BMW i3 2018 | Is a gutsier 120Ah battery ENOUGH??

BMW i3 2018
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Steve Dineen gives us an in-depth BMW i3 2018 full review. If you want to watch more reviews on vehicles like this BMW i3 2018, make sure to SUBSCRIBE to our channel and comment what YOU want us to review next.
If you're of the old school and BMW means shark nosed, six-cylinder, ultimate driving machines to you, the Munich company's i3 electric vehicle is going to appear a wholly alien concept. It's a squat little citycar riding on 155mm wide tyres. Yet delve a little deeper and it doesn't take long to find a strand of proper BMW DNA. It's revealed in the thinking behind the engineering and the logic that went into making the various development decisions. Wherever BMW's engineers could have developed a more focused, technically correct solution, they appear to have done so, allowing for certain cost controls of course.
Of course, you might well be part of the 99% of British car buying customers that chooses an internal combustion engine over an electric motor. Your next car and maybe the next one after that will probably be powered by fossil fuels. Even if that is the case, have a look at what the BMW i3 now offers, especially in this improved 120Ah form with its long 190-mile (WLTP) all-electric operating range. It's building a case for electric vehicles that is becoming ever more convincing.
Presenter: Steve Dineen
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#bmwi3

[@peterf1]

Can't quite believe there are so few comments and likes here. I'm on a concerted research effort to learn all I can about the BMW i3 and after watching a very large number of videos about the car, this is amongst the very best. Incredibly well researched and presented.

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Wow thank you for your feedback! Please spread the word about out channel!

[@craigb3154]

Just bought an 2018 i3s. So far so good.

[@fcukwork]

I've owned one for 2 years now and it's still the best car I've ever owned or driven, absolutely superb and still love driving it to this day.

[@gordonbrittas4842]

Agreed and i have watched a ton lol.

[@jctoyou]

Agreed I thoroughly enjoyed this it was great and a brilliant narrator too

[@Kenneth_McGrew]

watching the intro i thought i was watching something from the 1970s, im glad i got through it as the content was good.

[@accidental_relevance]

My i3 never fails to put a smile on my face. My favorite car of all that I've owned. And I've owned a lot of cars.

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

It's a great car!

[@hawedehre]

I agree.

[@rimtasvilnietis2991]

It always put smile

[@FATBOTB4life]

​@@rimtasvilnietis2991 but what is the maintenance like as far as $$$$. Have is ever not started and left you stranded and you've had to have it towed.

[@BMWI35433]

I agree love my I3 too

[@michaeldawson6309]

(2024) I now subscribe to an overnight low cost tariff 8p/Kwh. Mostly to fill the car 75% is still only £2.40 Plus the BMW i3 via a setting inside the car allows for charging within a time window. I have it set from 1am-6am. (p.s you cannot set this on the BMW app only via the infotainment system) If the option is greyed out just input a fake departure time and bingo all works fine. Also make sure you change the 12v battery before its 5th Birthday as these little motorcycle AGM batteries can fail after 5 years. I got mine from BMW Stockport for around £99. There's plenty of video's on YT how to do this. I get a solid 160 miles in most UK conditions. Maybe 150 @-1C but still pretty good as this thing charges very fast and even usually at 40Kw so mostly you can charge 20%-80% in less than 40mins. However having a range over 140 miles means I rarely ever DC charge. Summary the 120Ah variant is so good on range I would steer well clear of the REX models as this only makes for more to go wrong and more servicing costs plus when that motor starts it sounds like a lawn mower and makes the car heavier. At a 'real' 160miles range the 120Ah is the best car I have had so far, I love it. In summer I have had well over 180 miles out of my 120Ah BEV. A real bonus is it will never rust or ding due to the non ferrous materials. I am sure this will end up a little classic.

[@rogerhudson9732]

Unfortunately BMW bosses have reverted to the old style barges, 3,5,series etc. with a few batteries, the weight saving ethos has gone. The i3 will always stand as the best BMW EV. A future classic, cherish them.

