Keep going back to BMW i3
Discussion
Island Hermit said:
How are the seats? Driving position? Comfortable?
I like the driving position, but it took a while.The seats are firm and offer no cossetting or extra support and the position is quite high. The ride is firm and a little unpredictable if pressing on. Coming from a Porsche Boxster to this was quite a change, and I had doubts early on. I've accepted that it's not well suited to spirited cornering, but can still enjoy the instant shove out of the bends.
I sit more upright and closer to the wheel than I used to, but it's proved to be very comfortable even over longer journeys. The seat heaters are very good.
Recently had a BMW 4 series coupe for a couple of days. The seats are way more supportive and comfortable, and the drive in a different league, but I really didn't like it - it was like squinting through a letter-box, cramped and confined. Before the i3 I would've liked it, now all I can see are the negatives.
Covered 15k in the 12 months we had ours and it coped admirably with all conditions and every journey asked of it. Completely agree though, it's a city car at heart as runs out of puff and talent relatively quickly when pushed and doesn't appreciate being thrown around like a hot hatch.
Not driven an S but would expect it to be rather harsh around town as the standard car is not exactly cosseting when speed bumps and potholes come into play.
Not driven an S but would expect it to be rather harsh around town as the standard car is not exactly cosseting when speed bumps and potholes come into play.
I bought a used 2016 i3Rex in 2017 with 11k miles on it.
I did a 100 mile daily commute 5/week before I sold it for with 61k miles.
Fully drained battery every week day with 100% charge every night.
After 2 years was not seeing any reduction in battery performance.
Traded in for a new 2019 i3S and continued the 100 mile daily commute up to March 2020 when we started working from home.
I had only one issue with the i3 Rex as far as the, mainly Duel Carriageway, drive as far as comfort was concerned.
Hitting bumps/pot holes on bends/roundabouts would heve the rear end give some strange reactions.
I put it down to a secondary shock caused by the Rex engine mounts.
I found the i3S, with the wider tyres and track a better ride and without the above issue.
With the bigger battery it still had to be charged every night but it gave me reserve range.
Sold the S last summer at 11k miles as I wanted a bigger EV.
I loved both, particularly the S.
I did a 100 mile daily commute 5/week before I sold it for with 61k miles.
Fully drained battery every week day with 100% charge every night.
After 2 years was not seeing any reduction in battery performance.
Traded in for a new 2019 i3S and continued the 100 mile daily commute up to March 2020 when we started working from home.
I had only one issue with the i3 Rex as far as the, mainly Duel Carriageway, drive as far as comfort was concerned.
Hitting bumps/pot holes on bends/roundabouts would heve the rear end give some strange reactions.
I put it down to a secondary shock caused by the Rex engine mounts.
I found the i3S, with the wider tyres and track a better ride and without the above issue.
With the bigger battery it still had to be charged every night but it gave me reserve range.
Sold the S last summer at 11k miles as I wanted a bigger EV.
I loved both, particularly the S.
SWoll said:
Covered 15k in the 12 months we had ours and it coped admirably with all conditions and every journey asked of it. Completely agree though, it's a city car at heart as runs out of puff and talent relatively quickly when pushed and doesn't appreciate being thrown around like a hot hatch.
Not driven an S but would expect it to be rather harsh around town as the standard car is not exactly cosseting when speed bumps and potholes come into play.
Thanks, sounds like the Mini EV is better for me.Not driven an S but would expect it to be rather harsh around town as the standard car is not exactly cosseting when speed bumps and potholes come into play.
the-photographer said:
SWoll said:
Covered 15k in the 12 months we had ours and it coped admirably with all conditions and every journey asked of it. Completely agree though, it's a city car at heart as runs out of puff and talent relatively quickly when pushed and doesn't appreciate being thrown around like a hot hatch.
Not driven an S but would expect it to be rather harsh around town as the standard car is not exactly cosseting when speed bumps and potholes come into play.
Thanks, sounds like the Mini EV is better for me.Not driven an S but would expect it to be rather harsh around town as the standard car is not exactly cosseting when speed bumps and potholes come into play.
the-photographer said:
I have another question, what's this like on B roads? I understand the Mini EV uses the i3s setup with a smaller battery. The reviews say its not very good on B roads compared to conventional EVs especially the Mini.
The Mini uses the i3s motor and older i3 battery but none of the bespoke suspension/platform and is therefore less roomy inside and heavier.I'm on my second i3 and they are a hoot to drive. Other than conventional looks I can't imagine a Mini offering any measurable benefit.
RossP said:
We are on our third i3! Cracking cars. The i3S is the best in my view - a bit more 'sporty'. Has better range (bigger battery AND lighter) and much more interior space than a leccy mini. Looks more funky too! Join the i3 UK Facebook group - loads of info on there.
Certainly funkier looking but same battery and motor as normal i3.https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/03/29/what-is-the-dif...
SWoll said:
Get a decent test drive of both and you'll know without doubt which suits you best. We loved our i3 and plan to get another at some point in the future to run alongside a fun ICE car better suited to touring. Perfect combo IMHO.
Yes, I plan to try both, just a matter of getting the two drives on the same daycarl0 said:
the-photographer said:
I have another question, what's this like on B roads? I understand the Mini EV uses the i3s setup with a smaller battery. The reviews say its not very good on B roads compared to conventional EVs especially the Mini.
The Mini uses the i3s motor and older i3 battery but none of the bespoke suspension/platform and is therefore less roomy inside and heavier.I'm on my second i3 and they are a hoot to drive. Other than conventional looks I can't imagine a Mini offering any measurable benefit.
it's a city car at heart as runs out of puff and talent relatively quickly when pushed and doesn't appreciate being thrown around like a hot hatch.
