Best BMW i3 sum up I’ve seen on TH-cam and all the reasons why I’ll be getting one. Very logical points too, the range means charging overnight when it’s cheap to do so and we’ll not be bothered stopping for 30 minutes on longer trips, which means we can travel over 300 miles with ease. Geoff
The i3 is completely iconic. Many manufacturers talk of having introduced a ground up design but BMW definitely started with a blank sheet of paper when they came to design and engineer the i3. So sad that production ended when another small update to battery capacity and tech would have seen it resume its position at the top of the small car EV league table - despite being a fundamentally 10 year old design. I actually prefer the iDrive controller to a touch screen and the BMW SatNav system is really clear and informative. A heated steering wheel would be nice as would a traffic sign speed limiter system - I do though manage reasonably adequately with the ACC in my i3s. Interestingly many i3 owners (myself included) have never been able to part with our cars even though they have moved on to newer daily drives - in my case a Renault Megane E~Tech. It is a pity that so much that is unique and special about the i3 has not been continued by BMW or adopted by other manufacturers but I guess that the carbon reinforced plastic and aluminium structure was too expensive and too restraining for mass production.
Great point. For car enthusiasts, a carbon fiber chassis, rear motor, rear wheel drive are super exciting on paper. Driving this thing is so much fun compared to it's front wheel drive competitors. This is one of the few cars I've owned that I know I will keep for a very long time. It's not pretty but it manages to look great in my eyes.
Had one now for 5 years. Everyone I think I should change it I’m stumped. I just can’t find anything that competes at all unless I spend a ridiculous amount of money. I’m happy to keep it and at 115k miles it still shows 100% battery! The engineering that went into this car just shows how much they really thought about changing the car world for the better.
7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2
We have had one for two years and it’s just an insanely brilliant car. I added an iX1 in February this year, and that’s just “a very nice car”, but doesn’t have the character of the i3. It’s a shame that BMW never made any money from them and couldn’t replace the model with something similar for the later 2020s.
The no1 thing i LOVE about my BMW i3s is just how fast it is round corners. People look at the "noddycar" styling, look at the bicycle width tyres, look at the city car ethos and think "that'll be slow" but not only is is not slow, it's actually fast, very very fast! This is because 1) By modern standards it's very light 2) it has a very stiff carbon body on a stiff alluminium chassis 3) the centre of gravity is properly low, think Lotus Elise low or in fact probably lower 4) It has a wheel pretty much at each corner. No overhangs, ie the widest track and longest wheelbase for it's footprint 5) The very fast traction control and smooth torque output of the motor give it insanely good traction. Even when it's sliding it's driving forwards and finding grip 6) The tyres might be modest width, but thanks to their large diameter the contact patch is actually not bad, and the car has very very good grip considering 7) The narrow tyres mean proper steering feel.. Most modern cars have masses of grip, that you can't use because as a driver you can't "feel" the level of that grip. With the i3s, the front and rear tyres can be kept absolutely 100% (and sometimes 110%... ;-) on the limit. 8) It has a very fast steering ratio. A lot of people who are not smooth drivers and have got used to jerking the controls around on modern cars that are over damped and dulled find the i3s a bit too nervious, but calm you inputs down and the yaw authority is properly good, think Lotus Elise good 9) The torque to weight ratio and the torque response. In most cases, the I3s is simply up and gone by the time anything else has got an appropriate gear and these days got on boost. I've had absolutely no problems running with things that are overtly much much more sporting eg GR yaris or GolfR in my i3s and that makes me love it even more 🙂
100% agree with you on yaw authority. You must have a background in aeronautics. I love how easily I can point the noise with either steering input or accelerator pedal...reminds me a bit of my E30 but without the snap oversteer. 😢
Nice video! Me and my family (me,wife, 2kids) love our I3s ... since we got this car, 95% of our Touran has been in the garage. For most journeys, the bmw i3 is simply the cheaper and more efficient choice for getting from point A to point B. Even with the 120ah / 37.9kWh netto battery, the car is well equipped for what it was designed for. It is also possible to drive longer distances on the motorway, but then you have to think about the topic and plan the charging stops cleverly. The design/look is not for everyone, you love it or you don't. We love it!
