BMW i3 - As a daily?

[adamr]

ok, a silly thought came over me. Would an i3 be a good daily? Anyone have one? whats the range like? What are the frustrations of owning the car? Space wise, is it too small when compared to a 3 series or even a 1 series?

i kinda like the whole "future" look it has going. But is the tech etc still too early and id be just paying BMW's school fees on such a model. This will be used as a commute between Fourways and Sandton

[Donny_G]

Im not sure about all the details but that little car PULLS! Was shuttled around about a month ago in one while my car was i for service. The driver gave it stick a few times and it was surprisingly quick! Its no m3 but looks to be fun to dart around in traffic. He told me it gives them 120kms to the charge.

[moranor@axis]

I spoke to an owner a while back he loved the car... but he was also stuck with no battery

lead foot will drain it quick on a long trip it can be a problem

i would get the Rex then you dont have to worry about running out of juice

[adamr]

I spoke to an owner a while back he loved the car... but he was also stuck with no battery

lead foot will drain it quick on a long trip it can be a problem

i would get the Rex then you dont have to worry about running out of juice

Rex?

Sent from my S6 Edge+

[herr bmw]

was at the launch in Brooklyn and after the presentation was giving the keys to one,we had to follow a specific route but had the option of doing a long route,which naturally I took.

it is one amazing little car,pulls away from standstill like a bat out of hell,took it to top speed of 150km/h,some do go 1 or 2 km faster,lol

a week later my wife test drove it and I sat in the back,very comfortable

all round a nice little car and for around town worth it,so I would say go for it

---

rex has a small petrol motor which extends the range to 300km

[zaleonardz]

I recon the biggest issue is not the battery, that can be planned against.

But very few dealerships are qualified to work on them. So if your in the middle of no where, and your experimental new tech BMW breaks in hamsterpoort next to the bush and the rock, lanks tant stienie se plaas. It will be trucked up to JHB for the simplest thing.

[frs1]

It's a town car, the range wont take you very far, like they said it pulls. Excellent for a daily but a bit RRR

[Via]

Go test drive one, its impressive, ive used one for a few weekends and I absolutely love it. Its a great daily.

If you have a predictable schedule and do approx. 100km its perfect.

come visit us at ZAMBESI AUTO

[Rotinaj]

I3 REX - has a teensy tiny engine and fuel tank to extend range.

[Fuzz*]

The REX engine is designed to power the batteries though, it isn't a direct drive engine like a hybrid.


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[adamr]

hmm will test drive one... Thanks for the input guys. How long to charge?

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[Woodies]

I think they look quite cool, very different, as a daily they look fun. If its not your primary vehicle and you live in a major city, I think they are starting to make sense. I would really consider one as a 2nd vehicle if I could afford it. The only thing I'm not sure of is resale. What is the 2nd hand market for these cars. With all the stories of the batteries kind of having a limited life span are they practical to buy 2nd hand? Will they depreciate quicker and more than a normal BMW?

[Sabretooth tiger]

The REX engine is designed to power the batteries though, it isn't a direct drive engine like a hybrid.


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So in essence its a fancy copy of the "eagle hammerhead i thrust"

[Fuzz*]

The REX engine is designed to power the batteries though, it isn't a direct drive engine like a hybrid.


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So in essence its a fancy copy of the "eagle hammerhead i thrust"

exactly


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[adamr]

I've seen second hand (with low mileage) in the R400s. List is more 600-ish (am I right?)

Edit: see list is in the 500s

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[Sabretooth tiger]

I've seen second hand (with low mileage) in the R400s. List is more 600-ish

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That's some serious dough for a daily.
If I was going to spend that kinda money on a daily, I would choose a hot hatch or something more fun.

[adamr]

I've seen second hand (with low mileage) in the R400s. List is more 600-ish

Sent from my S6 Edge+

That's some serious dough for a daily.
If I was going to spend that kinda money on a daily, I would choose a hot hatch or something more fun.

They super pricey... Wasn't intending to buy new. Suppose a hot hatch has it pros. This being electric and the allure of it being something different.

Like in the old days rocking the first cellphone when everyone else still has a landline

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[Boosted]

....dont forget about the Prince of Darkess (Eishkom), load shedding=take the bus

[momo1]

I seen a 2tone one white with black, yeah and I agree its not the best looking, but it definitely has some sort of appeal, those quirky futuristic looks makes you smile, and also its just very very different, has a cool factor to it and from what I hear from above , quite nippy.

But my own personal opinion:I rather spend half as much on a 120d, there's no conundrum on what the resale value will be after 5 years, I'm guessing more reliable , cheaper on insurance and maintenance and oh yeah, you could do a JHB to DBN trip on just over half a tank!

if money is no option and you desire a futuristic car , why not go I8? hybrid so you don't have to worry about flat batteries, insane performance, a beauty to look at, and I am sure resale value will hold well

[adamr]

I seen a 2tone one white with black, yeah and I agree its not the best looking, but it definitely has some sort of appeal, those quirky futuristic looks makes you smile, and also its just very very different, has a cool factor to it and from what I hear from above , quite nippy.

But my own personal opinion:I rather spend half as much on a 120d, there's no conundrum on what the resale value will be after 5 years, I'm guessing more reliable , cheaper on insurance and maintenance and oh yeah, you could do a JHB to DBN trip on just over half a tank!

if money is no option and you desire a futuristic car , why not go I8? hybrid so you don't have to worry about flat batteries, insane performance, a beauty to look at, and I am sure resale value will hold well

the quirky, being different is whats attracting me to it. And yes if Eskom load sheds then im f#$ked. No wheels for the next day cause the car aint charged ... was also thinking a 320d LCI model, non msport, luxury line (that brownish colour on beige interior ... not the best for resale but seen an LCI in this combo and i thought it was stunning). So toying with options at the moment.