So who's getting an i3?

[RossP]

fatboy b said:

Looks odd from every angle. Can't wait to have an extended test drive of an XFR this weekend. Hopefully will be replacing the XF-S if all goes well. But let's face it V8 or electric shiite. No contest.

I found the XFR very dull in comparison to my E92 M3.

[RossP]

I have an email response from BMW re preheating:

"Furthermore, you also requested information on pre-heating the vehicle. I can advise you that this function is only available on the fully electric model, with the heat pump that is included in the Cold Weather Preparation pack. Should a customer choose to purchase a BMW i3 with Range Extender (REx), they will be unable to pre-heat their vehicle. "

They also sent me a list of the remote fictions on the phone app if anyone is interested.

[RossP]

I don't understand why it can't use the standard heater.

[RossP]

Technomatt said:

Where are EV sales going? Down the pan. They are already seriously behind predictions and stalling. Add in residual EV values that are trending to the lowest in the industry and you get a clear picture of the future. Public non-acceptance.

A nice recent article here painting the reality and gloomy sales picture the EV blinkered fan boys would rather avoid:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2312641/El...

That was in April. I popped into the BMW dealer to confirm my spec change and they are selling loads of i3s.

[RossP]

ED209 said:

I like the look of these, how much would say 10,000 miles a year cost you in leccy?

Rough figure of £2 per charge for 100 miles, about £200 a year.

[RossP]

More feedback from BMW after I sent them a link to @ben_cornwell twitter feed.

"Thank you for your email dated November 29, 2013.

I appreciate that you have obtained information from social media sites that confirm a BMW i3 with REx can pre-heat. However, I can only reiterate that pre-heating using the same method as the fully electric model, cannot be done in a REx vehicle. In the REx model, you can set the vehicle’s air flaps to open at a certain time, which will allow outside air in to the cabin. This will bring the interior cabin temperature to the same level as outside.

I am sorry for any confusion that this situation has caused. However, if I can be of any additional assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me."

[RossP]

mids said:

Got to admit, not sure why you need that 'P' button up on the stalk. What does it do that's not done by the handbrake ?

The salesman said it locks the transmission. I guess it's a bit like the 'P' on an auto box.

[RossP]

exceed said:

So I've done it, I've cancelled my preorder for the i3.

IN summary, I have to say that I think the Leaf is a better proposition.

I hope you enjoy your leaf. I can't wait to get my i3!

[RossP]

We haven't had one for an extended period but we did go for a lengthy test drive where both me and 'er indoors drove it. We both really liked it. I have to say your reasons for cancelling seem a bit 'picky' but obviously its your choice how you spend your hard earned cash!

Edited by RossP on Monday 2nd December 17:19

[RossP]

greggy50 said:

The range extender I3 is 8 seconds to 60

The BEV i3 is 7 seconds though.

greggy50 said:

I3 only has a 60 - 70 mile range driven normally

The range on this car gets shorter every time someone types it! BMW quote 80-100 and that is consistent with what the guys at the BMW dealership have been getting. On a few runs from Derby to Chesterfield last week they got 120 miles on a charge (in ECO Pro+ mode).

greggy50 said:

Wow yes as I mentioned I think the Ampera is the best compromise on the market at the moment. And if you must get the I3 you need the range extender imo from a resale point of view as it gives people some piece of mind having that petrol engine onboard.

There is a lot of talk of resale value which isn't relevant if leasing. If you are doing less than 70-80 miles as a a commute why would you want to pay an extra £3k and lug a petrol engine around with you? One of the main benefits (to me) of the BEV i3 is that it has zero benefit in kind as a company car. The other is the low running costs. Neither of which the slower Ampera can compete with.

[RossP]

I am sure the Ampera would be fine for some. For me the i3 is a much better proposition for the reasons I stated above.

[RossP]

According to this article, you will be waiting till October for a full EV i3 if you order now!

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/i3/84776/bmw-i3-w...

[RossP]

Tell me about the lights... do I need them?

So far I have:
Metallic paint
429 Wheels
Cold Weather Cabin Prep
Pro Nav
Winter Pack
Harmon Kardon
DC Rapid Charging
Internet

[RossP]

Well done Fish. Where did you get this info? I assume this means that the heat pump isn't really required on the EV then??

I'm intrigued as to why the winter pack is required. Surely all models have the heater? I have currently ordered the winter pack and cold weather cabin prep.

Given the inability to go outside and start the engine on a cold day I think preheat is a must.

Edited by RossP on Tuesday 10th December 08:18

[RossP]

Who to believe? This was from a guy called Stewart...

Dear Mr XXXXXXX

Further to our Webchat date November 26, 2013, please find below confirmation of our discussions and answers to your questions.

Firstly, the BMW i Remote app is available to download for free from the Apple AppStore and Google Play store. Within the app, the default screen will show the vehicle’s status. You can perform a number of tasks from this screen, including the following:

Check the current battery charge status and available range.
Review vehicle condition and servicing requirement.
Perform Remote Services, such as vehicle lock and unlock.
Start, stop or programme charging based on departure times.

A driver can also review the efficiency of their BMW i3, by scrolling left from the main Vehicle Status screen. This screen allows the customer to do the following:

Review the efficiency rating of the previous journey.
Access a CO² calculator to see how much Carbon Dioxide has been saved.
Learn how to improve their efficiency through a series of tutorials.
Compare their efficiency against that of other BMW i3 owners in the ‘Global Community’.

You can also plan ahead and send information to their BMW i3 by scrolling right of the Vehicle Status screen. This feature will allow you to perform the following:

Last mile navigation to guide you to your final destination on foot.
Review the dynamic Range Map.
Search for addresses, charging stations or points of interest and send them to the vehicle.
Conveniently save favourite locations and charging stations.

Furthermore, you also requested information on pre-heating the vehicle. I can advise you that this function is only available on the fully electric model, with the heat pump that is included in the Cold Weather Preparation pack. Should a customer choose to purchase a BMW i3 with Range Extender (REx), they will be unable to pre-heat their vehicle.

I hope that you will find this information useful. However, if I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

BMW Group UK



Dear Mr XXXXXXXX

Thank you for your email dated November 29, 2013.

I appreciate that you have obtained information from social media sites that confirm a BMW i3 with REx can pre-heat. However, I can only reiterate that pre-heating using the same method as the fully electric model, cannot be done in a REx vehicle. In the REx model, you can set the vehicle’s air flaps to open at a certain time, which will allow outside air in to the cabin. This will bring the interior cabin temperature to the same level as outside.

I am sorry for any confusion that this situation has caused. However, if I can be of any additional assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

BMW Group UK

[RossP]

andywaterfall said:

I saw the chap at Vines Guildford who is running their REx at close to closing time the other night, and he'd set it to pre-heat for his journey home - and he opened the door to show me how hot it was inside.

That's great news for the REx boys. It sounds like the BMW i team don't know their arses from their elbows when it comes to that issue then!

What I really don't understand now is why I need the cold weather cabin prep (heat pump) on my EV only.

Edited by RossP on Tuesday 10th December 16:36

[RossP]

Greg_D said:

Who's getting their car first? Fish possibly from memory!!! - when?

I can't wait to start getting some feedback on real life trials

I've been told I am getting the first i3 in Derby - delivery to the dealer on 24th Feb. I ordered mine a little later than Fish but the dealer says the REx cars are coming a little later.

[RossP]

Looks like you'll be the first then Andy. I look forward to the full owner's review!

[RossP]

Sounds like PH 1 BMW 0 !

[RossP]

I just found the new PH EV section. Just in case you missed it, it's over here >>>>> http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?h=0&a...