[@genesears7083]

I've watched a lot of videos about the BMW i3 and this was by far the best review on the BMW i3. Excellent job

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Wow thank you! We put a lot of effort into our scripts

[@jfalconc]

Simply the best i3 review on KZbin!!!

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Wow, thanks!

[@J.O.R_BR_Overclocking]

Agreed

[@alangreenspun179]

Brilliant review of a fun and stunning car, have bought a used 2018 i3 BEV with low kms. I’m fussy when it comes to cars, never thought I’d go electric but this car changed my mind almost instantly. Also drove a kona and a leaf but both were night and day from the feel of the i3, no comparison on visibility and in transferring torque to the tarmac. Don’t care about the back seats or suicide doors, perfect city car. Infrastructure improvements has made the REX unnecessary for drivers who know how to use the car correctly. It’s clear Bmw know what they’re doing..

[@jamesbradley8104]

This is just the best review of the i3 i have seen...And one of the best car reviews I have ever seen.

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Wow thank you so much, really appreciate your feedback

[@tpv59]

$77,000 AUD here in 'OZ'. (Australia) (base model) (120AH battery) EXCELLENT THOROUGH review. EXCELLENT. FAULTLESS. 10/10.

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Thanks a lot! Let us know what reviews you'd like to see next!

[@cp361]

Driving my second example, Spot on. Cheers

[@eric106071]

This is an exceptional review

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Thank you!

[@richardstamper5630]

We have the exact same car - we bought it to enter the EV experience and I think this is the best incarnation of what is to me a wonderful package. My wife wasn't sure when it first turned up by now it's hard to keep her out of it. We continue to run a diesel vehicle for longer journeys but if the journey doesn't take us too far from home then the i3S is our car of choice.

[@briandutch5289]

As a passionate “car guy “ I commend you. Every one of your reviews is brilliant, and a pleasure to watch. Well done!

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Really appreciate that! Let us know what reviews you’d like to see next

[@rachelashworthjerem3137]

Great thorough, professional and mature review. Many thanks

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@progaming-yt9se]

Loving the videos keep up the good work

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Appreciate it!

[@TheGolfdaily]

EXCELLENT review. Very Informative!

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TreDeuce-qw3kv]

Thoroughly comprehensive review. Appreciated as I intend to get a used one...if I can find one. Thanks!

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DavidMatterall]

Incredibly well presented. Thank you for creating a top tier video. This helped me decide to buy an i3.

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Appreciated!

[@jackleonard2088]

I watch a lot of car review videos, this one has to be one of the most informative I’ve seen. Thank you.

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Wow, thank you - glad we could help!

[@desertdan100]

Just stumbled onto this video. I have been waiting for the used EV market to shake out all of the Duds. I have been researching the heck out of them in 2022. I would like to buy a used older EV . I appreciate the sharing of information in videos like this. I am a former Diesel mechanic that decided to change vocations. I now am a service tech in the HVAC world. I got into Electromechanical controls and systems and have been around high tech for years. I understand engineering and design from a much larger picture. I fell in love with the designed engineering on this vehicle but I could not afford it with a family to support and the range was not high enough for my area. I live in the Middle of the US. We need to drive to survive. Even in larger cities around this area almost everyone has a car and the weather extremes are hard on BEV s. Now that BMW finally put a bigger battery with the range extender in many models , I have been looking forward to finding a used one when they hit the market. Now I found out that BMW is going to discontinue the model. I was heart broken. As a guy who works on vehicles, I know what that means. These things were already a Unicorn and now what will happen is that the parts system will dry up fast. I was going to buy one of these and drive and keep it for 20 years until it became collectible. It should last forever if you keep changing out mechanical parts. The body and suffrage should last an eternity.

[@desertdan100]

Darn auto correct. The last line should read the body and subframe should last forever.

