BMW i3 owners

forumdedum

any BMW i3 owners here?

I see they start at €34410 and will probably be another €1500 plus for the 94 battery.

Do the extras accumulate usual BMW style? It is already an expensive car.

stesaurus

forumdedum wrote: »

any BMW i3 owners here?

I see they start at €34410 and will probably be another €1500 plus for the 94 battery.

Do the extras accumulate usual BMW style? It is already an expensive car.

There's a big thread here already with a few owners posting. There's also the 2 big FB groups that are worth joining for other owners.

Extras add up for sure, same as any other model in their range. If I could go back and add one extra it would be the pro nav. Really makes a difference to the interior.

forumdedum

s.welstead wrote: »

There's a big thread here already with a few owners posting. There's also the 2 big FB groups that are worth joining for other owners.

Extras add up for sure, same as any other model in their range. If I could go back and add one extra it would be the pro nav. Really makes a difference to the interior.

Thank you. I have read that thread. BMW don't seem to have a configurator for the i3 on their site.

forumdedum

Is the Pro Nav a touch screen?

TBi

forumdedum wrote: »

Is the Pro Nav a touch screen?

hopefully not. Touchscreens should be banned from cars. The system BMW uses is far superior (IMHO) to any touchscreen based interface.

forumdedum

TBi wrote: »

hopefully not. Touchscreens should be banned from cars. The system BMW uses is far superior (IMHO) to any touchscreen based interface.

Thanks for that. That's good to know. I have used a touchscreen on a car and quite like it.

cros13

If you get Pro Nav it also allows you to add many other options such as real time traffic or online entertainment after purchase though the connecteddrive store. Also Aux Heating is an essential for BEV purchasers as the heat pump it adds is several times more energy efficient than the standard resistance heater.

TBi wrote: »

hopefully not. Touchscreens should be banned from cars. The system BMW uses is far superior (IMHO) to any touchscreen based interface.

Tesla's touchscreenn interface is far more usable than my i3s idrive system. Once you learn idrive it's better than a lot of other systems, but definitely not a patch on tesla. And that includes using the system while keeping your eyes on the road. Despite the lack of tactile feedback, Tesla's UI is just so simple it's actually more usable.

Does the I3 now come with battery heater as standard ? essential if you ask me, the Leaf could do with it for fast charging in very cold weather.

forumdedum

Deleted User wrote: »

Does the I3 now come with battery heater as standard ? essential if you ask me, the Leaf could do with it for fast charging in very cold weather.

I don't know the answer to that but will be asking.

forumdedum

cros13 wrote: »

If you get Pro Nav it also allows you to add many other options such as real time traffic or online entertainment after purchase though the connecteddrive store. Also Aux Heating is an essential for BEV purchasers as the heat pump it adds is several times more energy efficient than the standard resistance heater.



Tesla's touchscreenn interface is far more usable than my i3s idrive system. Once you learn idrive it's better than a lot of other systems, but definitely not a patch on tesla. And that includes using the system while keeping your eyes on the road. Despite the lack of tactile feedback, Tesla's UI is just so simple it's actually more usable.

Great info, thank you.

I would love a Tesla Model S

cros13

Deleted User wrote: »

Does the I3 now come with battery heater as standard ? essential if you ask me, the Leaf could do with it for fast charging in very cold weather.

Yup, The battery heater pad was part of the cold weather pack rolled into the base price back in early 2015. All i3 packs are also actively cooled.

This year with the new 34kWh battery, DC rapid charging has finally been made part of the base spec too.

Shame they didn't push it to 40 Kwh.

cros13

*cough* my information is that there is a 44kWh pack on the way in the 2nd half of 2017.

Really? that's cool, a larger more normal I3 is what I want. An I3 with a boot. 44 Kwh would be pretty cool but there is supposed to be 60 Kwh in the Leaf for Gen II in 2018 and it will probably cost less than the 44 Kwh I3 too.

I also want a larger Leaf with a less awkward bigger boot ! Grrrrrr

TBi

Deleted User wrote: »

Really? that's cool, a larger more normal I3 is what I want. An I3 with a boot. 44 Kwh would be pretty cool but there is supposed to be 60 Kwh in the Leaf for Gen II in 2018 and it will probably cost less than the 44 Kwh I3 too.

