If I’m being really honest, buying a used BMW i3 isn’t a good choice for most individuals. Yes, it is inexpensive and you can purchase an all-electric, carbon-tipped BMW for a very little cost. But besides having a tiny cabin and a very limited range, it will also see some very severe depreciation. One group of individuals, nevertheless, would profit from having an i3.
I’ll admit it; I’m one of them. Everything I need is within five or ten miles of where I reside. Sometimes, a maximum of 25 miles. I also hardly ever drive if I’m not testing a press car. I can leave my car unlocked for a full week. In addition, my driveway is large enough to house a Level 2 charging station. Therefore, I could always have the i3 charged and only seldom use it, saving a ton of money on petrol. My wife has a small crossover (the Volkswagen Tiguan), which makes things even simpler by providing us with a family vehicle when necessary.
A BMW i3 would undoubtedly come in handy for someone like me who lives in a city or a small town, has convenient access to charging stations, and only travels short distances. A secondhand i3 is unexpectedly an excellent choice for someone like me who wants an affordable second vehicle. For everyone else, however, there would be numerous issues that would need to be resolved, and numerous concessions would need to be made. Which probably makes it a bad idea.
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What distinguishes the BMW i3 from the i3s?
The i3s features a more potent motor even if the i3 has a longer range.
A 135 kW electric motor in the BMW i3s produces 184 horsepower. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 99 mph.
The i3, however, features a 125 kW motor (170 bhp). It has a top speed of 93 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.3 seconds.
Therefore, even though the BMW i3 costs more than the i3 and has a shorter range, it all boils down to performance. Better acceleration, a faster peak speed, and excellent handling are all provided.
The BMW i3 and i3s actually differ from one another in a few key ways. The more expensive, sportier i3s has stiffer suspension, larger wheels, and it sits lower to the ground. Additionally, there is a sport driving option that increases responsiveness compared to the conventional i3.
Is the BMW i3’s maintenance pricey?
The BMW i3 is a fantastic choice for individuals seeking a more environmentally friendly vehicle because it is an all-electric vehicle. However, compared to more conventional BMWs, the i3 will need slightly different upkeep, which will cost owners an average of $1,173 a year.
The most common fault with the 2017 BMW i3 is that the adaptive cruise control does not function well, despite the requirement for more specialized maintenance. Despite this, the i3 remains one of BMW’s most dependable cars. Electrical issues are also reportedly occurring. There haven’t been enough reported problems, yet, to calculate an average repair cost. The i3 has also been subject to recalls, the most recent of which was for the 2019 model year due to a potential crash-causing unexpected power shutdown.
Can I still get a brand-new BMW i3?
The rear-wheel-drive i3, the centerpiece of BMW’s electric vehicle program, was initially available with a single electric drivetrain or a range extender (REx) drivetrain, which combines a 647cc two-cylinder petrol motorcycle engine and an electric motor. It generated a maximum power of 168 horsepower in both instances and utilized a 22.2 kWh lithium ion battery.
The battery capacity was then increased in 2017 to 33.3kWh. The i3 S, a performance model with wider tracks and 181 horsepower, was added to the lineup that same year.
In October 2021, BMW said i3 production had topped 200,000 units. Officials anticipate that it will have sold more than 250,000 units by the time production ends in July 2022.
The Mini Electric or the future BMW iX1 will ideally fulfill today’s customers who seek a fully electric city car that is tailored for urban driving or a small but roomy vehicle for an active lifestyle. These vehicles will encourage more people to switch to all-electric driving.
“Therefore, the decision has been made to stop BMW i3 production from summer 2022,” reads the statement. “After a decade of establishing the standard in its class and paving the path for today’s generation of electric automobiles.”
Is a new BMW i3 on the way?
The BMW 3 Series in all-electric form has been sighted in testing. Here is all the information we currently have regarding BMW’s anticipated rival to the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2.
A brand-new electric version of BMW’s well-known 3 Series saloon has been sighted in testing. After the impending BMW i4 electric vehicle, this new vehicle, which may be dubbed the i3, is anticipated to go on sale in late 2021 or early 2022.
Why is BMW ending production of the i3?
It is extremely heartbreaking to see BMW discontinue its little electric hatchback after nine years on the market given how great it was.
In 2011, as interest in electric vehicles increased, the BMW i3 was first unveiled as a concept car. The design was later evolved into a working model that was released for purchase in 2013 as a 2014 model. The BMW i3 has enjoyed considerable success since that time. The compact electric hatchback from BMW has sold over 250,000 units and was named the World Car Design and World Green Car of the Year winners at the 2014 World Car Awards.
Unfortunately, all wonderful things must eventually come to an end. BMW terminated the i3 in all markets in July 2022 after ceasing manufacturing for the US market in July 2021. The company cited consumer demand for larger-than-the-i3 electric automobiles as justification for the withdrawal. Another reason is that the manufacturer wants to move away from the i3’s distinctive appearance and produce electric vehicles with more traditional styling. The BMW i4 and BMW iX models are taking the place of the i3 as a result. We are sad to see the i3 depart, but there are other reasons as well.
Is the BMW i3 a trustworthy vehicle?
Is a pre-owned BMW i3 hatchback trustworthy? The i3 placed fourth out of nine electric vehicles in its class, receiving a score of 94.1% in our most recent dependability study. A solid achievement for BMW as a brand, placing 13th out of 30 manufacturers.
A BMW i3s’s top speed is.
Performance and the Drivetrain The rear-wheel-drive BMW i3s 120 Ah has a 0-to-62 mph acceleration time of 6.9 seconds. It can go as fast as 99 mph.
The BMW i3 with the most range?