I love my i3 but I have a 2014 bmw i3 rex and its still running perfectly fine so I'm going to ride it until it gives out so for now im getting some custom red seat covers , a custom 2024 bmw grill insert , trunk spoiler, muflaps ,and then get it wrapped .
Nice video. And I totally agree, we have pretty much the same "setup". We already had the i3 94ah and we just bought a Tesla model Y RWD. Honestly in the city I prefer driving the i3 as it is nice compact. The small turning radius as you also mention is just fantastic, and driving feels almost like a go kart while you are actually meanwhile sitting pretty high. Also, it's actually the only bmw with a "positive image". People usually find it a bit of an odd, funny and friendly car, so you don't have this standard bmw image of: oh well look at Mr Big Shot driving a big BMW. 😂
I recently bought an i3S too, in Melbourne red, with the suite interior and must have sunroof and Harman Kardon speakers. Mine is from 2020, so does have CarPlay, but I’ve yet to work out how to make it show full screen. Like you I adore the size, the looks, the great handling and nice turn of speed. I live in London, so it’s the perfect car for me. I had to drive it 200 miles home, so needed to charge twice on the motorway. 2 x 20 minute stops was all I needed, which was pretty much what I do with a petrol car anyway, so for me it is usable on longer journeys. I love it!
Sat in a BMW 5 series over the weekend and I noticed how much more cramped the front seats where. I love my i3 as well, enjoy the next 10 years with the i3!
Hi, greetings from the U.K. I bought a BMW i3 new in 2019, still have it, still love it. Tesla’s have better technology, but the i3 has charm, fabulous for front seat passengers with a big windscreen and losts of space. Super fun to drive. Plan to keep mine for many more years, then perhaps change for a Tesla Model 2, or whatever they decide to call it!
Nice video! I’ve just subscribed 👍 having just bought a 2020 i3s a few weeks ago I was researching this car a lot over the Christmas holidays.. for me personally I wanted the Sunroof, Rear parking camera, Comfort access and the lodge interior (wool seats and eucalyptus trim) it’s an amazing little car and brings a smile to my face everyday. There’s something very calming and relaxing about the inside! Completely original with no other car like it! My other car is i4 btw.. and I haven’t driven that since getting the i3s! The i4 is great and I feel lucky to own two fantastic cars!
My + points: - The i3 is fast - The i3 has a hitech carbonfibre casing and aluminium frame - The i3 still looks modern even though it is a +10 year old design - The i3 is completely silent, no rattles or squeeks when driving
Absolutely love my i3. I do wish it had android auto but I've been nothing but impressed by the little thing. It's obviously such a well set up vehicle. Everything feels premium, it drives fantastically, and it's dirt cheap to run and maintain. I've put 23k miles on it so far and it's been a joy to own compared to everything else I've owned. Very minimal maintenance required, super practical, and it just keeps working every day.
@@gavinhassett479 full agree, hit all the basics perfectly. As a platform to run into the future it was perfect. Honestly an interior change here or there and some simple styling and that car would look newer than most cars out there. Add batteries and wheelbase and you'd have a better crossover SUV than anyone on the market. Just a staggeringly good car.
Brilliant. Looking to get my hands on one. Very insightful, useful information and interesting critique. I liked what you'd had to say and your explanation of its place in the scheme of things. Good comparison's to other vehicles abilities, and purpose. Keep it up, good work.
Hmm we own an i3 for 3yrs, one issue I would like to investigate is making suspension softer. We fitted KW V3 front and rear, the local dealer suggested it would help, unfortunately it didn't
Great video. Soon I will be looking for a car to buy and I really wanted the BMW i3 but then I change my mind and think about going Hybrid but then I am back to looking at the BMW i3. I think I'm nervous. I've owned an EV before (Chevy Spark EV) but I've always been told to stay away from BMW but I hear so many good things about the i3. Thanks for being up front about the things you love. It makes me want one even more, lol.
