BMW i3 EV MIcroCamper, Part 2 Sleeper Mode

Can you sleep in a BMW i3? Van life? Emergency? Weekend trip to beach? This video highlights modifications (fully reversible) that allows for two adults (~5' 8" height) to sleep in the back of an I3. Added air mattresses allow for a compact/lightweight sleeping pad to be stowed in the car when needed.
Note: Support platform being redesigned for better strength & stability, but you can see the concept. Should fit behind rear seats in final version.
Ultralight backpacker sleeping pad was bought on clearance on Woot. Many similar are available on Amazon as well.
Amazon links (thankyou for using!!):
air mattress example: amzn.to/3IfnVsb (check for sale items/ discount items)
ECOFLOW River 2: amzn.to/3Z6664z (may may want to use the River2max or pro)
Induction stove (mini 600w max): amzn.to/3IfxAPb
Water pump head: amzn.to/3Q9czYI
Collapsible Sink: amzn.to/3vzoUeU

[@pmireur04]

Thanks so much for your i3 content for the community. I’ve done 2 trips from WA to TX and slept inside the car a few nights along the way. I’m over 6ft (and have 2 dogs) so it was tight, but with the correct amount of cushion it’s doable. I used my duffle bag to fill the cavern between the passenger front seat and end of folded back seats. Bonus is you can sleep while charging at charging stations in a “stealth” mode without looking out of place.

[@bmwi3diy782]

Thanks for the feedback! Charging station "stealth rest areas" is a great idea. I've only brewed some coffee while charging, so far!

[@pmireur04]

@@bmwi3diy782 - I seek out the free Level 2 stations and try to plan my arrival towards the end of the day; once you wake up the next morning, car is fully charged (or near full).

[@connermoyer2353]

I've built this into our i3 about a year ago and because we're over 6 foot this didn't work out. Another big issue are the side walls going from the cabin to trunk collapse rather substantially due to the rear wheel wells. I think the best option is to add the trailer hitch from TorkLiftCentral and tow a SUPER light popup trailer. But cheers to awesome content! Thanks for all that you're doing for the i3 :)

[@bmwi3diy782]

Thanks for the comment. I'm 5'8", which makes it a bit more feasible (without going diagonal) but still a tight squeeze. I like the popup trailer idea if range loss is not too great, or even a tent if the weather is decent. One advantage though of sleeping in the car is using preconditioning / pseudo 'camping mode' to stay warm.

[@paulclark2922]

This is just what I needed Have slept diagonally on a yoga mat with the rear seats down and the buvet off my bed

[@bmwi3diy782]

I'm pleased you found it useful! I would build with a slightly thicker piece of plywood on my next iteration, since it was a little too flimsy in my opinion (I tried to save weight). Good luck!

[@paulclark2922]

I slept diagonally because I'm 5ft 6inch tall and my head over hung the lowered seats or I'm crunched up slightly when I push the front seat backwards to form a headrest, that's why I found your wooden extension idea so interesting. Any thoughts of how to attach a rigid removable roof rack as I can't see to find any for the BMW i3 also any wind deflectors for the front doors; so window can be opened slightly to aid ventilation while sleeping, normally these are installed between top of door window and door frame but the i3 has no door frame

[@paulclark2922]

Or how to make my own roof rack and Front window wind deflectors

[@bmwi3diy782]

Sorry to say, but I do not have any information on a permanent roof rack solution (some have used "SeaSucker" mounts though) or window wind reflectors. If I come across a solution (or make one) I will post in a future video. Thanks for the feedback.

[@Dindonmasker]

Very cool project! Looking forward to the end result!

[@miilotheminer]

What if you added an extended rail to put the front seats a little more forward?

[@bmwi3diy782]

Another interesting idea... I'll have to look at how complicated it would be to extend them and not stick out into the floor area. Thanks for the feedback!

[@miilotheminer]

@@bmwi3diy782 also if you have a garage and the i3 without home link have you looked at adding it in with a different rear view mirror shaft?

[@justice4g]

There's more room to be had if the seat rails were longer or they folded forward further, I noticed when I lifted the front seats they would clear the seat belt fastener better at least.

[@bmwi3diy782]

Totally agree. If the seat folded completely forward, the utilitarian aspect of the car for cargo/ camping would be better. This would be a fun future project to figure out if/ how to do this! Thanks for the comment.

[@justice4g]

@@bmwi3diy782 I'd be interested in that as I sold my van to get the I3.. I heard other BMW seats fit so maybe the I3 seat could work with other rails if that was switched out. That would be make it better for sleeping but would be more useful if the seat folded flat.

[@wiepie33]

Hi, thanks for the great video. Are you aware of anyone who has removed the front seat of the i3 to accommodate for a longer bed?

[@bmwi3diy782]

Not that I know of. The connections to the air bag system may trigger a fault if you unplug the seat, but I haven't tried it. Too bad the seat can't be folded flat for sleeping / cargo (maybe just modify seat-back hinge mechanism?) Thanks for watching!