I also want a larger Leaf with a less awkward bigger boot ! Grrrrrr

I'm surprised they don't make an 'estate' version of either. I'd love one!

cros13

Deleted User wrote: »

Really? that's cool, a larger more normal I3 is what I want. An I3 with a boot. 44 Kwh would be pretty cool but there is supposed to be 60 Kwh in the Leaf for Gen II in 2018 and it will probably cost less than the 44 Kwh I3 too.

I also want a larger Leaf with a less awkward bigger boot ! Grrrrrr

Samsung SDI have a 120Ah cell on the way in 2017 in the same format and voltage as the current i3 60Ah and 94Ah cells. The cells are already available in sample quantities.
A new revision of the NCM chemistry that should be able to handle higher charge/discharge as well. Some speculation that we might see a dual motor i3. Also a small refresh due with an updated front bumper.

The big deal in the next few years from BMW is the 90kWh 3 series.

cros13

cros13 wrote: »

Samsung SDI have a 120Ah cell on the way in 2017 in the same format and voltage as the current i3 60Ah and 94Ah cells. The cells are already available in sample quantities.
A new revision of the NCM chemistry that should be able to handle higher charge/discharge as well. Some speculation that we might see a dual motor i3. Also a small refresh due with an updated front bumper.

The big deal in the next few years from BMW is the 90kWh 3 series.

So 120 AH would be around 45 Kwh with about what 380 nominal volts ? Maybe 42 Kwh usable.

forumdedum

Does anyone have a link to an online configurator for the i3 please? I can't seem to find one. There is a US one but it is not the same.

I want to see what Neutronic cloth upholstery, Aragats Grey looks like.

forumdedum

forumdedum wrote: »

Does anyone have a link to an online configurator for the i3 please? I can't seem to find one. There is a US one but it is not the same.

I want to see what Neutronic cloth upholstery, Aragats Grey looks like.

You hardly think the BMW Irish site would be anything other than useless did you ?

Sorry, no, there is no configurator.

forumdedum

Deleted User wrote: »

You hardly think the BMW Irish site would be anything other than useless did you ?

Sorry, no, there is no configurator.

I do think it is a little unusual not to have a configurator.

Thinking of buying new 94 i3. Can't decided between Protonic Blue and Fluid Black. Any opinions?

Also what exactly is the "Auxiliary cabin heating system"?

forumdedum

forumdedum wrote: »

I do think it is a little unusual not to have a configurator.

Thinking of buying new 94 i3. Can't decided between Protonic Blue and Fluid Black. Any opinions?

Also what exactly is the "Auxiliary cabin heating system"?

Never mind the configurator, a Price list would be more welcome.

Auxiliary heating is what they call heaters for many diesels that take ages to heat up, it is an electric heater to speed warming up the heater but also reduced efficiency particularly for short trips.

I wouldn't go as far as to call it an auxiliary heating system because in an EV it's the main heater.

There are two types, resistance and heat pump , the heat pump is a lot more efficient, though below 5 deg C efficiency drops and the resistance heater has to work harder to produce heat. Heat pumps work like AC in reverse, In Summer heat is taken from the cabin via the refrigerant and vented outside via the radiator, in winter this radiator collects air and the refrigerant extracts as much heat in the atmosphere as it can to provide heat. Once you're in the -0 deg c temp zone consumption goes up notably.

So the short of it all is definitely get the heat pump if you can, the more efficient the more range and the less it costs you per km.

If it were I then I'd go with the Blue, but I'm not a fan of the two tone colours on the I3, perhaps you can get it all the one colour ? But at least Blue and Black go well together or red and black.

forumdedum

Deleted User wrote: »

Never mind the configurator, a Price list would be more welcome.

Auxiliary heating is what they call heaters for many diesels that take ages to heat up, it is an electric heater to speed warming up the heater but also reduced efficiency particularly for short trips.

I wouldn't go as far as to call it an auxiliary heating system because in an EV it's the main heater.