I'm currently looking to get my first EV. Looking for cheap options on a few different models. The i3 is definitely one of them. Cool to hear some experience from actual owners. Especially the info that it's a decent car, even for norwegian winters. 😅
I'm also in the process of deciding whether to buy a used electric car and am wavering between the I3 and the Kia e-soul. The latter has a greater range than the I3, but is much heavier (1800 kg, battery alone almost 450 kg).
Great video. For the future I have some questions: Do you use a square setup for winter tires or do you swap the tires onto your current wheels? What are the seat materials like? I think perhaps leather would always be the best choice, but I haven't heard how the other seat materials perform in the i3s. If the i3s gets into an accident, how do the repair costs compare to other ev's? How long does it take to charge from 30% to 100% for your return trips? Is the interior quiet when driving? Any rattles or other fit an finish issues? What's the most range you could expect to get when purchasing an i3s if you go for the latest models that were produced? Does it have camper mode like the Tesla?
I can answer some of those now. I do run a square setup in winter, yes. In Norway, it is standard to have a dedicated summer/winter wheel set. Seat material feels like leather, I am not a huge fan of leather in general, but it feels high quality. I would think the i3 is expensive to repair, but that it depends on the type of damage. 30% to 100% would take around 35-40 minutes. The interior is quiet enough for me at highway speed. No rattle issues and no finish issues. You could expect 250 km in summer and 150 km in winter. It does not have camper mode.
@@jeanmarie97for real? I saw in some video that someone took for checkup and was suggested to change tires and as the tires are so unique, they ended up costing thousands.
Living in norway too for the last months, i am looking to buy my first cat hete. Could you brake down the costs on owning this car? It would be very helpfull ❤thanks in advance 😊
It's 7 seconds (which is good) because it's limited. The first ones were not but the engine mounts could not take it in the long term so BMW limited the launch torque.
Can the i3 pull a motorcycle trailer, a caravan? How do normal bicycles fit into the car, yes, into. Does it carry a Vespa inside? How can someone sleep in the car? Seat leaning back, deeply, or flat? Or by sleepin on the luggage space while moving the front passenger seat forward or even flat? How speedy and precise is the navigation and charging assistance systems on the i3 system? How is the side and rear views on the mirrors or cameras? Are the tires of standard sizes and all types of wheels available? What if someone crashes into the i3 and damages the structure of it? How will BMW or an alternate workshop repair this multi-modern-carbon-sandwich? How does one test the battery-quality of the i3, is there a system check with reliable information, so one can judge what cells need replacement at what cost and determine the value of the car? How quick can the i3S big battery be charged, to continue the journey. I think smaller batteries are of benefit for that, you get them quicker to 80%, but it‘s not generally so everywhere, so how‘s the BMW doing on that matter, compared to a recent medium-class EV.
![ปฏิเสธไม่ไหว (Crush on you) - LIPTA feat. No One Else [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NBw1jF342vw/mqdefault.jpg)
Best BMW i3 sum up I’ve seen on TH-cam and all the reasons why I’ll be getting one. Very logical points too, the range means charging overnight when it’s cheap to do so and we’ll not be bothered stopping for 30 minutes on longer trips, which means we can travel over 300 miles with ease. Geoff
Great to heart. Thanks for the nice feedback!
Me too, I've only discovered this gem today and am excited to enquire about a used one at just £9k! It seems perfect for me apart from no Android Auto
The i3 is completely iconic. Many manufacturers talk of having introduced a ground up design but BMW definitely started with a blank sheet of paper when they came to design and engineer the i3. So sad that production ended when another small update to battery capacity and tech would have seen it resume its position at the top of the small car EV league table - despite being a fundamentally 10 year old design. I actually prefer the iDrive controller to a touch screen and the BMW SatNav system is really clear and informative. A heated steering wheel would be nice as would a traffic sign speed limiter system - I do though manage reasonably adequately with the ACC in my i3s. Interestingly many i3 owners (myself included) have never been able to part with our cars even though they have moved on to newer daily drives - in my case a Renault Megane E~Tech. It is a pity that so much that is unique and special about the i3 has not been continued by BMW or adopted by other manufacturers but I guess that the carbon reinforced plastic and aluminium structure was too expensive and too restraining for mass production.
For car enthusiast people like me, the BMW i3 is unique. Ten years later of the first model there's no other cars who looks and drive like them.
Great point. For car enthusiasts, a carbon fiber chassis, rear motor, rear wheel drive are super exciting on paper. Driving this thing is so much fun compared to it's front wheel drive competitors. This is one of the few cars I've owned that I know I will keep for a very long time. It's not pretty but it manages to look great in my eyes.
@@sonnycruz7032So you have a REX model?
Had one now for 5 years. Everyone I think I should change it I’m stumped. I just can’t find anything that competes at all unless I spend a ridiculous amount of money.
I’m happy to keep it and at 115k miles it still shows 100% battery!
The engineering that went into this car just shows how much they really thought about changing the car world for the better.
We have had one for two years and it’s just an insanely brilliant car.
I added an iX1 in February this year, and that’s just “a very nice car”, but doesn’t have the character of the i3.
It’s a shame that BMW never made any money from them and couldn’t replace the model with something similar for the later 2020s.
Is it fully electric? How is the reliability and cost to maintain? Do the tires melt after one year?
The car is great !!!@@carmichaelree
Take advantage of one of the few things radically dropping price, even if only through depreciation.
So easy to drive, reminds me of when I learnt to drive in a mini, throw it into corners and drive it like you stole it "so they say" A nice review.
The no1 thing i LOVE about my BMW i3s is just how fast it is round corners. People look at the "noddycar" styling, look at the bicycle width tyres, look at the city car ethos and think "that'll be slow" but not only is is not slow, it's actually fast, very very fast! This is because
1) By modern standards it's very light
2) it has a very stiff carbon body on a stiff alluminium chassis
3) the centre of gravity is properly low, think Lotus Elise low or in fact probably lower
4) It has a wheel pretty much at each corner. No overhangs, ie the widest track and longest wheelbase for it's footprint
5) The very fast traction control and smooth torque output of the motor give it insanely good traction. Even when it's sliding it's driving forwards and finding grip
6) The tyres might be modest width, but thanks to their large diameter the contact patch is actually not bad, and the car has very very good grip considering
7) The narrow tyres mean proper steering feel.. Most modern cars have masses of grip, that you can't use because as a driver you can't "feel" the level of that grip. With the i3s, the front and rear tyres can be kept absolutely 100% (and sometimes 110%... ;-) on the limit.
8) It has a very fast steering ratio. A lot of people who are not smooth drivers and have got used to jerking the controls around on modern cars that are over damped and dulled find the i3s a bit too nervious, but calm you inputs down and the yaw authority is properly good, think Lotus Elise good
9) The torque to weight ratio and the torque response. In most cases, the I3s is simply up and gone by the time anything else has got an appropriate gear and these days got on boost.
I've had absolutely no problems running with things that are overtly much much more sporting eg GR yaris or GolfR in my i3s and that makes me love it even more 🙂
I agree!
100% agree with you on yaw authority. You must have a background in aeronautics. I love how easily I can point the noise with either steering input or accelerator pedal...reminds me a bit of my E30 but without the snap oversteer. 😢
@@sonnycruz7032 35 years in automotive development including ride and handling ;-)
Nice video! Me and my family (me,wife, 2kids) love our I3s ... since we got this car, 95% of our Touran has been in the garage. For most journeys, the bmw i3 is simply the cheaper and more efficient choice for getting from point A to point B. Even with the 120ah / 37.9kWh netto battery, the car is well equipped for what it was designed for. It is also possible to drive longer distances on the motorway, but then you have to think about the topic and plan the charging stops cleverly. The design/look is not for everyone, you love it or you don't. We love it!
So great to hear that you use it in the daily!
I love my i3 but I have a 2014 bmw i3 rex and its still running perfectly fine so I'm going to ride it until it gives out so for now im getting some custom red seat covers , a custom 2024 bmw grill insert , trunk spoiler, muflaps ,and then get it wrapped .
Nice video. And I totally agree, we have pretty much the same "setup". We already had the i3 94ah and we just bought a Tesla model Y RWD.
Honestly in the city I prefer driving the i3 as it is nice compact. The small turning radius as you also mention is just fantastic, and driving feels almost like a go kart while you are actually meanwhile sitting pretty high.
