2014 BMW i3 Rex Giga World from North America

Summary:

Love it in every way and the fact that I avoided having to purchase 1,400 gallons of gas

Faults:

Nothing so far and knock on wood. The motor mounts are starting to feel a bit saggy, will have to upgrade to the latest design eventually. After 20K miles the tires have about 40% thread left.

General Comments:

Love the design, the materials (real wood, wool, leather, carbon fiber everywhere), the handling, the comfort, the performance, perfect for commuting (might not be the best to drive across the country, but it could do it if needed), and with the REX option you can just keep driving and driving if needed.

I jailbroke the REX to be used at any time after 75% battery capacity and expanded the gas fuel level sensor capacity to get around the US model specs. Battery upgrades or full/partial replacements are available at reasonable prices. Was daily driving my Jeep TJ, but the trip to the gas station got old, found my i3 with low miles and a 90% depreciated price tag at a dealer which game me a decent deal, and after driving it all this time and the government tax credit I have avoided to purchase ~1400 gallons of gas, this car pays for itself. It takes around 17 KWh to charge the battery at $0.07 per KWh for a total of $1.19 to charge at home and free at work around town.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd January, 2025

2018 BMW i3 Electric 170 BHP from Germany

Summary:

Small city wonder - not for families with big kids

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

We have a charger in our parking spot under the building and mostly drive in the city so this car is perfect. This is the latest model with the extended range which can get you up to 250km of range (when it's not below 8 degrees Celsius).

We have young teenagers and it's not that great in the back and the funky doors are sometimes tricky to get out of and close.

Driving is much fun and everything works great; love the BMW functionality and quality. Will write updates as she ages with us.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th April, 2019

31st Aug 2023, 17:34

This weird design is a good example of the issues with big heavily bureaucratic companies. Either they don't want to take chances, or they take too many chances. They thought they should make something completely out of ordinary just because it's an EV. And the sales failed compared to the competition. Not saying unusual cars cannot be successful, but the I3 is just too unusual and un-user friendly. Lots of money thrown into research, overly complex design, rare ($$$) tire size... range is not everything.