100k miles plus BMW i3s - worth it?
Discussion
We're a couple of months into EV ownership of a 2022 BMW iX3. I'm sharing with it with my wife who has gone from being a complete EV sceptic to a complete convert. I'm away overnight with it once a week leaving her with my other selection of sheds to use, neither of which are particularly suitable (and she won't drive my E46 M3).
After initially looking at Fiat Panda 4x4s, she's said she'd rather an EV. Her commute is a 14 mile round trip plus another 40 miles once a week (when I'm away) for gymnastics for my daughter. I've suggested the i3 because
1. I've always liked them.
2. I have a trusted BMW indy I've used for years
3. I might have to move my R53 MCS on to accommodate so I want something that's still a bit of fun
4. Most importantly, there seems to be a reasonable choice in my max £7k budget.
I have seen some newer but high mileage ones in budget, including 145k one on autotrader that's nearby. Is anyone here got any experience, is there anything to look out for and how much hassle is a REX (interested if I nick it for airport runs which is just over 100 miles round trip on quick b roads)? I've watched a couple of YT vids and read a couple of threads on here but would be grateful of your views.
After initially looking at Fiat Panda 4x4s, she's said she'd rather an EV. Her commute is a 14 mile round trip plus another 40 miles once a week (when I'm away) for gymnastics for my daughter. I've suggested the i3 because
1. I've always liked them.
2. I have a trusted BMW indy I've used for years
3. I might have to move my R53 MCS on to accommodate so I want something that's still a bit of fun
4. Most importantly, there seems to be a reasonable choice in my max £7k budget.
I have seen some newer but high mileage ones in budget, including 145k one on autotrader that's nearby. Is anyone here got any experience, is there anything to look out for and how much hassle is a REX (interested if I nick it for airport runs which is just over 100 miles round trip on quick b roads)? I've watched a couple of YT vids and read a couple of threads on here but would be grateful of your views.
I would echo the comments above, the REX is known to be problematic, but might be less so if you use it more often. However, without REX you would need a 120ah model to cope with a 100 mile round trip, as even a 94ah would be very tight. You'd get a higher mile non-s 120 for £9kish but if you are wanting some fun coming out of the MCS, then you want an S. So realistically, you are going to be limited to a higher mile rex model. There is loads of info on the i3 owners Facebook page.
I've just purchased another i3s after having one previously, running it along side an ix3, both excellent but in very different ways.
I've just purchased another i3s after having one previously, running it along side an ix3, both excellent but in very different ways.
Rex isn't an issue if it is used about 20 minutes each month and gets a semi regular oil change.
The s and non s cars have the same hardware except for suspension. It is just a software recode to give it the higher hp.
The cars are hard on suspension components, and car approaching 100k will feel and drive better with new shocks.
Early cars with 3g will no longer have the app access with the national 3g switch off.
Like most bmws spec varies, try to get one with most options, it makes it feel more premium.
Plus no rust to worry about.
The s and non s cars have the same hardware except for suspension. It is just a software recode to give it the higher hp.
The cars are hard on suspension components, and car approaching 100k will feel and drive better with new shocks.
Early cars with 3g will no longer have the app access with the national 3g switch off.
Like most bmws spec varies, try to get one with most options, it makes it feel more premium.
Plus no rust to worry about.
I love my i3s, and it replaced my much missed R53 MCS!
If you are lucky you can find i3s with lower mileage for not much more than your budget with a private sale.
120Ah should be attainable, and the only options I would consider with it is the Harmon Kardon speakers. The rest are very much nice to haves, same with colour. We ended up with a red one, which was my last choice, but it is my favourite now.
In this weather, mine struggles to return less than 5.1 m/KW., I can sneak over 200 miles on a full charge.
Fantastic cars.
If you are lucky you can find i3s with lower mileage for not much more than your budget with a private sale.
120Ah should be attainable, and the only options I would consider with it is the Harmon Kardon speakers. The rest are very much nice to haves, same with colour. We ended up with a red one, which was my last choice, but it is my favourite now.
In this weather, mine struggles to return less than 5.1 m/KW., I can sneak over 200 miles on a full charge.
Fantastic cars.
Not much to add other than loving my i3s which I've had just over a month. Came from a 62kWh Smart #3 Brabus and not much difference in range 
- the BMW is great fun to drive (and feels like a modern MINI product in many ways).
Whilst my wife's Kia EV is more comfortable on rough surfaces, the BMW is more fun. My other toy is a turbocharged Mk1 MX5, so I admit I favour light weight over all out performance.
- the BMW is great fun to drive (and feels like a modern MINI product in many ways).Whilst my wife's Kia EV is more comfortable on rough surfaces, the BMW is more fun. My other toy is a turbocharged Mk1 MX5, so I admit I favour light weight over all out performance.
We bought a 22 reg i3s with 76k miles for 10.5k from a dealer. It is in great condition bar a chip in windscreen and discs were very rusty as had been sat unloved at the dealer for a few months. Range is 150 in summer and 110ish in winter. Wife loves it and it is a perfect 2nd car. Go for it and don't be put off by high mileage, they carry it very well
As above, got for the best 120ah you can get in budget and avoid the REX as just adds pointless complexity for your use case.
I'd also avoid the S if it's predominately a city car. The ride on the standard car isn't brilliant, and the suspension on the S just makes it worse.
Likely to cost you £8k+ but well worth the extra over a REX or 90ah.
I'd also avoid the S if it's predominately a city car. The ride on the standard car isn't brilliant, and the suspension on the S just makes it worse.
Likely to cost you £8k+ but well worth the extra over a REX or 90ah.
Gassing Station | EV and Alternative Fuels | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff