We drive a VW Touran 1.4tsi from 2019 and the BMW i3s from 2021. Since we got the BMW, the VW has only been in the garage. Simply a great, economical car that is a lot of fun to drive thanks to its performance!
Getting ready to pull the trigger on a 3 year old i3. Your videos have absolututely been an invaluable aid to understanding what to look for when purchasing the i3.
wow awesome detailed video! I don't have an i3, but it was fascinating to learn the costs. Much less than I thought. you should do one for all the other cars you had on the channel
What’s the worst thing that can happen in the i3 that would be expensive to fix? I’m considering getting one but don’t want expensive maintenance fees.
what a great video many thanks for taking the time to put it together, and certainly helpful in making an intended purchase, had a test drive yesterday and loved it, just down to the negotiation on price now!
Thanks for your video's - they've given me some degree of confidence to attempt some 2014 i3 REX fixes myself.. But I recently ordered a repair manual to help as well.. Have you ever heard of a Vapor Shut Off Valve jammed open ? It has a Carbon canister and cap as well - I was quoted $2,000 to repair it...
Отличное видео! У меня шестой год i3 REX европейский вариант 2016 г. , из затрат- 12 в аккумулятор, замена тормозных дисков (старые заржавели 😆) , комплекты летней и зимний резины , зеркало CarPlay с регистратором и камерой заднего вида ( 150 евро) и периодическое техническое обслуживание в BMW центре . И что особо радует- полное отсутствие коррозии по определению!
Well... That takes the i3 off of MY bucket list. I was seriously considering buying one as my next car, but after watching this, I'll go to something more conventional. Thanks for the heads-up.
Traction battery does not get full term warrantee in Ca and other carb states. There is an exclusion for the HV battery, "everything else" gets 15yr 150k.
That's awesome! What was the initial cost of the car? I kind of look at these ideas of mine as total cost over a certain amount of time. Of course, I could have bought a new one, but it would have been 3-4 times as much to own for 2 years.
@@SimpleCarGuy I paid $29k Canadian for a Rex with 60k on the clock. My previous vehicle (VW Toureg Diesel Execline) cost me $45k as a 3 year old, but in maintenance was $800 p.a. But VW bought it back from me, 5 years later for the same as what I paid for it. We consider ourselves supremely lucky for that and then buying the i3.
Sounds like ours. 2017 REx now with 101k miles. Zero repairs needed so far. Annual DIY oil changes (so easy). Saving about $2000 each year in fueling vs a 40mpg equivalent car. (We drive 20k miles annually, vast majority EV)
I started following and watching you because I also wanted the i3 as a commuter car, and I ended up getting a 2016 Z4 28i. I still love the i3 affectionately known as "the EV that could". LoL. Thanks for braving the cold to share this update. :) Do you still own your Z4?
You made a great choice! As much as I like my i3, it's still mostly just a commuter for me and bed to learn more about EVs etc. (Yes, I got too cold and went home 😅 half way through). I absolutely do still own the Z4 and drive it every chance I get, even in the winter. I just avoid snow, rain and salt if possible as I plan on keep it for at least a few more years. Thanks for watching!
I think the battery dies about at the same rate as on a regular gas car (although it’s very small at 20-30Ah, so maybe it gets worn out faster), but the issue is that you don’t know that it’s failing until too late. In a gas car, you see signs like the starter cranking slower so you know to change the battery, but in the i3, it just gets to a point where it can’t start up low voltage stuff and that’s it. You’re done.
@SimpleCarGuy should be able to put a volt meter on it to guage the health. Seems strange I assume it's lithium ion and not a lead acid. Just strap a Bluetooth volt meter on to the terminals, keep an eye on it.
But you can... I use 195/55 r20-s all corner on my 20's like yours set without any spacers... That I can use it on the 5J wide rims also since 3 years long without any problems...
