Buying a used i3S - What to look for?
Discussion
Wisely Automotive in South London are the most knowledgeable I3 specialists. They know more about the car than most BMW dealers do.
They have produced a LOT of I3 content on their youtube channel.
I suggest you start with this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIzpS1p0WL0&t=...
I would suggest that you examine carefully if you need a REX version, as the addition of the REX does introduce complexity that you may find you just don't need.
There are various UK I3 facebook groups that are also very helpful. https://www.facebook.com/groups/bmwi3uk is a good start.
I've had my 2019 i£s for a year now and I'm very pleased with it. It fits my lifestyle perfectly and I enjoy driving it.
Edit: - haha just noticed "i£s" instead of I3S! The only parts I've bought were a rear window exterior trim (sticky fixer had let go) and a drivers door seal. Top to bottom fits on the front of the rear door with complex mouldings at either end. About £35 from BMW.
They have produced a LOT of I3 content on their youtube channel.
I suggest you start with this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIzpS1p0WL0&t=...
I would suggest that you examine carefully if you need a REX version, as the addition of the REX does introduce complexity that you may find you just don't need.
There are various UK I3 facebook groups that are also very helpful. https://www.facebook.com/groups/bmwi3uk is a good start.
I've had my 2019 i£s for a year now and I'm very pleased with it. It fits my lifestyle perfectly and I enjoy driving it.
Edit: - haha just noticed "i£s" instead of I3S! The only parts I've bought were a rear window exterior trim (sticky fixer had let go) and a drivers door seal. Top to bottom fits on the front of the rear door with complex mouldings at either end. About £35 from BMW.
Edited by Paul Drawmer on Tuesday 23 April 09:42
I'm into my 4th year of having an I3s and had an I3 before that. Nothing specific to look for and I agree with the comments against having the REX, I highly recommend Wisely Automotive for advice and as a dealer. Generally very reliable but it's a BMW so if something big goes it will be expensive and again being a BMW there are lots of options which people will argue over.
Get one with decent tyres, they're quite expensive for the size of them at about £150 / corner fitted. Only a few brands make them.
The non rex is lighter than the rex version and thus better battery range.
Range isn't the best in the world I would average 2.7/kw in cold winter conditions and about 3.7/ kw in summer on a 2018 Rex.
Loved the cabin preheat function, they were quite nippy and the i3s should be slightly better.
Would I buy one again? Probably not unless it was a third/fourth car. Range was a pain for me so something like a Zoe or e-niro would have been much better for my circumstances.
The non rex is lighter than the rex version and thus better battery range.
Range isn't the best in the world I would average 2.7/kw in cold winter conditions and about 3.7/ kw in summer on a 2018 Rex.
Loved the cabin preheat function, they were quite nippy and the i3s should be slightly better.
Would I buy one again? Probably not unless it was a third/fourth car. Range was a pain for me so something like a Zoe or e-niro would have been much better for my circumstances.
In all other respects, love my 2018 i3S Rex but...
Be aware that the S REX model was over 40k when new and is subject to 6yrs of Lux Tax on top of Road Fund Licence.
The 12v battery only really last 5-6yrs and better to replace before it goes and leaves you stranded.
Top mounts on the front are a weak point, as are the front shock absorber gaiters which degrade/split.
The 'S' model tyres are expensive. £250 each for the backs. The fronts last ages but the rubber splits and can be an MOT failure.
You should leave it plugged in all the time you're not driving. This maintains the 12v batt. Leave it unplugged for any length of time (holiday) and its likely to die.
I hope you enjoy your ownership.
Be aware that the S REX model was over 40k when new and is subject to 6yrs of Lux Tax on top of Road Fund Licence.
The 12v battery only really last 5-6yrs and better to replace before it goes and leaves you stranded.
Top mounts on the front are a weak point, as are the front shock absorber gaiters which degrade/split.
The 'S' model tyres are expensive. £250 each for the backs. The fronts last ages but the rubber splits and can be an MOT failure.
You should leave it plugged in all the time you're not driving. This maintains the 12v batt. Leave it unplugged for any length of time (holiday) and its likely to die.
I hope you enjoy your ownership.
LankyStreakOf said:
You should leave it plugged in all the time you're not driving. This maintains the 12v batt. Leave it unplugged for any length of time (holiday) and its likely to die.
I never leave mine plugged in (unless charging of course) and it's still on the original 8 year old 12V battery. Although I think I will change it this year as it is getting on a bit!The front shock gaiters split on mine, think it was around £300 including labour to replace. Otherwise I've had no issues aside from the usual consumables.
Have a browse of Wisely Automotive's YouTube channel. The videos around retail preparation in particular will help give you an idea of the sort of maintenance items crop up and what to look for.
I'm about to buy a former cat S 2015 REX as a daily runabout (contrary to popular advice). However, it's cheap at £6.5k, on 48k miles, optioned led headlights, sunroof & loft interior. Hopefully it ends up being a good deal...
I'm about to buy a former cat S 2015 REX as a daily runabout (contrary to popular advice). However, it's cheap at £6.5k, on 48k miles, optioned led headlights, sunroof & loft interior. Hopefully it ends up being a good deal...
Agree with the sentiment about Wisley.
Unless you’re going to spend a lot of time researching and viewing cars, rely on their expertise.
Personally I have a 2015 Rex and it’s been the best daily I’ve ever had!
I’ve averaged 4 miles/KW stop start to work over the last 18 months.
Spec is important. I’d not change mine to another without dark leather, sunroof, big screen and parking pack.
A great car that was ahead of its time. Gives me as much fun as the previous hot hatch I commuted in, costs me pennies to run, and if you’re driving less than 100 miles per day, why not?
They’re dirt cheap now too!
Unless you’re going to spend a lot of time researching and viewing cars, rely on their expertise.
Personally I have a 2015 Rex and it’s been the best daily I’ve ever had!
I’ve averaged 4 miles/KW stop start to work over the last 18 months.
Spec is important. I’d not change mine to another without dark leather, sunroof, big screen and parking pack.
A great car that was ahead of its time. Gives me as much fun as the previous hot hatch I commuted in, costs me pennies to run, and if you’re driving less than 100 miles per day, why not?
They’re dirt cheap now too!
As above. I would avoid Rex. They are very efficient (depending on how you drive) and 3 miles per /kW in deep winter and over 4 in the summer is easily achievable. I don't worry about economy and drive in Comfort and have never seen below 3.2 in winter (but don't use motorways). My last i3 (120 normal i3) averaged 4.2 over 20k miles.
Nothing specific to look for. Good battery management system and excellent battery life. You can check battery health via the screen (Google for all the various button clicks you have to do to get to the sub menu).
Front damper gaiters are a weak point and can need replacing after as little as 30K.
Overall an amazing car that handles better and looks cooler than the cooking version, but the ride is firmer.
Nothing specific to look for. Good battery management system and excellent battery life. You can check battery health via the screen (Google for all the various button clicks you have to do to get to the sub menu).
Front damper gaiters are a weak point and can need replacing after as little as 30K.
Overall an amazing car that handles better and looks cooler than the cooking version, but the ride is firmer.
Gassing Station | EV and Alternative Fuels | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff