way better than that in the summer.
This "Rex" is not a pure EV and for this reason it's banned from entering EV only zones, like the center of London and many others. If you really need a larger range, get yourself a bigger battery or a different vehicle all-together, or a Prius. The scooter engine in the back is truly a nuisance; it will also remove 10 miles from your battery range. You still need to do combustion maintenance and the cars driving behind you will smell all the carp... Not my cup of tea; you either go EV, or you don't! Personally I have two small EVs (i3 and MINI COOPER SE) and two "normal" cars; Golf 2.5l aspirated gas (14k miles as of today-my wife's) and an X5 Diesel 3l 48K miles, my own). If you intend to compress both worlds into one vehicle it's not the i3 by a long margin! Happy new year!
120k miles on 2017 REx.
- Recoded to allow gas engine to fire up at 75% SOC (if you choose)
- Zero repairs yet
- brakes last forever with regen
- 95% of miles on EV only
- Annual DIY oil changes are so easy.
- We never hesitate to use on long road trips all over the Pacific Nortwest.
Wow! Thank you for the comment!
I have a 2014 i3 REX. I drive about 6K miles a year and only burn about 5 gallons of gas. I average about 50 to 70 miles a charge depending on the outside temperature. It's more than enough range for most commutes. Plus, many places have free charging at their parking lots. It's a great run about. I through on winter tires on and have no issues with snow here in MN. You can charge easily with a 110v outlet overnight. If you need a great run about, I can't recommend this car enough. Not everyone likes the looks, but I think it looks great.
Glad to hear it's working out so good for you! We really like the i3.
I wish all PHEVs were more like the I3, i.e. big battery small engine only needed when you really need the range but 90% of the time you would just use the battery.
Exactly!! That's what makes the REX special. We rarely need it!
It's a GREAT car! I've had my i3 for just over 3 months. It's a 2017 Protonic Blue with sunroof, all the features AND autopark. I love it!
Keep your eye on the 12v accessory battery. That will fail faster than you would think. It's an EV issue for many brands. Other than that it's awesome!!!
@@dtl thanks! Understood...I was a member and daily reader of the Reddit i3 Forum for over a year before we got ours. That problem seemed to come up several times a month for someone in the forum...
@@stevenbryan8757 great to be informed!!
We absolutely love ours. Who would have guessed a BMW to be reliable? i3 REX for the win!
Yes!! Thank you Andy
Thank you! Good, honest review. I'm holding out for an Aptera. In the unfortunate event that it doesn't make it to full production, the i3 REX is probably my top choice. It seems like such a natural way to build an EV - decent electric range, but with enough gasoline power to get you practically anywhere without a charger. It's a shame it isn't being built anymore and that there aren't more models with the same setup.
Thank you! We can't wait for our Aptera!!! The i3 is great for now. We appreciate your comment!
I need one of those
🤣😜
But it sounds like Chad is buying new tires for you!
@@DrTeeHenry he's got them on the way
@@DrTeeHenry I did. But I had too. I drove WAY more miles than she did
Nice! If you aren’t a EV club member… What you do…is What EV chapters loves… Talk EV, Share your Leaf and BMW experiences ( Aptera ahead ) You and Sarah have the perfect delivery of good and not so good… to engage and educate people. In our chapters I speak about our KIA EV 6 experiences ( our 1st EV ) and still a chapter’s Point Person for early Aptera questions. Trying to be an EV ONLY Household… Holding out for Aptera! 🤔BTW CPC, Italy also makes “ some BMW composite parts… Do you know who makes the BMW i3 plastic panels? EVjoy!
Thank you!! We don't belong to any clubs but I hope our videos help people. You Rock!!!!!
Great review!
Thank you James!
We sure appreciate real world reviews like this that include the quirks. The i3 REX sounds like a great used car choice!
Thank you!! We always appreciate your comments!
@@dtl You're welcome, we always appreciate your video work!
It looks like a cool little car.
It has a super tight turning radius too. It's rear wheel drive. Just a cool ride. 0-60 in about 8 seconds.
BMW i3 is a great car. If your on the fence and thinking about getting one DO IT!! you won't regret it. We love the little BMW ii3 so much we bought a second one for the family.
I moved this comment to the top! We would also buy a 2nd i3 in this family. Then mom could actually drive the one she bought 🤣
I really, really want one of these. I'm just not sure with the limited range that it would be practical as we regularly drive 400+ miles to visit out of state family. Maybe we could make it work with the Rex version though. This is my little dream car
I had a 2019 REX, I put the S tires on it and I really liked what it did for the ride and handling. It's a great car!
Nice!!
are the hubs on the S wider or is it all down to the wheel?
@@justice4g I assume he meant summer tires as opposed to the all seasons we have.
@@dtl the IS has larger diameter wheels and it's also wider which they say makes it better on the highway. I'm not sure where it's wider though, at the hub or just from the wheel width, some people use wheel spacers but don't know if needed for the IS wheels.
The i3 with 20" wheels came with 155/60R20 front and 175/55R20 rear, the S has 175/55R20 front and 195/50R20 rear.
For a learner car for kiddos the i3 w no range extender is excellent also and really affordable. Back and forth to school and other places in the city. Easy to handle and teach in.
Great point!!
I have mixed feelings about PHEVs -- part of me likes the idea. Best of both worlds... day to day probably all electric. But the gas engine is there for road trips or when your're driving in DCFC wastelands. But the complexities of having two separate motors (the electric motor and the ICE) rubs me the wrong way. I want to get away from fossil fuels, the gas pump, the maintenance needs, and the dirtiness of the ICE. The BMW i3 REX seems like a really great alternative. The REX is not a power train engine, but just an on-board battery charger (when needed). PHEVs are big ICE / small battery. The i3 REX is big (well, sort of) battery / small ICE. Sweet.
