Cheap i3 REX, bad idea?
Discussion
Mrs GW ran an E-Up on a cheap lease for 3 years. It went back just before xmas. We're going to replace it but neither of us fancy another lease or finance type deal, too restrictive. We're also spending seemingly all our money and more on a building project at the moment so trying to keep a lid on costs a little. Anyway, we'd more or less decided that we'd spend about £10k on a 42kwh i3.
That might still be what we do but that is the very bottom of the market for the bigger battery cars and there aren't that many about so we might have to be patient. It's had me curiously looking at some of the even cheaper i3 options and there are a few 33kwh REX cars out there for for sub £6k with various specs and mileages. I sort of quite like the idea of that as at that sort of money, I'd feel more comfortable about doing some home servicing etc and generally not being too bothered about ever having to recoup any resale value.
But am I falling into a trap? We don't really need the range extender element but with only 33kw, maybe it would give some peace of mind on the lower range. It's also not lost on me that the pay per mile scheme would only be 1.5p per mile on the REX and 3p per mile on the BEV. Not a huge difference but it all helps. But is the engine itself trouble? A nightmare to work on? And I guess do I need to be wary of anything generally on these older, higher mileage i3's?
That might still be what we do but that is the very bottom of the market for the bigger battery cars and there aren't that many about so we might have to be patient. It's had me curiously looking at some of the even cheaper i3 options and there are a few 33kwh REX cars out there for for sub £6k with various specs and mileages. I sort of quite like the idea of that as at that sort of money, I'd feel more comfortable about doing some home servicing etc and generally not being too bothered about ever having to recoup any resale value.
But am I falling into a trap? We don't really need the range extender element but with only 33kw, maybe it would give some peace of mind on the lower range. It's also not lost on me that the pay per mile scheme would only be 1.5p per mile on the REX and 3p per mile on the BEV. Not a huge difference but it all helps. But is the engine itself trouble? A nightmare to work on? And I guess do I need to be wary of anything generally on these older, higher mileage i3's?
I ran an '18 plate i3 Rex 33Kwh over the last four years from 40k to 115k miles. Never missed a beat. Great little cars. Will do 120 miles on battery in Summer and 95'ish miles in Winter. ReX will do another 80-100 miles.
Very efficient at 4.0-4.5 miles per Kwh.
Only changed it due to the high milage and wanting a change after 4 years (I have daily 100 mile commute - round trip).
The Wisely Automotive Youtube channel has lots of i3 content. There's some minor bits that fail, e.g. shock absorber gaitors, engine mounts in early cars - but nothing major. They are only a 4 seater, but have a lot of space inside, and with the rear seats folded quite cavernous for carrying stuff, tip runs, etc...
Like any car some people will have had issues, and will mention the ReX engine as carrying around dead weight if you never use it, ride being worse, etc...
Nothing really to do re. servicing the engine - I serviced mine and changed oil and filters easilly enough. Boot floor comes out easily for access. Seem to remember spark plugs are super longlife ones - so I never changed those.
The suicide doors can be slightly awkward in a car park with another car alongside, if you have any rear passengers, but again nit picking for something to say. Washer fluid freezes in winter, so need to use -20 degree fluid from November-March to avoid that.
Like any BMW there's quite a lot of variation in Spec.
Would happily recommend, and the prices now represent amazing value.
Very efficient at 4.0-4.5 miles per Kwh.
Only changed it due to the high milage and wanting a change after 4 years (I have daily 100 mile commute - round trip).
The Wisely Automotive Youtube channel has lots of i3 content. There's some minor bits that fail, e.g. shock absorber gaitors, engine mounts in early cars - but nothing major. They are only a 4 seater, but have a lot of space inside, and with the rear seats folded quite cavernous for carrying stuff, tip runs, etc...
Like any car some people will have had issues, and will mention the ReX engine as carrying around dead weight if you never use it, ride being worse, etc...
Nothing really to do re. servicing the engine - I serviced mine and changed oil and filters easilly enough. Boot floor comes out easily for access. Seem to remember spark plugs are super longlife ones - so I never changed those.
The suicide doors can be slightly awkward in a car park with another car alongside, if you have any rear passengers, but again nit picking for something to say. Washer fluid freezes in winter, so need to use -20 degree fluid from November-March to avoid that.
Like any BMW there's quite a lot of variation in Spec.
Would happily recommend, and the prices now represent amazing value.
I like the i3 REX, however after watching Riches films, they certainly could have made it easier to work on.