I really want to buy an i3s but to arrive my home there is a 450m gravel road and it’s get worst with rain. Is it something what on the long term will damage the car, like suspension or I just need to change tires oftener? Thanks for your response 🙏🏻
Unfortunately, I don't have such experience to help you better, but I've driven through some crappy roads and it was fine. It's not very comfortable on it, but the suspension and tires seem to handle it well.
I’ve looked into it and I can’t figure out where and what it is and where to get a replacement. If you got some info, let me know and I’ll make a video
@@SimpleCarGuy well I found out the whole air filter box is just behind the rear bumper and it's a sealed unit, so it's not serviceable. I have priced a new one from BMW and it's $382 which I feel is crazy. BMW says it's supposed to last the life of the car but I use the rex a lot. I am thinking of fitting one of those cone filters to the throttle body as it's a cheaper option and there seems to be enough space.
That’s not a bad idea, I may have to look into it further. I use my Rex a good amount as well. Maybe it can be cut opened and resealed.. biggest problem with experimenting is if I have to remove the bumper just to check.
Honestly, I wouldn't even consider this car if I had to public charge only as the battery only lasts about 70 miles. BUT if you go for the bigger battery one and you WILL public charge, you can substitute the 15 cents I spend at home with the price of KW at your public charger. It's 48 cents per KW around me, so it would be 3x as much if you only used public chargers.
@@SimpleCarGuy My daily commute is 20 miles round trip. Additionally there is a 120v outlet next to where I park at work. I’m just wondering if I can get 20miles of charge in 6hrs with 120v charging.
Not a secret at all. It’s a 2016 BMW i3 REx. I don’t mention the year a lot as people really concentrate on that and then will say something like, ‘well it doesn’t happen on my 2015 or 2017, so it must be just the 2016 version’. I specify the year when it’s important such as the screen upgrade where it only works on the preLCI i3
IMO This is an awful EV/Hybrid. BMW wanted to kill the idea of EV's being main stream so it designed this cluster f of a vehicle. No range, super expensive, slow charging, little screens, awful seats, skinny dangerous tires. The list goes on and on. No classic BMW driver would EVER be happy with this oddity.
I own 4 different BMWs and to a certain degree, you are right. This is VERY different from any other BMW that was released before this one, but you also have to remember that they were trying to be innovative and come up with something new that isn't like every other car, like a Nissan Leaf. It's has Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic chassis and body and lots of cool tech that trickled down into many other BMWs. It was also designed over a decade ago and some of that shows in the EV specs. Anyway, it's a fun to drive and quirky daily drive and I love it! Thanks for watching.
We have 4 bmw's at home, all of them are quite new. X5, 6, x3 and i3. i3 is everybody's favorite. I have no idea what you are talking about. Everybody who owned i3 loves the car.
![เปิดบ้าน นาราเครปกระเทย 1 ไร่ ขายขาดทุนหลัก10ล้าน เอามาใช้หนี้!!! l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0jz84VFWVP4/mqdefault.jpg)
You along with WISELY have been my best sources on TH-cam for i3 info; keep up the good work.
We drive a VW Touran 1.4tsi from 2019 and the BMW i3s from 2021. Since we got the BMW, the VW has only been in the garage. Simply a great, economical car that is a lot of fun to drive thanks to its performance!
Getting ready to pull the trigger on a 3 year old i3. Your videos have absolututely been an invaluable aid to understanding what to look for when purchasing the i3.
wow awesome detailed video! I don't have an i3, but it was fascinating to learn the costs. Much less than I thought. you should do one for all the other cars you had on the channel
Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it
What’s the worst thing that can happen in the i3 that would be expensive to fix? I’m considering getting one but don’t want expensive maintenance fees.
what a great video many thanks for taking the time to put it together, and certainly helpful in making an intended purchase, had a test drive yesterday and loved it, just down to the negotiation on price now!
As usual... Hugh quality, fully detailed video... I guess a more fixed example at today's lower costs might have been more cost effective..?
Right now is the time to get one, for sure! At the time I bought pretty much the cheapest one on the country.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for your video's - they've given me some degree of confidence to attempt some 2014 i3 REX fixes myself.. But I recently ordered a repair manual to help as well..
Have you ever heard of a Vapor Shut Off Valve jammed open ? It has a Carbon canister and cap as well - I was quoted $2,000 to repair it...
Отличное видео! У меня шестой год i3 REX европейский вариант 2016 г. , из затрат- 12 в аккумулятор, замена тормозных дисков (старые заржавели 😆) , комплекты летней и зимний резины , зеркало CarPlay с регистратором и камерой заднего вида ( 150 евро) и периодическое техническое обслуживание в BMW центре . И что особо радует- полное отсутствие коррозии по определению!
Well... That takes the i3 off of MY bucket list.
I was seriously considering buying one as my next car, but after watching this, I'll go to something more conventional. Thanks for the heads-up.
I3 very stylish car🎉❤ love it thanks a lot for this video
Thanks for watching!
Awesome lil car, this is what im looking for now. What year do you suggest?
I’d say go for 2017+ with the large screen.
You should definitely purchase the 2024 i3 extended version.
The dust coming in is absolutely not normal on an i3! I’d dedicate some time finding what the cause is.
Traction battery does not get full term warrantee in Ca and other carb states. There is an exclusion for the HV battery, "everything else" gets 15yr 150k.
Great video. Can you fit i3S wheels on a normal i3?
Great review. Subbed!
I spent a grand total of $80CAN on maintenance over the past 3 years. A little more in tires though !
That's awesome! What was the initial cost of the car? I kind of look at these ideas of mine as total cost over a certain amount of time. Of course, I could have bought a new one, but it would have been 3-4 times as much to own for 2 years.
@@SimpleCarGuy I paid $29k Canadian for a Rex with 60k on the clock. My previous vehicle (VW Toureg Diesel Execline) cost me $45k as a 3 year old, but in maintenance was $800 p.a. But VW bought it back from me, 5 years later for the same as what I paid for it.
We consider ourselves supremely lucky for that and then buying the i3.
Sounds like ours.
2017 REx now with 101k miles.
Zero repairs needed so far.
Annual DIY oil changes (so easy).
Saving about $2000 each year in fueling vs a 40mpg equivalent car.
(We drive 20k miles annually, vast majority EV)
I started following and watching you because I also wanted the i3 as a commuter car, and I ended up getting a 2016 Z4 28i. I still love the i3 affectionately known as "the EV that could". LoL. Thanks for braving the cold to share this update. :) Do you still own your Z4?
You made a great choice! As much as I like my i3, it's still mostly just a commuter for me and bed to learn more about EVs etc. (Yes, I got too cold and went home 😅 half way through).
I absolutely do still own the Z4 and drive it every chance I get, even in the winter. I just avoid snow, rain and salt if possible as I plan on keep it for at least a few more years.
Thanks for watching!
Why does the 12v battery fail? Shouldn't it charge by an alternator or similar just like a regular car battery?
I think the battery dies about at the same rate as on a regular gas car (although it’s very small at 20-30Ah, so maybe it gets worn out faster), but the issue is that you don’t know that it’s failing until too late. In a gas car, you see signs like the starter cranking slower so you know to change the battery, but in the i3, it just gets to a point where it can’t start up low voltage stuff and that’s it. You’re done.
@SimpleCarGuy should be able to put a volt meter on it to guage the health. Seems strange I assume it's lithium ion and not a lead acid. Just strap a Bluetooth volt meter on to the terminals, keep an eye on it.
Actually maybe it is lead acid cos it's starting an internal combustion engine, yea. Either way seems strange
Are limited to the OEM tire size or do you think we can go wider with some spacers?
Some have done wider tires and wheels, but you can’t put a wider tire on this rim as it’s only 5-5.5” wide
But you can... I use 195/55 r20-s all corner on my 20's like yours set without any spacers... That I can use it on the 5J wide rims also since 3 years long without any problems...