Also, it's actually the only bmw with a "positive image".
People usually find it a bit of an odd, funny and friendly car, so you don't have this standard bmw image of: oh well look at Mr Big Shot driving a big BMW.
😂
Great to hear, and I agree!
Love your enthusiasm for the car. Keep it going!
I recently bought an i3S too, in Melbourne red, with the suite interior and must have sunroof and Harman Kardon speakers. Mine is from 2020, so does have CarPlay, but I’ve yet to work out how to make it show full screen. Like you I adore the size, the looks, the great handling and nice turn of speed. I live in London, so it’s the perfect car for me. I had to drive it 200 miles home, so needed to charge twice on the motorway. 2 x 20 minute stops was all I needed, which was pretty much what I do with a petrol car anyway, so for me it is usable on longer journeys. I love it!
Sat in a BMW 5 series over the weekend and I noticed how much more cramped the front seats where. I love my i3 as well, enjoy the next 10 years with the i3!
I love my 2021 120ah blue and black i3. Had lots of cars but is very special. Very special.
Hi, greetings from the U.K. I bought a BMW i3 new in 2019, still have it, still love it. Tesla’s have better technology, but the i3 has charm, fabulous for front seat passengers with a big windscreen and losts of space. Super fun to drive. Plan to keep mine for many more years, then perhaps change for a Tesla Model 2, or whatever they decide to call it!
Nice video! I’ve just subscribed 👍 having just bought a 2020 i3s a few weeks ago I was researching this car a lot over the Christmas holidays.. for me personally I wanted the Sunroof, Rear parking camera, Comfort access and the lodge interior (wool seats and eucalyptus trim) it’s an amazing little car and brings a smile to my face everyday. There’s something very calming and relaxing about the inside! Completely original with no other car like it! My other car is i4 btw.. and I haven’t driven that since getting the i3s! The i4 is great and I feel lucky to own two fantastic cars!
Happy to hear that you like the i3s and i4, what a line up! I agree, the i3 feels special.
My + points:
- The i3 is fast
- The i3 has a hitech carbonfibre casing and aluminium frame
- The i3 still looks modern even though it is a +10 year old design
- The i3 is completely silent, no rattles or squeeks when driving
Agree!
Certainly isn’t fast. But it’s quick enough for most driving , especially in town
Absolutely love my i3. I do wish it had android auto but I've been nothing but impressed by the little thing. It's obviously such a well set up vehicle. Everything feels premium, it drives fantastically, and it's dirt cheap to run and maintain. I've put 23k miles on it so far and it's been a joy to own compared to everything else I've owned. Very minimal maintenance required, super practical, and it just keeps working every day.
So happy to hear this! Enjoy it!
Shame that they ended its production.
@@gavinhassett479 full agree, hit all the basics perfectly. As a platform to run into the future it was perfect. Honestly an interior change here or there and some simple styling and that car would look newer than most cars out there. Add batteries and wheelbase and you'd have a better crossover SUV than anyone on the market. Just a staggeringly good car.
Great videos! Subscribed. Pls confirm that with AC charging it maximum speed is 11kw and with DC is 50kw. Thanks from Malaga, Spain.
Brilliant. Looking to get my hands on one. Very insightful, useful information and interesting critique. I liked what you'd had to say and your explanation of its place in the scheme of things. Good comparison's to other vehicles abilities, and purpose. Keep it up, good work.
I love my 2014 BMW i3 Rex. got for an amazing price. I just wish the tires in the front were bigger and cheaper.
Nice to hear what an owner thinks about their cars, good and bad. 🙂
Hmm we own an i3 for 3yrs, one issue I would like to investigate is making suspension softer.
We fitted KW V3 front and rear, the local dealer suggested it would help, unfortunately it didn't
Love my 22 i3s in Blue. I’m driving it for my Job (1400km per month) . Best car i ever bought.
Bmw I3 doesn,t give you KWh capacity on the battery, but Ah..Which model do you want if you want at least 250km range? Thanks...
120 Ah x 352 V = 42 kWh
This is the version I have, and recommend going for if you want close to 250 km real world range.