The BMW i3 with the most range? The BMW i3 and i3s with the optional Range Extender will have a 200-mile range, which is the longest range in the model’s history. This translates to a combustion engine range of 74 miles and an all-electric range of 126 miles.
Will there be a BMW i3 in 2022?
Late last year, we got our first glance at BMW’s completely redesigned i3, which is now a relatively conventional electric sedan rather than a hip urban electric hatchback.
As part of the model’s homologation procedure, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) debuted the 3 Series-based BMW i3 in December.
Now that the electric sedan, whose full name is BMW i3 eDrive35L, has been revealed, we can see it for the first time. The brand-new i3 is produced in the BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd joint venture’s plant in Shenyang, Liaoning province, and will only be sold in China starting in May 2022.
The i3 eDrive35L, according to BMW, is “the perfect fit for the specific requirements of Chinese buyers.” It has a wheelbase that is 110 mm (4.3 in) longer than a conventional 3 Series for a more comfortable rear seat and more room for the battery pack.
It is said that because it is a 3 Series, it offers sporty driving dynamics, long-distance comfort, and a broad variety of personalization possibilities. Speaking about dynamics, BMW claims that the BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. R&D division in Shenyang has adjusted the suspension system for Chinese road conditions. The division also modified a few of the car’s parts to meet Chinese supply chain specifications.
Is the BMW i3 suitable for winter driving?
The BMW i3 might appear to be terrible in the snow at first glance. It’s an all-electric BMW with rear-wheel drive, so its rapid torque may easily rip the rear tires off. It weighs about 2,800 lbs., which makes it relatively light and prevents it from pressing through the snow and into the pavement like heavier cars do. So it seems sense that the i3 is a little dicey during the winter. The small i3, though, isn’t all that horrible when the roads turn white, as this video from TFLC demonstrates.
In this video, a brief overview of the BMW i3 REx’s performance in the snow is shown when it is equipped with Bridgestone Blizzak winter tires. Winter tires are essential for all vehicles in the snow, especially rear-wheel drive electric vehicles, thus that last sentence is significant.
The tiny i3 is actually quite good in powder when outfitted with those Blizzaks. Acceleration is acceptable as long as you don’t pin the throttle, as said in the video, and it will really take off from a stop with little to no drama. The BMW i3 actually has good braking in the snow. Regenerative braking, which substantially slows down the wheels without actually engaging the brakes, helps the vehicle’s brakes, it is true.
The BMW i3 maintains a remarkable level of composure—even when trying to perform donuts in a deserted, wintry parking lot. You would assume it would slip all over the place and perform careless donuts. Though it struggles, the traction control of the i3 cannot be completely overpowered. That simply shows that the traction control on the BMW i3 will probably save your snowy electric butt if you do slide the car around in the snow by accident.
Overall, the i3 isn’t as horrible in the snow as most people believe. Even though the BMW i3 is rear-wheel drive, lightweight by today’s standards, and boasts quick electric torque, it is surprisingly capable in winter conditions—as long as you have the proper tires.
How much does a BMW i3 battery replacement cost?
- On eBay, a battery pack for a BMW i3 that had a capacity of 22 kWh at one point but is now only about 17.14 kWh is going for $2,500. This works out to about $145 per kWh. A
- According to a 2016 BMW study, a new i3 battery would cost roughly $16,000. This was for the 22 kWh packs used in the 2013–2016 model years, which came out to $727 per kWh in actual 2016 currency. A
- According to a 2015 InsideEV study, a 21.6 kWh battery pack would cost $13,725 or $635 per kWh. These costs were computed using data from an internet parts retailer. A
How long does a BMW i3 battery last?
Battery life for 2021 BMW i3s ranges from three to five years, although it might vary depending on factors including driving style, weather, battery type, and more. Keep your car indoors, away from sharp changes in temperature or climate, to extend the life of your i3 battery.
Does the BMW i3 rust?
Your bolts, nuts, rotors, calipers, springs, and every other metal component on your BMW i3 will ultimately rust out. You shouldn’t be concerned about the automobile as long as there is no surface rust on the plastic, carbon fiber, and glass components.
A Tesla charger can a BMW i3 charge on it?
With a pilot project in the Netherlands, Tesla, one of the most prestigious automakers in the world, opened its charging network to other electric vehicles. The business declared that non-Tesla vehicle owners would be able to access superchargers at ten different locations throughout the Netherlands via the Tesla app. This indicates that you can use a Tesla charging station to charge your non-Tesla EV. There are a few things you should keep in mind, though.
Tesla’s high-speed superchargers can only be utilized by Tesla vehicles, despite there being charging stations for non-Tesla drivers. Therefore, it is not possible to utilize a Supercharger with a BMW electric vehicle because to the lack of suitable adapters. The truth is that Tesla has thought about allowing other electric vehicles access to its Supercharger network. However, nothing has been officially confirmed by the company, so these are still just rumors.
Tesla’s automobiles need various connectors because European charging standards are different from American ones. Due to the fact that not all Tesla vehicles sold in Europe utilize Tesla’s specialized connector, the charging process is very different from that of other markets, like as North America.
Tesla uses the CCS standard in Europe so that a variety of vehicles can charge at locations without an adapter with a similar plug. Tesla claims that non-Tesla drivers using its charging stations could result in the business spending more money to support a variety of vehicles and make site modifications to accommodate these vehicles. This, it claims, advances Tesla’s objective of accelerating the global switch to sustainable energy.
As rival automakers seek to launch new electric vehicles, Tesla has more than 25,000 Superchargers installed across the world while they have formed alliances or invested in network firms. The Combined Charging System (CCS), which is utilized by BMW, Daimler, Ford, and the Volkswagen Group, which includes Audi and Porsche, allows for the usage of the Superchargers.