Promoted content: Test drive a BMW i3 courtesy of PH
Discussion
If there’s one car to finally break the milk float image of electric vehicles the stylish, all carbon fibre BMW i3 is the one. There’s certainly much to admire in the concept but the proof is really in the driving and, once we’d had a go, we were convinced. And we suspect many of you will be in a similar position.
So whether you need an urban run-around, a second family car or just want to do your bit to save the planet (or be seen to be doing so) and fancy giving the i3 a go we’ve teamed up with BMW to make test driving one as hassle-free as possible.
Literally all you have to do is follow this link, fill out the form and you'll get a call to confirm your appointment with your nearest dealer. Its as simple as that and Bob’s your uncle. We’d love to hear how you get on, especially if you end up buying one, so make sure you keep us posted through the forums.
Enjoy!
So whether you need an urban run-around, a second family car or just want to do your bit to save the planet (or be seen to be doing so) and fancy giving the i3 a go we’ve teamed up with BMW to make test driving one as hassle-free as possible.
Literally all you have to do is follow this link, fill out the form and you'll get a call to confirm your appointment with your nearest dealer. Its as simple as that and Bob’s your uncle. We’d love to hear how you get on, especially if you end up buying one, so make sure you keep us posted through the forums.
Enjoy!
Edited by JD PH on Thursday 27th August 12:18
I followed the link and filled in my details.
Received callback from BMW to inform me they were sending my details to local BMW dealership who would get back to me shortly.
A week later and still waiting for Cambridge BMW to call.
The more I try and deal with Dealerships, the more I prefer the Tesla approach.
Received callback from BMW to inform me they were sending my details to local BMW dealership who would get back to me shortly.
A week later and still waiting for Cambridge BMW to call.
The more I try and deal with Dealerships, the more I prefer the Tesla approach.
Sagacitas said:
I followed the link and filled in my details.
Received callback from BMW to inform me they were sending my details to local BMW dealership who would get back to me shortly.
A week later and still waiting for Cambridge BMW to call.
The more I try and deal with Dealerships, the more I prefer the Tesla approach.
Well that's pretty poor! Whilst it will be of little comfort I know that many PHers have successfully driven the i3 through this system so it does work... But clearly someone has dropped the ball! I'll make sure someone looks into this for you tomorrow.Received callback from BMW to inform me they were sending my details to local BMW dealership who would get back to me shortly.
A week later and still waiting for Cambridge BMW to call.
The more I try and deal with Dealerships, the more I prefer the Tesla approach.
Thanks
JD
Edited by JD PH on Monday 7th September 09:57
JD PH said:
Well that's pretty poor! Whilst it will be of little comfort I know that many PHers have successfully driven the i3 through this system so it does work... But clearly someone has dropped the ball! I'll make sure someone looks into this for you tomorrow.
Thanks
JD
JD,Thanks
JD
Edited by JD PH on Monday 7th September 09:57
Update. Just received email from dealership saying they have tried calling but have been unable to reach me. Telephone number they have been trying to call is nothing like my number; yet BMW called me to tell me they were sending the details to the dealership.
Basically sounds like a comms problem. Hope to have a test drive arranged soon!
Richard
I took up this offer. Got a very nice email from a lady at BMW who passed my details through to Specialist cars in Stevenage. I was quite interested to try the I3 as I have toyed with the idea as a range extender as my next company car (it would mean filling up every day, but might be worth it).
The dealer contacted me and I clearly explained my situation and how they had come to receive my details and arranged a test drive for the following afternoon.
I had planned to do a mini review / write up in return for the opportunity, but unfortunately my experience was so dismal I didn't bother. I arrived a few minutes early and was asked to wait as the salesman was doing a new car hand over. 45 minutes later the sales guy arrived and apologised for being late (I was literally about to walk out of the door). He asked me a few questions about my interest and straight away switched off. We got into the car and the range was down to 13 miles. We ended up more or less going around the block. The salesman didn't know anything about the car (he thought it was 4WD) and couldn't wait to get out of the car when we got back to the show room.
I was very disappointed to the extent I have now ruled BMW out as a car choice for my next car.
A shame really as the car seemed pretty good from my very short experience.
I should add that the salesman did send me an email the following day correcting some of the information he gave me on the test drive and that BMW did follow up with an email asking about the experience.
The dealer contacted me and I clearly explained my situation and how they had come to receive my details and arranged a test drive for the following afternoon.
I had planned to do a mini review / write up in return for the opportunity, but unfortunately my experience was so dismal I didn't bother. I arrived a few minutes early and was asked to wait as the salesman was doing a new car hand over. 45 minutes later the sales guy arrived and apologised for being late (I was literally about to walk out of the door). He asked me a few questions about my interest and straight away switched off. We got into the car and the range was down to 13 miles. We ended up more or less going around the block. The salesman didn't know anything about the car (he thought it was 4WD) and couldn't wait to get out of the car when we got back to the show room.