Right! I am definitely not for PEHVs the i3 is different. We are all electric 99% of the time and then it's just an on board charger.
Yeah it's a perfect alternative for me with the REX only for charging occasionally, gets little wear and tear and with reduced service intervals (despite the US recommendation), I don't like the extra 120kgs but considering it's on a lightweight platform, I can deal with it.
@@justice4g we really like the i3 REX. I would buy another one.
This is not a traditional PHEV. Those typically are ICE vehicles with a battery/electric helper. This car is a proper EV which has an optional small ICE generator. It doesn't have dual drive trains. It doesn't require that option and in 2019 didn't come with that option in europe. My experience is, I believe, typical that I never use it in day to day driving. The only time was when I forced it into use by running the battery down to 6% which triggers the generator. I wanted to see how well it worked. Seventy on the freeway under range extender? Yes! No issues. It means I would take the car on trips that I might otherwise use our Volvo for just because of the security.
@@rcpmac Good to know! The “emergency” ICE generator seems much simpler and sensible than a full-fledged plug-in hybrid.
I'm 6 ft and don't find the back seat too bad, just have to move the front seat a notch or 2 forward from where I normally have it.. there are many cars that are worse in any case.
So true. Thank you for sharing! Us 5'8" people have it even better
Been thinking of buying one of these. After seeing this video this will be my next purchase. Thank you for the upload.
It's definitely an honest review. We don't owe BMW anything. We really enjoy it.
Smelling those 2 pizzas on the dashboard all the way home, tho' .. 😅
Another perk!!
I have two for 7 yeard and my only beef if the ac system if it goes you dead in the watter, reason been. The ac compressor cools the battery a required system. Tesla used glycool too cool the battery. If this was the case on the i3 it would be just as a Tesla. Now the tires issue is correct. The rest of thr car is just very cool
Thank you for the comment!! We haven't had AC problems yet but we will be watching.
I got the 2016 i3 with REX, right now 165.000km (102K mls), absolutely love it. Best / cheapest car I ever drove. Battery capacity excellent, no repairs, great on tyres, no wear on the interieur. I drive it 95% pure electric at 14,9kWh per 100km (4,17 mls / kWh). I did an EPROM change so it always starts in Eco (instead Comfort) mode, which much better fits the character of the car.
Awesome!!! We love the 2017 REX. Great car!!
GREAT video! So helpful. I have one important question: Can I charge an i3 using a standard household outlet, running a long extension cord to the car? If I get an i3, I wouldn't be able to park it in our 1-car garage as it's already spoken for, so I wouldn't really be able to plug the i3's charging cable straight into a wall outlet. Thanks!
You can definitely. It will take quite a while to charge but it works!
Thanks for your review Chad. I'm not a huge fan of the I3's styling, but they were very innovative in their engineering. Especially for 10 years ago. I don't think that I would consider getting an I3 that didn't have the range extender, but with the REX model it does make it compelling for many people's needs. I think that the toughest argument against the I3 is simply the Gen II Chevy Volt, which gets over 50 miles of EV-only range, but its gas assisted range (and overall capability) is far better. I have two friends who just bought newer used Volts, and it was an excellent fit for their extended driving needs. The recent, super low prices on (non-REX) i3s and Leafs do make them a surprise choice for people who do not need to drive much, or very far. But who want an EV for very economical, around town driving.
Thank you Dean!! You are the Volt/Cadillac ELR expert!
I'm very interested in the i3, but I am weary of the cost to repair. What if i'm in a fender bender? Nobody can repair the body, except the BMW dealer. Lots of $$$
Interesting point. If we ever crash it we will report the costs. Of course we have it fully covered from State Farm for about $40/ month so we are not worried.
Not a good highway car.
Not full coverage, correct? @@dtl
I have to disagree with your observations about the back seat being tight. Sure, if you push the front seat all the way back it will be snug in back for a tall person, but my 5'6" wife has plenty of room. I am 6'2" and can comfortably drive with the driver's seat a couple of notches forward. It's not uncomfortable at all and a 6 footer can ride behind me. BTW when you show the back also show that the front seat tips forward for easy egress. BTW I also have a Volvo estate V60 which has less back seat room than the i3.
Thank you!! We love the i3.
How many miles do you have on your vehicle? What about battery degradation? How’s it holding up? Do you still get to range compared to when you first got it? Thanks in advance!!
70,000 plus miles. No noticeable denigration yet. Holding up great. I got 90 miles of electric only range this AM at 70mph. Has another 100 or so via REX if needed.
@@dtl that sounds great - what is your battery size and have you had to do any big repairs or has there been any recalls? Thanks in advance!!
@@ronwatson3237 33kw no major repairs. Just the 12v accessory battery. I'm changing the front brake pads this week. The sensor says they are ready to be changed. BMW.claims.180 miles between battery and REX. I do way better than that in the summer.
higher pressure for those tires
Thank you Shay
This "Rex" is not a pure EV and for this reason it's banned from entering EV only zones, like the center of London and many others. If you really need a larger range, get yourself a bigger battery or a different vehicle all-together, or a Prius. The scooter engine in the back is truly a nuisance; it will also remove 10 miles from your battery range. You still need to do combustion maintenance and the cars driving behind you will smell all the carp... Not my cup of tea; you either go EV, or you don't! Personally I have two small EVs (i3 and MINI COOPER SE) and two "normal" cars; Golf 2.5l aspirated gas (14k miles as of today-my wife's) and an X5 Diesel 3l 48K miles, my own). If you intend to compress both worlds into one vehicle it's not the i3 by a long margin! Happy new year!
Thank you.