10 Things to Love About the BMW i3 - Long Term Electric Car Review

[@donswier]

Thanks for getting it right! So many reviews wrongly claim exterior panels are carbon fiber. It's clearly dent-free plastic (ala Fiero) over the carbon structure (love it). Best to get a 2017 or newer (updated battery & details) and best to get REx for limitless use on any length trip ( gonna cost a bit more, hut worth it👍)

[@thefleet]

Appreciate the comment! Wanted to do a lot of research and get things right because we love the car so much. The i3 is a master class in materials usage, and it’s just amazing that it comes in ~3,000 lbs, depending on configuration, while most EVs are super heavy. Our subcompact Volvo XC40 Recharge is almost 5,000 lbs! The Hummer EV is over 9,000, crazy!

[@thetumanshow]

I agree that the bigger the battery choice, the better. I would've gotten an I3S but the price was so much more. Im very happy with mine. The REx is definitely the way to go

[@tonrotterdam]

Nice video! I've got an i3 since early 2020 and I absolutely adore the car. This one's a keeper that I hope to drive for years to come.

[@thefleet]

Thank you for watching! We’re hoping to upgrade our 2016 i3 in the future to one of the 2018+ LCI models. Really wish it was still being made - it’s truly a special car. 👍

[@castletown999]

I have had 4 of these and love them. The only negative I see is the tires. They usually get les than 12000 miles and are expensive because they are a weird size. They are only from Bridgestone so they can charge whatever they want.

[@thefleet]

The way I see it, the money saved on gas can pay for the tires. What year i3 are you on now? Would love to trade in for a 120Ah model when the prices come down.

[@castletown999]

@@thefleet I don't think the numbers work out. I spend $1000 a year on tires for mine. I don't drive crazy trust me - just local trips in town. If you figure that is $500 per year more than normal that is about 100 gallons of gas per year. At least. I saw a video that reported that when they put Bridgestones on their Tesla they too got about 12000 miles out of them. I feel annoyed I have no other choice. Mine is a 2019 i3S, I really think its the best model except the ride is a bit hard,

[@thefleet]

@@castletown999 I love the i3S, test drove one back to back with a regular i3 and you can really feel that additional power. Also really like the tastefully sporty aesthetic. Keeping an eye open for one to fall into our price range! As for the tires, ours spends half the year on 19" winter tires, so the wear is spread out a little over two sets. As I write this, Tire Rack has some Bridgestone Blizzaks on clearance for $360 (for a set of 4), which helped bring our average tire cost down. We also find that the rears tend to wear out a little sooner than the fronts, possibly something do do with RWD and the regenerative braking in the rear... Really appreciate you stopping by and watching! 👍

[@ProphetRay]

I was about to buy a 2016 with rex this week but I changed my mind after I found out it's $1100 a year for tires

[@TreDeuce-qw3kv]

That post is it. Always liked the idea of an I3, but rarely see one here in the hinterlands of Oregon and multiple searches for one turns up nothing within 200-miles. But will persevere, cuzz I think it is cooler than the MINI and I don't need great range to go to the stores a few times a month and my Trailheads are well within the range of even the first I3. Thanks for posting this professionally produced vid.👍👍

[@thefleet]

Thanks for watching! We drive ours year-round in the Upper Midwest with pretty harsh winters. Just swap on a set of Blizzaks and we’re good to go. So many SUVs and AWD cars around here because a lot of folks are scared off by RWD and their “need” for a car with 300+ miles of range. If you go in realistic about the capabilities and limitations of the i3, it’s a great car to have, and you get a lot for your money! Best of luck to you, hope you find one with patience! 🙏

[@Felyxorez]

great video!

[@michaeldawson6309]

This is one car to buy and keep. It should keep very very well. I also see a future where battery replacements and repairs will be available as there are so many of these around and will be for almost ever as they won't rust.

[@thefleet]

It’s been very interesting to see 2014-2015 models still driving around with less battery degradation than expected. I’m with you on these being around for a while, with the aluminum, CFRP and plastic construction. BMW made the last new i3 cars in 2022, and they made 250,000 overall, so we should have parts for quite some time to come as well, be they new or salvaged. Great comment, appreciate you watching! 👍

[@wingmantx]

Nice Bite size videos. I enjoy the videos. Can you review the charging, battery capacity and range ?

[@thefleet]

Thanks for checking the videos out! Great ideas, I’ll see if I can do a different spin on those topics so it’s not just the same as the other i3 videos on YT, no fun in that. 😄

[@beausexon7546]

Great video where did you get the floor tray mats from?

[@thefleet]

WeatherTech one piece 3D scanned all weather floor liners - they fit great! 👍

[@thefleet]

I hope the link works: www.weathertech.com/bmw/2016/i3/floorliner-digitalfit/

[@Seubertronic]

I like your video and love my I3s 😊

[@thefleet]

I would love to upgrade to a 120Ah i3s and am keeping an eye on the market for an opportunity! Thank you for watching!

[@Seubertronic]

@thefleet I have exactly this Version and can only recommend it. Simply the perfect EV! Maybe we'll see a new video with the 120Ah version at some point.

[@aumorii]

what are the front bumper plugs you use to block the license plate frame?

[@thefleet]

Here’s a video on this channel that will answer your question! 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZy2Xod_gqh2etUsi=gqMDUXl1GtHIr68c

[@fivish]

BMW have dropped the i3 from their product line. Their £40,000 entry level BEV is no more.

[@thefleet]

Very sad about that. Please check out the new video inspired by your comment, thanks for watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2K8ZWSLmqdrgbc

[@dirkkeersmaekers4343]

Is there a successor?

[@thefleet]

Not really - some of the people that made the i3 left BMW, and the new i3 in some markets is just a regular sedan, not this body style. Have you seen the video on the history of the i3 yet? Thank you for watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2K8ZWSLmqdrgbcsi=uFPZWmbswJpPdFUT

[@badgastein2]

Homage to the i3!! This is a used car bargain. I think prices will take off when people realise how sustainable was the construction, and a timeless design.