Great video. Soon I will be looking for a car to buy and I really wanted the BMW i3 but then I change my mind and think about going Hybrid but then I am back to looking at the BMW i3. I think I'm nervous. I've owned an EV before (Chevy Spark EV) but I've always been told to stay away from BMW but I hear so many good things about the i3. Thanks for being up front about the things you love. It makes me want one even more, lol.
I'm currently looking to get my first EV. Looking for cheap options on a few different models. The i3 is definitely one of them. Cool to hear some experience from actual owners. Especially the info that it's a decent car, even for norwegian winters. 😅
Yes . How do you find a good one!
I'm also in the process of deciding whether to buy a used electric car and am wavering between the I3 and the Kia e-soul. The latter has a greater range than the I3, but is much heavier (1800 kg, battery alone almost 450 kg).
Love our '18 i3s rex ❤️
Great to hear!
I really like the car and your video. I tested one and I agree w you the car is unique, light and pretty fast. Thanks for sharing
Glad you liked it!
Great video. For the future I have some questions: Do you use a square setup for winter tires or do you swap the tires onto your current wheels? What are the seat materials like? I think perhaps leather would always be the best choice, but I haven't heard how the other seat materials perform in the i3s. If the i3s gets into an accident, how do the repair costs compare to other ev's? How long does it take to charge from 30% to 100% for your return trips? Is the interior quiet when driving? Any rattles or other fit an finish issues? What's the most range you could expect to get when purchasing an i3s if you go for the latest models that were produced? Does it have camper mode like the Tesla?
I can answer some of those now. I do run a square setup in winter, yes. In Norway, it is standard to have a dedicated summer/winter wheel set. Seat material feels like leather, I am not a huge fan of leather in general, but it feels high quality. I would think the i3 is expensive to repair, but that it depends on the type of damage. 30% to 100% would take around 35-40 minutes. The interior is quiet enough for me at highway speed. No rattle issues and no finish issues. You could expect 250 km in summer and 150 km in winter. It does not have camper mode.
Nice video. How about a video on the maintenance cost of this car?
Maintenance cost is not a relevant topic for the i3, since it costs almost nothing.
@@jeanmarie97for real? I saw in some video that someone took for checkup and was suggested to change tires and as the tires are so unique, they ended up costing thousands.
True, tires for this car is super expensive.
How is back seat sitting, my son is 6' ?
@RoamingNorway which you think is better BMWi3 REX or Full electric BMW i3? thanks in advance :)
I would go without Rex.
@@RoamingNorway 🙏
Living in norway too for the last months, i am looking to buy my first cat hete. Could you brake down the costs on owning this car? It would be very helpfull ❤thanks in advance 😊
Owning inside the warranty period (5 years) should be pretty cheap. You buy the car, insurance and pay for electricity.
they seem to have a wide door sill, is it hard for old people to get into?
Hard for me to judge, however it is easier to get into than my Model 3.
Only downside is the range. But love my i3 as well ❤
It's 7 seconds (which is good) because it's limited. The first ones were not but the engine mounts could not take it in the long term so BMW limited the launch torque.
love my 19 BEV!
Can the i3 pull a motorcycle trailer, a caravan?
How do normal bicycles fit into the car, yes, into. Does it carry a Vespa inside?
How can someone sleep in the car? Seat leaning back, deeply, or flat? Or by sleepin on the luggage space while moving the front passenger seat forward or even flat?
How speedy and precise is the navigation and charging assistance systems on the i3 system?
How is the side and rear views on the mirrors or cameras?
Are the tires of standard sizes and all types of wheels available?
What if someone crashes into the i3 and damages the structure of it? How will BMW or an alternate workshop repair this multi-modern-carbon-sandwich?
How does one test the battery-quality of the i3, is there a system check with reliable information, so one can judge what cells need replacement at what cost and determine the value of the car?
How quick can the i3S big battery be charged, to continue the journey. I think smaller batteries are of benefit for that, you get them quicker to 80%, but it‘s not generally so everywhere, so how‘s the BMW doing on that matter, compared to a recent medium-class EV.
And I am 5'4"....