There are two types, resistance and heat pump , the heat pump is a lot more efficient, though below 5 deg C efficiency drops and the resistance heater has to work harder to produce heat. Heat pumps work like AC in reverse, In Summer heat is taken from the cabin via the refrigerant and vented outside via the radiator, in winter this radiator collects air and the refrigerant extracts as much heat in the atmosphere as it can to provide heat. Once you're in the -0 deg c temp zone consumption goes up notably.

So the short of it all is definitely get the heat pump if you can, the more efficient the more range and the less it costs you per km.

If it were I then I'd go with the Blue, but I'm not a fan of the two tone colours on the I3, perhaps you can get it all the one colour ? But at least Blue and Black go well together or red and black.

I've used configurations before that contain price list too.

The Fluid Black is the only i3 colour that's not 2 tone.

Thanks for the information.

The 94 i3 is €35,450 minus metallic, extras, delivery charges etc. That is after the €5,000 x 2 grants.

My current car does 44 miles per gallon, diesel. It costs me 12c per mile. What are my likely savings? I do about 700km per week.

Well, I worked out based on my "average" efficiency of 17.5 Kwh/100 kms , charging at night rate , 8.4 C/Kwh over your 33,500 kms based over 48 work weeks average, not including run-a-bout travel = 282 Euro's but the charger isn't 100% efficient, I don't know how efficient the I3 charger is but the Leaf charger is about 90% efficient so add 10% and that costs 310.00 Euro's.

The I3 is a little bit more efficient than the Leaf though with the heavier battery there won't be much in it at all.

So with 33 Kwh in the I3 and say 30 Kwh usable you should get about 188 kms to empty in the I3, 200 kms with easier driving but you'd want to be near a charge point by about 150-160 kms depending on the familiarity of your trip.

How many Kms do you do on average daily ?

I feel your efficiency will drop when you get addicted to the electric drive.

+ you will not escape topping up at times during the day but the other side of that is that you can top up at fast chargers for free.

Range will go up and down depending on Temperature, wind, terrain surface water, driving style, speed, acceleration etc. When you don;t have to worry about range then just enjoy it.

So the cost including the larger battery is 35,450 ?

What kit does that get you ?

forumdedum

Your maths is impressive! I would have to change my ESB over to night rate.

I do 130kms per day. I'd like to be able to charge from home only.

Yes that's the larger battery

The standard options, Multi-func st wheel, folding ext mirrors with anti-dazzle, armrest, extended storage, rain sensor with auto headlight activation, auto air-con, cruise control with brake function, tyre press monitoring, alarm, floor mats, first aid/triangle, cup holder, heated front seat, ac fast charge multi-phase, dc rapid charge prep, increased power supply, dab radio, bmw online services and apps interface, remote services.

delivery is additional €850
3 years servicing for €400

a sports package for €2,345.54 adds 19" alloys, sun protection glass, LED lights and Harman Kardon Hi-Fi.

Aux cabin heating system €731.26

I take it the Aux cabin heating is the Heat Pump ?

The Sports package sounds good without the 19" wheels, the ride is very hard I believe with the standard set up as it is, I especially wouldn't want sports suspension if it includes that.

I'd just pick the options you want. I love the LED lights in the Leaf, front and rear, haven't replaced a single bulb yet. I had to replace the original sidelights and number plate lights to LED, the dimmest possible , they'll be bright enough. Some people install ultra bright led lights in the number plate and it blinds people.

I'd go with the Cruise with Auto Brake and the Harman kardon Stereo and the Sun Protection glass. You can spend silly money.

Are you going PCP ? what's the monthly and what deposit ?

What other interesting gadgets have they got ?

forumdedum

Deleted User wrote: »

I take it the Aux cabin heating is the Heat Pump ?

I'm not sure about that

Deleted User wrote: »

The Sports package sounds good without the 19" wheels, the ride is very hard I believe with the standard set up as it is, I especially wouldn't want sports suspension if it includes that.

I do not like sports suspension in any car. I will ask about that.

Deleted User wrote: »

I'd just pick the options you want. I love the LED lights in the Leaf, front and rear, haven't replaced a single bulb yet. I had to replace the original sidelights and number plate lights to LED, the dimmest possible , they'll be bright enough. Some people install ultra bright led lights in the number plate and it blinds people.

How do you find the Leaf? I didn't get to test drive it.