Yes @NN-od5gq I read that on another site. Have you found on any other makers? Momo
I really want to buy an i3s but to arrive my home there is a 450m gravel road and it’s get worst with rain. Is it something what on the long term will damage the car, like suspension or I just need to change tires oftener? Thanks for your response 🙏🏻
Unfortunately, I don't have such experience to help you better, but I've driven through some crappy roads and it was fine. It's not very comfortable on it, but the suspension and tires seem to handle it well.
@@SimpleCarGuy Thank You 👍🏻
Nothing wrong with those spark plugs at all they are perfect.
Spacing looks different on both tough
How many miles did u have when u bought it
The car had about 91000 miles on it when I bought it.
What about roof delamination?? Did that happend to you ?
Have u ever looked at changing the rex air filter?
I’ve looked into it and I can’t figure out where and what it is and where to get a replacement. If you got some info, let me know and I’ll make a video
@@SimpleCarGuy well I found out the whole air filter box is just behind the rear bumper and it's a sealed unit, so it's not serviceable. I have priced a new one from BMW and it's $382 which I feel is crazy. BMW says it's supposed to last the life of the car but I use the rex a lot. I am thinking of fitting one of those cone filters to the throttle body as it's a cheaper option and there seems to be enough space.
That’s not a bad idea, I may have to look into it further. I use my Rex a good amount as well. Maybe it can be cut opened and resealed.. biggest problem with experimenting is if I have to remove the bumper just to check.
What year is this ?
It’s a 2016
Bro if I upgrade high beams will i get the fault on cluster display or no
I didn't get any faults for updating those. It's been over a year now.
go BEV 120a less problems.
When KLE dies… or nearly dead - get ready 5 grands to replace it. Otherwise love the car.
What is KLE?
Wow dod not know bme i3 soo exosive biy why dise madrt 2013 bmw 2013 way cheaper all chief cars comes 90 perct cheaper just basice
These vehicles don’t come in AWD???
Nope, rear wheel drive only
@@SimpleCarGuy that kills it for me since I live in the same area.
Did I miss the most important information for me. How much does it cost to charge at a public station? 😂
Honestly, I wouldn't even consider this car if I had to public charge only as the battery only lasts about 70 miles.
BUT if you go for the bigger battery one and you WILL public charge, you can substitute the 15 cents I spend at home with the price of KW at your public charger. It's 48 cents per KW around me, so it would be 3x as much if you only used public chargers.
@@SimpleCarGuy My daily commute is 20 miles round trip. Additionally there is a 120v outlet next to where I park at work. I’m just wondering if I can get 20miles of charge in 6hrs with 120v charging.
Car make year?
is that a secret? you dont mention this basic and important info in any of your videos, WHY ?
Not a secret at all. It’s a 2016 BMW i3 REx. I don’t mention the year a lot as people really concentrate on that and then will say something like, ‘well it doesn’t happen on my 2015 or 2017, so it must be just the 2016 version’. I specify the year when it’s important such as the screen upgrade where it only works on the preLCI i3
IMO This is an awful EV/Hybrid. BMW wanted to kill the idea of EV's being main stream so it designed this cluster f of a vehicle. No range, super expensive, slow charging, little screens, awful seats, skinny dangerous tires. The list goes on and on. No classic BMW driver would EVER be happy with this oddity.
Clearly you don't own one.
I own 4 different BMWs and to a certain degree, you are right. This is VERY different from any other BMW that was released before this one, but you also have to remember that they were trying to be innovative and come up with something new that isn't like every other car, like a Nissan Leaf. It's has Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic chassis and body and lots of cool tech that trickled down into many other BMWs. It was also designed over a decade ago and some of that shows in the EV specs. Anyway, it's a fun to drive and quirky daily drive and I love it!
Thanks for watching.
We have 4 bmw's at home, all of them are quite new. X5, 6, x3 and i3. i3 is everybody's favorite. I have no idea what you are talking about. Everybody who owned i3 loves the car.