When BMW introduced the i3 concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, almost everyone was taken aback. When it transitioned into a production model a few years later, the eccentric electric city car with a divisive look unlike any other BMW before it preserved the majority of the showcar’s aesthetic. The quirky hatchback still appears to have come back from the future in 2020, but at least one person believes that owners are not particularly fond of the vehicle’s appearance.
The design director of Bentley, Stefan Sielaff, stated in an interview with Autocar magazine that while he admires BMW from a design standpoint for creating the i3, he feels consumers who have actually purchased one may not find it very attractive:
“The Taycan is still a Porsche if we examine it. Tesla does not appear to be trying to be theatrical. As a designer, I applaud BMW for creating the i3, but when you talk to buyers, they say the car is ugly.”
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7/10 CitiCar Sebring-Vanguard
Even though the obsession with electric vehicles is a relatively new phenomenon, automotive manufacturers have long been experimenting with the idea. The 1976 CitiCar was an electric vehicle that sought to lead the automotive industry onto a sustainable and environmentally friendly road.
If the car wasn’t so egregiously ugly, it might have also been successful. The vehicle resembled a slice of cheese and was little more than a glorified golf cart with little wheels.
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.
With what does BMW plan to replace the i3?
As a sort of successor to the i3, BMW teases the new electric BMW iX1, which will make its appearance later this year alongside a new ICE X1.
The innovative, if somewhat dated, BMW i3 will likely continue to be sold until 2024, according to BMW. However, they later had a change of heart and announced last year that i3 manufacture would stop in July. But what will take the i3’s place?
Therefore, we need to look at the BMW X1 as the foundation for an i3 replacement. It will be updated this year and will be available not only in ICE versions but also as the BMW iX1 with an EV drivetrain. As BMW’s EVs start to really roll out, any i3 will now be a saloon take on the i4.
BMW has created a teaser sketch (above) to give us a preview of that arrival later this year. Although we already know what it will look like without the need for a BMW insider.
The new IX3 isn’t that dissimilar from the current model, which has a large kidney grille that has been squared off, blue highlights around the grille, and air vents that are likely to be closed off.
Although there are currently no data on the power or battery capacity, BMW claims that the iX1 will have a range of 250–270 miles and share its platform with the ICE X1 vehicles.
In the weeks and months ahead of the iX1’s release, which will happen shortly after the new ICE X1 comes, expect additional information about the device.
BMW i3: A luxury vehicle?
In the category of luxury electric vehicles, the BMW i3 comes in last. Although it is speedy and enjoyable to drive, it falls short of its competitors in terms of range, passenger capacity, and standard equipment.
The BMW i3: Was it a success?
One of the first genuinely successful EVs, BMW has been producing the eccentric i3 since 2013, and it has proven to be a remarkable success story. At one point, it was the second-best selling EV in the world, after the Nissan Leaf. Although it has been in production for almost ten years, it doesn’t seem like things will continue in that way forever.
We already know that BMW plans to utilize the i3 moniker for the 3 Series sedan’s all-electric variant and to replace the present i3 with the iX1, a more traditional small electric crossover. According to Australia’s Drive, BMW will stop producing the i3 at its Leipzig plant this summer, in July.
The i3 has sold over 220,000 units worldwide as of today; it hit the 200,000 mark in October 2020; nevertheless, due to the heavy usage of aluminum and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer in its body, it was expensive for owners to fix and challenging for BMW to manufacture.
Are BMW i3 vehicles dependable?
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, ranking 13th out of 30 manufacturers. Visit the What Car website to view the complete reliability list.
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.
The lifespan of a BMW i3 is unknown.
The typical battery lifespan of a 2021 BMW i3 is 3 to 5 years, but this might vary significantly based on the battery’s type, size, weather, and driving habits.
Needs premium fuel for the BMW i3?
BMW makes the unusual claim that they “recommend” using 91 octane petrol in the i3Visit the i3 Forum manual, but the “minimum” octane rating is really 89.
A BMW i3 oil change is necessary?
The i3 was BMW’s first all-electric vehicle when it initially debuted in 2014. Apart from the exotic i8, the i3’s stablemates (as well as goods from other brands) had relatively little in common with it due to its unique chassis design, drivetrain, vehicle control, and even tires.
Some adventurous people could be inclined to get their hands dirty and do DIY maintenance as more BMW i3s came off warranty. However, some people could be deterred from doing so because they think these autos are too complicated.
These vehicles are obviously sophisticated. Almost everything is managed by computers. The BMS (Battery Management System) controls the instantaneous charge/discharge rate of the hundreds of individual battery cells that make up the battery pack. To achieve the desired torque during acceleration, the BMS cooperates with the motor controller and supplies the electric motor with the appropriate quantity of power. When the driver demands that the car slow down, the reverse is done. The climate control system performs a dual function by controlling the temperature of the battery cells. Through proprietary network bus technologies, communication between relevant control modules is accomplished.
Since repairing these devices involves specialist (and expensive) tools and experience, it would probably be easier to bring such a car to an authorized BMW service center or a specialized workshop in the event of failures. But the majority of contemporary cars also fit this description. Many do-it-yourselfers are curious about how difficult it will be to maintain them on a regular basis.
In actuality, these cars require much less maintenance than their gasoline-powered cousins. Combustion engines, multi-speed transmissions, and radiators are not features of standard i3 cars. Spark plugs, air filters, engine oils, oil filters, automatic transmission fluids, and coolants are therefore not required. They do have final drives with a single speed reduction and Lifetime fluids. This indicates, in the words of BMW, that they won’t require replacement for the duration of the car. The only things that require routine replacement are the cabin air filters and brake fluids.
Regardless of mileage, it is advised to flush brake fluids every two years because they gradually accumulate moisture from the ambient air and high water content brake fluids are easier to boil and can destroy internal brake components. They may be completed quite easily with the addition of manually resetting the BMW CBS (Condition Based Service) system.
Activated carbon is used in recent BMWs’ cabin air filters, particularly those in the i3s, to improve their filtration efficiency. Unfortunately, activated carbons have shelf life and decrease their efficacy over time, which is why regular replacement schedules are advised.
Although far less frequently than the ordinary combustion-engined car, brake pads do wear out with use. This is such that the regenerative braking system on contemporary Electric Vehicles can frequently provide a sizable percentage of our deceleration needs.
Gasoline engines are installed in models with range extenders, therefore they require maintenance like spark plugs, oils, and filters. However, because they serve as electrical generators (and are therefore only seldom employed at their most efficient rpms), they often require less maintenance than engines found in non-EV cars.
Overall, for the seasoned DIYers, pretty much achievable. Just keep in mind that these vehicles should be handled with care because they were constructed using cutting-edge techniques and unique materials.
How much does a BMW i3 battery replacement cost?
A new battery for a BMW i3 typically costs between $290 and $316. While parts are priced at $191, labor costs are predicted to range between $99 and $125. Taxes and levies are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or special location taken into account.
Is driving the i3 enjoyable?
The i3, whether it be the entry-level model or the sportier i3s, excels in handling and overall performance. The electric motor’s quick torque enables the EV to be smooth, responsive, and trigger-happy. According to a Car & Driver test, the i3 can accelerate from rest to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds by using a one-speed direct-drive transmission.
Additionally, the i3’s pleasant driving is enhanced in traffic because it makes excellent use of its small size.