Bright lights are not pleasant to drive against.

Deleted User wrote: »

I'd go with the Cruise with Auto Brake and the Harman kardon Stereo and the Sun Protection glass. You can spend silly money.

I'm hoping the HK Hi-Fi is good quality. I do like listening to music while driving.

Deleted User wrote: »

Are you going PCP ? what's the monthly and what deposit ?

I'm not sure. Have never done PCP before. Deposit has to be €1,500 to avail

Deleted User wrote: »

What other interesting gadgets have they got ?

Media package with a bigger display and Real time traffic info €1324.54

Enhanced Bluetooth telephone with USB and Voice Control €482.91

I believe leather seats are over €2,5k.

I love the new dark wood dash but suspect that would create a 12 week wait. If i was to wait that long I'd buy a new one January 171. My current car is 2008 so don't change that often.

forumdedum

When you're quoting multiple sentences do like this

forumdedum wrote: »

Secentance

[/QUOTE] goes at the end.

Yes these options can get expensive, you can go mad altogether. The Media package sounds good, what's included , apart from the larger display ? Enhanced Bluetooth, ? sounds like Cros13 needs to explain lol.

I like the Leaf, it doesn't pretend to be anything more than an average hatch, I got the top spec that included the heated seats, Heated steering and led Headlights , led tail lights, auto lights/wipers and leather seats, including heated rear seats. Heat Pump and 6.6 Kw charger extra. All for 28,500, the 30 Kwh would cost extra so about 31K. Nice practical creature comforts, the timed heater for winter mornings is especially good, I'd find it difficult to give that up, get into a fully defogged, defrosted car, seat and steering nice and warm, brilliant !

I don't use the auto lights because they turn on a horrid yellow halogen daytime running light so I drive with the LED headlights on all the time, Winter, Summer, I always drove with my lights on anyway in any car.

The interior won't be anything like the BMW and you pay for it, the Leaf carpet for instance isn't carpet, it's made from recycled plastic bottles and it shows.

The interior isn't anything like the latest Gen Nissans but it's not a bad place to sit at all. Gen II will be available hopefully early 2018. The Leaf is very well built. The 30 Kwh is the one to get. Possibly 40 Kwh for January.

The Hyundai Ioniq should be here around October, might be worth waiting for.

The I3 is going to be the most fun, pleasurable EV to drive currently available with the best available but mad expensive gadgets.

So you need to go easy on the gadgets.

Anyway, the 33 Kwh I3 seems like it will suit you perfectly driving normally in all weathers at up to 100-110 and possibly some 120 Kph depending on conditions. If you can charge at work even better. 130 Kph all the way !

I have a 134 Km commute and can charge at work, this is in the 24 Kwh leaf with 21 usable Kwh max.

Right, bed time.

Bear in mind while my average consumption is 17.5 Kwh/100 kms, at 120 kph continuous it could be as high as 19.5 depending on conditions.

In the I3 that should be 153 Kms to empty, again, you'd need to be close to a charge point.

Bed time absolutely this time lol zzzzzzzzzz

cros13

Sorry, just back from a trip 'rouind NI in my i3.

Auxiliary cabin heating system is the Heat Pump.... so you definitely need that if you are going BEV.

Not orderable on the REx as it goes in the space occupied by the fuel tank.

My average consumption in the i3 is 15.5 kWh/100km and I hammer it at every opportunity.
The i3 is on average 10-15% more efficient than the Leaf due to lower weight and a slightly more efficient motor at key RPMs.

On the 22kWh 180km in the city and 100-110km on the motorway are perfectly reasonable.
On the 34kWh circa 180-200km motorway range is reasonable to assume.

My essential options would be:
Aux Cabin Heating
Pro Nav. (this is not just the larger screen, it upgrades the computer used for idrive which allows you to add other options such as real time traffic any time after purchase)


If you get stuck in traffic a good bit drive assist plus

I've been a bit underwhelmed by the HK audio, I Felt the Bose system in the Leaf was better, probably due to the HK system not having a proper subwoofer.

