So who's getting an i3?
Discussion
It's more to do with the low rolling loss chassis setup than due to the i3's track / CofG. In fact, i suspect, that ratio is somewhat better than a lot of cars (with all those batteries down low, and a CF tub up top!
No, the car is set up very 'straight' because this reduces tyre hysteric losses, but as a result, the sidewalls are very lightly loaded statically, meaning the first handwheel input just results in tyre carcass deformation, until the lateral loads build up a bit, and then the car yaws a bit suddenly away from the straight and narrow. This is not helped by the very light handwheel loads, meaning it's a bit too easy to bang in a clumsy driver input.
However, you soon get used to it, it's by no means dangerous,and whilst the i3 is no sports car, it's all the better for that imo!
No, the car is set up very 'straight' because this reduces tyre hysteric losses, but as a result, the sidewalls are very lightly loaded statically, meaning the first handwheel input just results in tyre carcass deformation, until the lateral loads build up a bit, and then the car yaws a bit suddenly away from the straight and narrow. This is not helped by the very light handwheel loads, meaning it's a bit too easy to bang in a clumsy driver input.
However, you soon get used to it, it's by no means dangerous,and whilst the i3 is no sports car, it's all the better for that imo!
Max_Torque said:
It's more to do with the low rolling loss chassis setup than due to the i3's track / CofG. In fact, i suspect, that ratio is somewhat better than a lot of cars (with all those batteries down low, and a CF tub up top!
No, the car is set up very 'straight' because this reduces tyre hysteric losses, but as a result, the sidewalls are very lightly loaded statically, meaning the first handwheel input just results in tyre carcass deformation, until the lateral loads build up a bit, and then the car yaws a bit suddenly away from the straight and narrow. This is not helped by the very light handwheel loads, meaning it's a bit too easy to bang in a clumsy driver input.
However, you soon get used to it, it's by no means dangerous,and whilst the i3 is no sports car, it's all the better for that imo!
What's a handwheel? No, the car is set up very 'straight' because this reduces tyre hysteric losses, but as a result, the sidewalls are very lightly loaded statically, meaning the first handwheel input just results in tyre carcass deformation, until the lateral loads build up a bit, and then the car yaws a bit suddenly away from the straight and narrow. This is not helped by the very light handwheel loads, meaning it's a bit too easy to bang in a clumsy driver input.
However, you soon get used to it, it's by no means dangerous,and whilst the i3 is no sports car, it's all the better for that imo!
MitchT said:
Being relatively narrow, tall and light, how do these handle in crosswinds?
Like a feather in a gale sadly.I had a loaner for a few days and my commute was on the M4 over the Severn Bridge. What I found was at motorway speeds it would get blown about like a b
d. I put that down to a combo of short wheelbase, very skinny tyres and the fact it's tall.Nowt to do with steering input, which on a motorway is effectively static.
CooperS said:
Oh no we're not back to the different types of wheels are we!!!!
Handwheel? Steering wheel?https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bh58mmdCUAAU_OV.jpg
[quote=hornetrider
Nowt to do with steering input, which on a motorway is effectively static.
[/quote]
er, no, sorry! Even going in a straight line, with the handwheel (!!!) held straight the steering system is still influencing the direction of travel. And in fact, as i mentioned, because side wall loads are lowest when traveling in the straight line, it's here that tiny disturbances in tyre carcass deformation leads to significant yaw moments......
Nowt to do with steering input, which on a motorway is effectively static.
[/quote]
er, no, sorry! Even going in a straight line, with the handwheel (!!!) held straight the steering system is still influencing the direction of travel. And in fact, as i mentioned, because side wall loads are lowest when traveling in the straight line, it's here that tiny disturbances in tyre carcass deformation leads to significant yaw moments......
Max_Torque said:
er, no, sorry! Even going in a straight line, with the handwheel (!!!) held straight the steering system is still influencing the direction of travel. And in fact, as i mentioned, because side wall loads are lowest when traveling in the straight line, it's here that tiny disturbances in tyre carcass deformation leads to significant yaw moments......
Wotevs. In applying your condescending technowaffle to the keyboard you've missed the entire point. Which is that the i3 gets blown about like no other car.
hornetrider said:
Max_Torque said:
er, no, sorry! Even going in a straight line, with the handwheel (!!!) held straight the steering system is still influencing the direction of travel. And in fact, as i mentioned, because side wall loads are lowest when traveling in the straight line, it's here that tiny disturbances in tyre carcass deformation leads to significant yaw moments......
Wotevs. In applying your condescending technowaffle to the keyboard you've missed the entire point. Which is that the i3 gets blown about like no other car.2) I'm happy your an imbecile and wish to remain that way. For any other people who may like to listen and learn about how their car works i shall continue to empart my hard won knowledge......
Max_Torque said:
1) no it doesn't (it's more susceptible to cross winds than say a mini or 118d, but it's by no means 'dangerous' (otherwise bwm wouldn't have released it), and there are plenty of other cars you can drive that are as bad, or worse i terms of lateral stability in cross winds. If you try and drive a bit better (smoother) you'll find the car feels a lot less nervous at high speed........
You are truly wise oh wise one. Where does one start in response? If I may address your points as you raise them.1. At no point have I said or implied 'dangerous' (your quote).
2. It's BMW.
3. Do empart how one might drive more smoothly than in a dead straight line with no handwheel(!) input with cruise control engaged at 65mph. (High speed!)
Max_Torque said:
2) I'm happy your an imbecile
Might I suggest if one wishes to deliver such a devastating put down in future, one utilises one's autocorrect facility.Job38 said:
Meanwhile, back to topic - I've got delivery confirmed for 1 March (I shall endeavour to avoid cross-winds)...
I start on a new project on Wednesday and I can't see it going down well to take the afternoon off so I've delayed mine to the Friday.However I too am anxiously awaiting the heavy cross winds of the south coast....... But tbh I'm also someone who purposely bought a smart 4/2 and didn't think the gear box was 'that' bad and motorway driving on a wet and stormy day was a challenge and gave the car character as did the gearbox.......
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