I was very disappointed to the extent I have now ruled BMW out as a car choice for my next car.
A shame really as the car seemed pretty good from my very short experience.
I should add that the salesman did send me an email the following day correcting some of the information he gave me on the test drive and that BMW did follow up with an email asking about the experience.
Edited by robemcdonald on Wednesday 23 September 17:40
Sounds like a typical car dealership experience unfortunately. The nature of car sales is that you're paid on commission. No sale = no money so why waste your time and energy if you pretty much know somebody isn't buying. That said there's no excuse for rudeness or not knowing your product.
I worked in car sales for 18m and for the first 6m ran around like a headless chicken trying to please everybody. I didn't earn much. I then sharpened up, got a bit more focused and learned to deal with the tyre kickers politely but efficiently. I sold more cars as a result.
On a positive note, off my own back I recently visited Spire BMW Stirling Corner without appointment to look at an i3. I was seen straight away by their i Genius / Guru Jay, and he was really helpful and knew his stuff. We arranged for me to revisit a couple of days later for a demo and again the car was ready and so was he. Although I only had 10 mins in the car it was enough to convince me to order one.
Unfortunately for him, and I never told him for reasons stated above, mine was a company car purchase and bought through a big fleet. I felt a bit bad as I know how it works. But fair play, he was a decent young man who seemed honest, not pushy and knowledgeable and a real breath of fresh air compared to a lot of salesmen I've experienced over the years. True to his word he followed up a week later with a couple of calls. I bottled it and didn't answer!
I worked in car sales for 18m and for the first 6m ran around like a headless chicken trying to please everybody. I didn't earn much. I then sharpened up, got a bit more focused and learned to deal with the tyre kickers politely but efficiently. I sold more cars as a result.
On a positive note, off my own back I recently visited Spire BMW Stirling Corner without appointment to look at an i3. I was seen straight away by their i Genius / Guru Jay, and he was really helpful and knew his stuff. We arranged for me to revisit a couple of days later for a demo and again the car was ready and so was he. Although I only had 10 mins in the car it was enough to convince me to order one.
Unfortunately for him, and I never told him for reasons stated above, mine was a company car purchase and bought through a big fleet. I felt a bit bad as I know how it works. But fair play, he was a decent young man who seemed honest, not pushy and knowledgeable and a real breath of fresh air compared to a lot of salesmen I've experienced over the years. True to his word he followed up a week later with a couple of calls. I bottled it and didn't answer!
robemcdonald said:
I took up this offer. Got a very nice email from a lady at BMW who passed my details through to Specialist cars in Stevenage. I was quite interested to try the I3 as I have toyed with the idea as a range extender as my next company car (it would mean filling up every day, but might be worth it).
The dealer contacted me and I clearly explained my situation and how they had come to receive my details and arranged a test drive for the following afternoon.
I had planned to do a mini review / write up in return for the opportunity, but unfortunately my experience was so dismal I didn't bother. I arrived a few minutes early and was asked to wait as the salesman was doing a new car hand over. 45 minutes later the sales guy arrived and apologised for being late (I was literally about to walk out of the door). He asked me a few questions about my interest and straight away switched off. We got into the car and the range was down to 13 miles. We ended up more or less going around the block. The salesman didn't know anything about the car (he thought it was 4WD) and couldn't wait to get out of the car when we got back to the show room.
I was very disappointed to the extent I have now ruled BMW out as a car choice for my next car.
A shame really as the car seemed pretty good from my very short experience.
I should add that the salesman did send me an email the following day correcting some of the information he gave me on the test drive and that BMW did follow up with an email asking about the experience.
I had a really nice call from the MD of the dealer today. He apologised for my experience and seemed genuinely concerned that he had an unsatisfied customer. Ultimately he didn't need to give me a call, but the fact he took the time out to do so was a nice touch. My faith in BMW customer service has been restored.The dealer contacted me and I clearly explained my situation and how they had come to receive my details and arranged a test drive for the following afternoon.
I had planned to do a mini review / write up in return for the opportunity, but unfortunately my experience was so dismal I didn't bother. I arrived a few minutes early and was asked to wait as the salesman was doing a new car hand over. 45 minutes later the sales guy arrived and apologised for being late (I was literally about to walk out of the door). He asked me a few questions about my interest and straight away switched off. We got into the car and the range was down to 13 miles. We ended up more or less going around the block. The salesman didn't know anything about the car (he thought it was 4WD) and couldn't wait to get out of the car when we got back to the show room.
I was very disappointed to the extent I have now ruled BMW out as a car choice for my next car.
A shame really as the car seemed pretty good from my very short experience.
I should add that the salesman did send me an email the following day correcting some of the information he gave me on the test drive and that BMW did follow up with an email asking about the experience.
Edited by robemcdonald on Wednesday 23 September 17:40
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