[@SirPablo2Pablo]

I’ve bought one and intending to keep forever

[@garyhoward4064]

I bought a 2016 REX i3, 4 years ago. A couple years ago I had the battery upgraded to the large 120Ah (by Havrla). Turned out to be a very good decision. Its by far the best car I ever had and will never sell it.

[@MMAFan20]

Excellent review

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Glad you liked it!

[@robertallgeier2109]

I've about given up on acquiring one of these to play with and learn about EVs on, because of the large number of videos detailing all the failure modes (boots, mounts, REx problems, electronic and software failures) occurring with the used versions. It's a shame, but we live a good long way from the nearest BMW dealer/repair facility, so I have to look for top of the line reliability.

[@trader548]

£250 for each of the rear tyres on the i3s would take some getting used to, especially if you get a few punctures.

[@Jason-cl8hk]

Good review. Thanks.

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@0xc1d34]

I'm in love with my i3rEX

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Great vehicle!

[@robertsmuggles6871]

Excellent review. The range extender generator is a great cure for range anxiety. You could even carry an extra fuel can if you were planning a trip to the middle of nowhere. But with the generator the car is no longer classed as electric and you are taxed £140 a year - even if you never use the generator. The car is over-complicated & has too many modes, 'energy read-out screens', 'driving style analysis' readouts, apps and settings. All I want to do in a car is drive it. You can lock and unlock the car remotely using your smartphone and have concierge services. With so many speed bumps and broken lumpy tarmac - the skinny tyres and firm ride may be an issue where I live. But I agree, with the unique lightweight chassis, it could be the future for small cars - with fatter tyres & a softer ride I could be tempted. The weak residual value will effect the commercial prospects of this model for BMW which is a shame but a used option is interesting. Thanks for the review Steve.

[@m0wao690]

120Ah doesn't have the REX option in Europe so he's talking without knowledge

[@norwegianzound]

I have one. Steering is crazy twitchy. Look away from the road to the radio etc and you'll be in the ditch. Hate that so much, I'm selling it.

[@charlesbridgford254]

Good balanced review that finally points out the uniqueness of the i3. Although, I don't think the Rex is available in Europe any more since the 120Ah battery upgrade. In all fairness, there isn't really any point in the Rex any more, in the UK anyway.

[@shaggywagshaggywag]

Have a 2018 Rex, and just finished a 1900 mile road trip. I'm quite happy I made this purchase, allows me travel long distances. I would still want the Rex with the 120Ah.

[@jasonplatts4526]

There is if u don't want to sit and charge a day. Not everyone has that much free time.

[@norwegianzound]

The "green bearded friends" comment makes you sound like an old uncle Nigel.

[@andyn4797]

what a great review. I'm about to buy a 2018 bmw I3 s . Anyone here could please write back about your experience with the interior , either is Deka, Mega or Tera world (all leather ) ? is the cloth good quality ? I would like to buy the Tera but open to others too. thanks in advance !

[@rp9674]

You're missing the 2nd front cup holder, it snaps in & has 3 positions. In California the whole state of charge function is disabled and gas tank capacity is limited to qualify an electric vehicle. DC fast charger?

[@rp9674]

...HOLD state of charge...

[@simonreeves2017]

REx has not been available in Europe since 2018!

[@whocares264]

BMW i3 2018 | Is a gutsier 120Ah battery ENOUGH?? yes with a REX in the UK

[@iambean3684]

Love this car.

[@RobertWadlingtonDIY]

Great video.

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@veefource]

Good review although whilst the steering is nice and direct, I wouldn't say it's light at all (which thankfully I prefer) and it's certainly not "crisp with feedback". Unfortunately it's as totally numb as pretty much every other modern BMW electric steering is.

[@wakkadakkaify]

i3s had rex?

[@norwegianzound]

143 miles is typical for a full charge at a temperature of 15 degrees. Is that enough for you?