How handy are you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=827iRyh7_YA
How handy are you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=827iRyh7_YA
surbiton said:
I ran an '18 plate i3 Rex 33Kwh over the last four years from 40k to 115k miles. Never missed a beat. Great little cars. Will do 120 miles on battery in Summer and 95'ish miles in Winter. ReX will do another 80-100 miles.
Very efficient at 4.0-4.5 miles per Kwh.
Only changed it due to the high milage and wanting a change after 4 years (I have daily 100 mile commute - round trip).
The Wisely Automotive Youtube channel has lots of i3 content. There's some minor bits that fail, e.g. shock absorber gaitors, engine mounts in early cars - but nothing major. They are only a 4 seater, but have a lot of space inside, and with the rear seats folded quite cavernous for carrying stuff, tip runs, etc...
Like any car some people will have had issues, and will mention the ReX engine as carrying around dead weight if you never use it, ride being worse, etc...
Nothing really to do re. servicing the engine - I serviced mine and changed oil and filters easilly enough. Boot floor comes out easily for access. Seem to remember spark plugs are super longlife ones - so I never changed those.
The suicide doors can be slightly awkward in a car park with another car alongside, if you have any rear passengers, but again nit picking for something to say. Washer fluid freezes in winter, so need to use -20 degree fluid from November-March to avoid that.
Like any BMW there's quite a lot of variation in Spec.
Would happily recommend, and the prices now represent amazing value.
Cheers. That's encouraging. Very efficient at 4.0-4.5 miles per Kwh.
Only changed it due to the high milage and wanting a change after 4 years (I have daily 100 mile commute - round trip).
The Wisely Automotive Youtube channel has lots of i3 content. There's some minor bits that fail, e.g. shock absorber gaitors, engine mounts in early cars - but nothing major. They are only a 4 seater, but have a lot of space inside, and with the rear seats folded quite cavernous for carrying stuff, tip runs, etc...
Like any car some people will have had issues, and will mention the ReX engine as carrying around dead weight if you never use it, ride being worse, etc...
Nothing really to do re. servicing the engine - I serviced mine and changed oil and filters easilly enough. Boot floor comes out easily for access. Seem to remember spark plugs are super longlife ones - so I never changed those.
The suicide doors can be slightly awkward in a car park with another car alongside, if you have any rear passengers, but again nit picking for something to say. Washer fluid freezes in winter, so need to use -20 degree fluid from November-March to avoid that.
Like any BMW there's quite a lot of variation in Spec.
Would happily recommend, and the prices now represent amazing value.
BuyaDuster said:
I like the i3 REX, however after watching Riches films, they certainly could have made it easier to work on.
How handy are you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=827iRyh7_YA
Thanks. I'll have a watch of that tonight. I'm pretty competent mechanically but at the same time, nobody wants a car that's a pain in the arse so I shall watch with interest.How handy are you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=827iRyh7_YA
One question I'm trying to figure out is regarding carplay. Most of the cheaper cars naturally don't have it but ultimately I'll want it one way or another. Do I need to worry about making sure I at least get a car with a widescreen to save a bit of cost in moving over to carplay at a later date?
I know wisely have done a video on this so I'll put that one on the viewing list for this evening as well.
I know wisely have done a video on this so I'll put that one on the viewing list for this evening as well.
Also watching. Are the REX option pointless if you still can t charge at home? I do 12 miles round trip daily but have no charging option at home - these at £5/6k seem perfect (and a mate has just got a pure Ev one and loves it) - I could probably charge a day a week at the office, is them running majority on fuel totally off cost wise?
The rfl saving of £400 a year compared to current could buy a lot of public charging if not? With HK hifi and led headlights I think I d be sold.
To add, we re 120/150 miles from parents and family so must have/need to be able to drive that without frigging around with an extension cord
The rfl saving of £400 a year compared to current could buy a lot of public charging if not? With HK hifi and led headlights I think I d be sold.
To add, we re 120/150 miles from parents and family so must have/need to be able to drive that without frigging around with an extension cord
Edited by Dg504 on Sunday 4th January 21:50
Edited by Dg504 on Sunday 4th January 21:51
BuyaDuster said:
I like the i3 REX, however after watching Riches films, they certainly could have made it easier to work on.
How handy are you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=827iRyh7_YA
Watched that and the follow up video last night. Clearly a total pain to deal with a crank sensor. Not sure how common an issue that is but I can see that most things on that engine are a challenge to get to. Not sure it puts me off too much though. I'll still keep an eye out. How handy are you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=827iRyh7_YA
Just in case anyone else is in the same boat, the carplay situation looks like this:
Pre 2017 LCi (cars with round DRL's) require aftermarket carplay solutions. Basically an MMI. Cheap and simple enough but no touchscreen puts me off. Not seen an option for a replacement screen that does all this in one box unfortunately.
Post 2017 LCI (horizontal narrow DRL's) basically have the carplay kit fitted but needs BMW or aftermarket activation.
Given how important this is to me, it might well steer me down the LCi route which will likely mean having to spend a little more. I also need to budget for either a set of winter wheels+tyres or a set of cross climates. Neither of those are cheap! Adds up this stuff!
Pre 2017 LCi (cars with round DRL's) require aftermarket carplay solutions. Basically an MMI. Cheap and simple enough but no touchscreen puts me off. Not seen an option for a replacement screen that does all this in one box unfortunately.
Post 2017 LCI (horizontal narrow DRL's) basically have the carplay kit fitted but needs BMW or aftermarket activation.
Given how important this is to me, it might well steer me down the LCi route which will likely mean having to spend a little more. I also need to budget for either a set of winter wheels+tyres or a set of cross climates. Neither of those are cheap! Adds up this stuff!
Mine is pre-LCI and I have one of these fitted, it works great and is just plug and play - sits under the rear seats and you don't have to run any additional cables.
https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
I seem perpetually tempted by these.
How annoying is the rear seat/rear door situation? (eg in supermarket carparks etc)
How annoying is the rear seat/rear door situation? (eg in supermarket carparks etc)
Shaoxter said:
Mine is pre-LCI and I have one of these fitted, it works great and is just plug and play - sits under the rear seats and you don't have to run any additional cables.
https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
What does it do?https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
g3org3y said:
How annoying is the rear seat/rear door situation? (eg in supermarket carparks etc)
I find the door situation fine. I get out of driver's door, stand at the hinge side of the rear door and open it across me, my lad gets out and stands in the space where the open front door is, I close rear door he closes front door, walk off. Sounds more complicated in writing than it actually is!g3org3y said:
Shaoxter said:
Mine is pre-LCI and I have one of these fitted, it works great and is just plug and play - sits under the rear seats and you don't have to run any additional cables.
https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
What does it do?https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
The stock system remains there, you just long press the Menu button to switch between the two.
_Hoppers said:
g3org3y said:
How annoying is the rear seat/rear door situation? (eg in supermarket carparks etc)
I find the door situation fine. I get out of driver's door, stand at the hinge side of the rear door and open it across me, my lad gets out and stands in the space where the open front door is, I close rear door he closes front door, walk off. Sounds more complicated in writing than it actually is!Do you know if the rear seat have isofix? Decent space for a kid's seat?
Shaoxter said:
g3org3y said:
Shaoxter said:
Mine is pre-LCI and I have one of these fitted, it works great and is just plug and play - sits under the rear seats and you don't have to run any additional cables.
https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
What does it do?https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
The stock system remains there, you just long press the Menu button to switch between the two.
g3org3y said:
Do you know if the rear seat have isofix? Decent space for a kid's seat?
Yeah, they have Isofix. When I ve used the Isofix seat it s a bit tight between the edge of the seat and the seat buckle, so can be tricky to fasten but I ve found the same with other cars too. I usually use one of those loose booster seats now though.Edited by _Hoppers on Wednesday 7th January 14:03
Shaoxter said:
g3org3y said:
Shaoxter said:
Mine is pre-LCI and I have one of these fitted, it works great and is just plug and play - sits under the rear seats and you don't have to run any additional cables.
https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
What does it do?https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
The stock system remains there, you just long press the Menu button to switch between the two.
Blackpuddin said:
Shaoxter said:
g3org3y said:
Shaoxter said:
Mine is pre-LCI and I have one of these fitted, it works great and is just plug and play - sits under the rear seats and you don't have to run any additional cables.
https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
What does it do?https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
The stock system remains there, you just long press the Menu button to switch between the two.
_Hoppers said:
Blackpuddin said:
Shaoxter said:
g3org3y said:
Shaoxter said:
Mine is pre-LCI and I have one of these fitted, it works great and is just plug and play - sits under the rear seats and you don't have to run any additional cables.
https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
What does it do?https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
The stock system remains there, you just long press the Menu button to switch between the two.
Blackpuddin said:
Shaoxter said:
g3org3y said:
Shaoxter said:
Mine is pre-LCI and I have one of these fitted, it works great and is just plug and play - sits under the rear seats and you don't have to run any additional cables.
https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
What does it do?https://premiumretrofit.net/product/premiumretrofi...
I hate touchscreens in cars and the one in the i3 is too far away to reach anyway.
The stock system remains there, you just long press the Menu button to switch between the two.
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