I don't like the Bose in the Leaf at all, The Sub just creates resonance at a certain range of frequencies, it muffles the audio and it actually lacks baas. No matter what you do you can't beat the laws of Physics and subs need to move lots of air because our ears are less sensitive at lower frequencies, they need to be a decent size never mind Sub baas frequencies. So it should have a lot more power and 2 long throw drivers in it, I doubt it has either, it certainly has no power.

The Door speakers are crap. IMO should be an option. Bose isn't up there with Harmon Kardon by a long shot.

The Bose might actually sould a lot better with that poor excuse of a sub disconnected.

Yawlboy

I have my i3 9 months now, I bought one they had in stock as it had most of what I'd decided I wanted on it. Missing HK Stereo and Auto Cruise.

I have an andesit Silver Rex with lodge interior, 429 style 19 alloys, park assist, Pro Media, Enhanced Bluetooth. - Real Time Traffic is well worth having. Voice control is better than any other I have used.

I have done 9000kms so far, mainly 70km a day commute, half back roads and half dual carrigeway - avg 18.4 kWh/100km, but I do drive it like I stole it ;-)

I personally wanted the lodge interior as it really brightens the cabin up, we had a loaner recently with the standard black interior and only my 15 year old son liked it ;-), 19 inch alloys are standard, with 2 other 19 inch options and one 20 inch one.

Performance is fantastic up to 100km/hr and it handles really well. 9 months later I still enjoy driving it and haven't regretted buying it for a minute. I travel a lot so it sits unused a fair bit and no matter what hire car I have been in I love getting back in the Rex.

stesaurus

I average 18.4kwh per 100km also for the Bev. 26km done in the last 11 months. Community average is 15.8kwh so yeah both Yawlboy and I obviously have a heavy right foot!

Get the pro nav. It's the only thing I would change. I took mine from available stock and it had all my wants except for pro nav and is the only regret I have. The tinted windows in the back are also a very good idea but I had mine done independently rather than specced. There's no openable windows in the back so it can get a bit hot back there for kids, dogs etc. not able to ask for extra air con.

You're not serious, you can't let down the rear windows ?

stesaurus

Deleted User wrote: »

You're not serious, you can't let down the rear windows ?

You didn't know that? Less weight I guess and difficult to do with suicide doors. My old RX8 was similar but it had the option of popping the window open sideways a few inches.

No Honestly , I didn't know that lol. It probably wouldn't really bother me a lot with a 2 year old and 7 month old.

I'm not so sure the 33 Kwh I3 would be much lighter than the 30 Kwh Leaf. Not that it would make a difference in real life driving maybe.

Certainly not when you got nearly 70 more HP to have fun with !

forumdedum

Thank you for your input Yawlboy, most helpful

Yawlboy wrote: »

Performance is fantastic up to 100km/hr and it handles really well. 9 months later I still enjoy driving it and haven't regretted buying it for a minute. I travel a lot so it sits unused a fair bit and no matter what hire car I have been in I love getting back in the Rex.

How does it perform at 120km/hr?

Also, I'm trading in a car. Will the dealer budge at all on price of the vehicle?

forumdedum

cros13 wrote: »

Sorry, just back from a trip 'rouind NI in my i3.

Auxiliary cabin heating system is the Heat Pump.... so you definitely need that if you are going BEV.

I'm going BEV

cros13 wrote: »

I've been a bit underwhelmed by the HK audio, I Felt the Bose system in the Leaf was better, probably due to the HK system not having a proper subwoofer.

I'm disappointed to hear that re the HK. Bose can be very hit and miss imo.

One persons idea of good quality sound can be completely different to another so maybe bring some of your own music and test yourself.

A lot of people are happy with the Bose system in the Leaf and that's fine, but it's just well below my idea and experience of what I consider quality.

Padraig Mor

forumdedum wrote: »

Thank you for your input Yawlboy, most helpful



How does it perform at 120km/hr?

Also, I'm trading in a car. Will the dealer budge at all on price of the vehicle?

Not sure where you're based, but I've heard that Kearys in Cork are undercutting pretty much everyone else for BMWs. I'm not sure if this extends to the i3, but no harm to give them a call.

forumdedum

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Not sure where you're based, but I've heard that Kearys in Cork are undercutting pretty much everyone else for BMWs. I'm not sure if this extends to the i3, but no harm to give them a call.

Thank you very much for that. I'm in Co. Louth.

Yawlboy

I bought mine in Kearys - service has been amazing. Only issue I had was the value they put on my trade in - I sold it for nearly double what they offered, and that was with me looking to offload it quickly on donedeal. However that was outside the salesmans control and I got a few extras off him - windscreen mounted iphone holder, extra cup holder, two bmw insulated coffee mugs, rubber mats. Plus I got discounts on any extras I bought - frunk bag and umbrella.

It handles well at all speeds if I'm honest - I had a guy in a 162- 4 series looking very confused when I stayed right behind him on a very twisty country roads and he was trying to lose me. Plus it holds its own on 120km roads - I've given a few lads tailgating me a shock.

TBi

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Not sure where you're based, but I've heard that Kearys in Cork are undercutting pretty much everyone else for BMWs.

From my experience of Keary's they get their money back on 'repairs'. I'd rather purchase from a more reputable dealer. Only problem is I don't know one!

Just out of curiousity, why does the i3 qualify for two grants (10k) while the leaf only gets one (5k)?

stesaurus

TBi wrote: »

From my experience of Keary's they get their money back on 'repairs'. I'd rather purchase from a more reputable dealer. Only problem is I don't know one!

Just out of curiousity, why does the i3 qualify for two grants (10k) while the leaf only gets one (5k)?

The Leaf gets both also

stesaurus

forumdedum wrote: »

Thank you for your input Yawlboy, most helpful



How does it perform at 120km/hr?

Also, I'm trading in a car. Will the dealer budge at all on price of the vehicle?

I usually set the cruise to 130 and try to not fall asleep. Its pretty effortless driving tbh. I tend to use just the steering wheel cruise control buttons to control my speed, no need for breaking.
Most passengers dont realise the speed you're at as its so smooth. I've had my sister ask me why Im taking it so easy on the motorway before she checked my speedo and realising i wasn't.

TBi

s.welstead wrote: »

The Leaf gets both also

Thanks. The Nissan site isn't very clear.

forumdedum

Do EV owners use Night Rate Electricity?

Also, is it possible to have a 2nd Electricity meter installed in family home? To use normal day meter as usual, then a Night rate meter for charging the EV from home? Thanks

forumdedum

forumdedum wrote: »

Do EV owners use Night Rate Electricity?

Also, is it possible to have a 2nd Electricity meter installed in family home? To use normal day meter as usual, then a Night rate meter for charging the EV from home? Thanks

The day /night meter are the one, they switch to day /night automatically.

I use the night rate for the leaf and use it for the washing machine / dryer and immersion in the warmer weather when I don't need the heating.

forumdedum

Thank you. So you tell your provider (Electric Ireland in my case) that you want a "day/night meter"?

forumdedum

forumdedum wrote: »

Thank you. So you tell your provider (Electric Ireland in my case) that you want a "day/night meter"?

Yes exactly, and it's free to change.

There is about 50 Euro's a year extra rental but that paid me back in a month.

About half my electricity consumption is on the night rate, because I work shift there are 7 days a month I have to charge at peak rate. But I have free work charging so it makes up for some of this.

Use as much high consumption appliances at night, dishwasher is another one to the list which we don't have at this time.

forumdedum

Deleted User wrote: »

Yes exactly, and it's free to change.

There is about 50 Euro's a year extra rental but that paid me back in a month.

About half my electricity consumption is on the night rate, because I work shift there are 7 days a week I have to charge at peak rate. But I have free work charging so it makes up for some of this.

Use as much high consumption appliances at night, dishwasher is another one to the list which we don't have at this time.

Thanks for that.

cros13

The day rate on a nightsaver meter is only about 1c more than the 24 hour rate. And the night rate is usually more than 8c cheaper.

You only have to have 25-30% of an average homes electricity use to be during the night rate hours to be saving money.
If you have an EV that's basically a given.

Also many home appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and dryers have timers these days.
I just load up the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer before going to bed and set the timers.
At the moment I have over 70% of my electricity use on the nightsaver rate and I'm paying around 20% less than I was before I got my first EV... and my EVs do over 200km a day. The diesel bills used to be several hundred euro a month.