[@dave20thmay]

Was that statement 10,000 global sales correct, at the time of this video? I know that I love mine as does my daughter her's

[@simonreeves2017]

I don’t think that figure is correct. 10,000 per year in the uk alone is probably closer to the real figure. I see many on the road - it’s quite nice because many of the drivers wave at me as I pass them in mine 😍

[@channelofstuff6662]

this looks like a challenge to put a tesla battery in this thing

[@Slebonson]

I get 100 or more miles out of my 2018 42.3 kwh battery don't know what everyone is doing wrong with only getting 80.

[@timekpr9198]

Yes

[@0xc1d34]

Just bought a Rex will by i8 next

[@CarandDrivingCarReviews]

Great! We hope the review helped

[@ropi4524]

Made in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany.

[@daenerystargaryen6400]

I want one... I’m just worried about my safety in such a small car.

[@jasonplatts4526]

It's really not that small.. No smaller than a regular hatchback car.. Probably bigger... It's a foot shorter than my cmax which is pretty big.. You can fit a lot of stuff into the i3..

[@wakkadakkaify]

it's built from carbon and aluminium.

[@rp9674]

You should research safety ratings, not just dismiss it due to its size, I think it's pretty safe.

[@josephlgamblejr9560]

I find it funny how I watch a Lotta different electric vehicle shows they refuse to say Tesla it has me shit in tears every time I don’t understand why they won’t admit that they’re in competition with Tesla like everybody doesn’t know this already it really makes people go to Tesla because you guys don’t acknowledge it at least that’s my theory

[@symlexbrn5396]

The i3 is very expensive compared to other small EVs even used ones with high mileage, the prices are eye watering.

[@Boz1211111]

same... i really like it but even used model is way out of my budget

[@newbeginnings8566]

@A M he said even used ones with high mileage

[@noelnicholls1894]

Just researched a 2015 with range extender at 61,000 going for $10,000 in San Antonio. Inspection shows a range predicted at 16 at 85% battery. Replacing the batteries would be more expensive than new. Pity

[@stevewalsh-balshaw1727]

Mind I will say the i3 or mustang mack e are the best ev's tesla s are ok but way too expensive as is any ev at the moment all ev's are for the wealthy

[@norwegianzound]

BMW will not allow 3rd party battery upgrades. The firmware will lock them out.

[@entropy5431]

If the car had a slightly larger battery it wouldn't have to have such stupid thin wheels which make it look shit. Having said that I am tempted by a used one.

[@BoopSnoot]

Most other hybrids and EVs don't have crazy skinny tires like this. Ioniqs, Volts, Niros and the like have 215 to 225mm tires depending on trims. I don't mind the aesthetic, but it makes tire selection a chore and causes premature tire wear as well as the rear are overtaxed, particularly since that's where all the regen braking is occurring as well.

[@joeb4294]

I believe the skinny tires were an engineering decision, they improve aerodynamics. To make up for the skinny width, the wheels have a large diameter which leads to a similar overall area (compared to other vehicles) for the contact patch with the ground, thus supporting braking/acceleration like "normal" sized tires. However, after driving an i3 for a year now, I can say that the skinny tires are not great if I hit a bump in the road during a turn. The whole car can hop and shift over in the middle of a turn and I believe that wider tires would be more supportive through turns (maybe I just drive too fast though, haha).

[@Boz1211111]

I like the wheels.. oops

[@SirPablo2Pablo]

Front: 175/55R20 89, rear: 195/50R20 93 My Fiesta XR2 back in the day had 185/60/13. The i3s tyres look thin because they’re 20in or 19 on non s version. It handles amazing

[@jg8959]

RIP Rex engine... that's the main reason to buy this car for range worriers, so it's a sad goodbye to the 3iS... stupid BMW

[@rp9674]

It's extra weight, maintenance & complication if you don't need it

[@bitmanev4331]

What a boring story...

[@Fernandwinnie]

A horrible thing to drive and look at.

[@timknight2605]

Wait. 120Ah didnt hot until 2019?

[@rp9674]

Yes