Opinion two, I'm on my second i3 and they are a hoot to drive
I'll need to try the i3 for myself!
The online specs indicate they weigh very nearly the same? Maybe the Mini's smaller battery making up for "traditional" components.
carl0 said:
the-photographer said:
I have another question, what's this like on B roads? I understand the Mini EV uses the i3s setup with a smaller battery. The reviews say its not very good on B roads compared to conventional EVs especially the Mini.
The Mini uses the i3s motor and older i3 battery but none of the bespoke suspension/platform and is therefore less roomy inside and heavier.I'm on my second i3 and they are a hoot to drive. Other than conventional looks I can't imagine a Mini offering any measurable benefit.
I have had my i3s for a year now and absolutely love it. The suspension is firm, but not too bad.
My wife recently took delivery of her Mini-e lvl2. It's a great car, and she loves her Minis, but it's definitely a firmer ride, and no where near as much room inside.
Discombobulate said:
Certainly funkier looking but same battery and motor as normal i3.
https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/03/29/what-is-the-dif...
Correct. But...https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/03/29/what-is-the-dif...
Increased horsepower – 181 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque versus 170 hp/ 184 lb-ft of torque
0-60 time of 6.8 versus 7.2 seconds
Top speed increased to 99 mph versus 93 mph
Sports suspension – wider track, lowered ride height, different springs/dampeners
Special 20 inch wheels, and wider tires
Sport Mode which sharpens throttle response and increases steering effort.
Improved ASC traction control 50 times faster routine
Gloss Black wheel arch molding
20 inch double-spoke wheels with 20 mm wider tires
the-photographer said:
Opinion one
it's a city car at heart as runs out of puff and talent relatively quickly when pushed and doesn't appreciate being thrown around like a hot hatch.
Opinion two, I'm on my second i3 and they are a hoot to drive
I'll need to try the i3 for myself!
The online specs indicate they weigh very nearly the same? Maybe the Mini's smaller battery making up for "traditional" components.
Into my second month owning a i3 now. After a test drive fell in love with the car and had to have one.it's a city car at heart as runs out of puff and talent relatively quickly when pushed and doesn't appreciate being thrown around like a hot hatch.
Opinion two, I'm on my second i3 and they are a hoot to drive
I'll need to try the i3 for myself!
The online specs indicate they weigh very nearly the same? Maybe the Mini's smaller battery making up for "traditional" components.
10/10 for a city car. Fast and effortless of the lights while being smooth and comfortable. Also very roomy inside and high seating position while packaged as a small car. Just doesn’t get better for small trips imo.
Driving dynamic on B roads is still fun for the first 15 minutes but it lacks the excitement a hot hatch can provide. Would struggle to recommend it as a 1 car fits all but as a daily run around it’s hard to beat.
Big Nanas said:
I can answer this!
I have had my i3s for a year now and absolutely love it. The suspension is firm, but not too bad.
My wife recently took delivery of her Mini-e lvl2. It's a great car, and she loves her Minis, but it's definitely a firmer ride, and no where near as much room inside.
I think I can live the spaces compromises, which one is best as an all-rounder and which one has the edge on B-roads?I have had my i3s for a year now and absolutely love it. The suspension is firm, but not too bad.
My wife recently took delivery of her Mini-e lvl2. It's a great car, and she loves her Minis, but it's definitely a firmer ride, and no where near as much room inside.
stef1808 said:
the-photographer said:
Opinion one
it's a city car at heart as runs out of puff and talent relatively quickly when pushed and doesn't appreciate being thrown around like a hot hatch.
Opinion two, I'm on my second i3 and they are a hoot to drive
I'll need to try the i3 for myself!
The online specs indicate they weigh very nearly the same? Maybe the Mini's smaller battery making up for "traditional" components.
Into my second month owning a i3 now. After a test drive fell in love with the car and had to have one.it's a city car at heart as runs out of puff and talent relatively quickly when pushed and doesn't appreciate being thrown around like a hot hatch.
Opinion two, I'm on my second i3 and they are a hoot to drive
I'll need to try the i3 for myself!
The online specs indicate they weigh very nearly the same? Maybe the Mini's smaller battery making up for "traditional" components.
10/10 for a city car. Fast and effortless of the lights while being smooth and comfortable. Also very roomy inside and high seating position while packaged as a small car. Just doesn’t get better for small trips imo.
Driving dynamic on B roads is still fun for the first 15 minutes but it lacks the excitement a hot hatch can provide. Would struggle to recommend it as a 1 car fits all but as a daily run around it’s hard to beat.
I'm looking for something that will cope with a 35 mile work trip
15 miles B roads
15 miles A roads
5 miles of urban
We’ve had our I3s since January and done 5k miles in it. Amazing little car. Really fun to drive. Short wheel base and rear wheel drive and instant acceleration make it fun to hustle around the Cornish roads where we live. We use it more than our 5 series touring. Rear doors are a funky feature and good for kids, just gotta steer clear of tight supermarket parking spaces. You’ll get between 120 (depths of winter) and 160 miles (warm summer day). Not many electric cars have character like this little beemer.
ELROR said:
We’ve had our I3s since January and done 5k miles in it. Amazing little car. Really fun to drive. Short wheel base and rear wheel drive and instant acceleration make it fun to hustle around the Cornish roads where we live. We use it more than our 5 series touring. Rear doors are a funky feature and good for kids, just gotta steer clear of tight supermarket parking spaces. You’ll get between 120 (depths of winter) and 160 miles (warm summer day). Not many electric cars have character like this little beemer.
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