[manicottiK]

Originally Posted by Crashnbrn5

My 20 min of driving doesn't qualify enough obviously but 1st impressions I was surprised because I didn't have good expectations at all going in.

I was a bit harsh in my comments above. The i3 is in no way a bad car. My husband loves it and it's great for his 6 miles commute. As others have said, it's not supposed to be a sport sedan so it's not quite fair to expect it to be.

Fortunately, we can have two cars in our house and I can get something else. I was seriously considering getting the 330e when it comes out because the low-end torque provided by the electric motors in the i3 is wonderful, but the timing of that model's release won't work with my current lease.

[Crashnbrn5]

Originally Posted by manicottiK

I was a bit harsh in my comments above. The i3 is in no way a bad car. My husband loves it and it's great for his 6 miles commute. As others have said, it's not supposed to be a sport sedan so it's not quite fair to expect it to be.

Fortunately, we can have two cars in our house and I can get something else. I was seriously considering getting the 330e when it comes out because the low-end torque provided by the electric motors in the i3 is wonderful, but the timing of that model's release won't work with my current lease.

Harsh? Or just stone cold honest? Stop apologizing for things you say on the Internet. You literally have all the time in the world to type something up let's try not to be regretful here. Lol but seriously I know exactly what you're saying. I would say it's the best in its "class " for right now. Those little streets in Philadelphia must accommodate the i3 pretty well. Lol. Would you feel safe driving to New York City in the i3? Will probably have to charge at least once...

[nicknaz]

I'm thinking about replacing my wife's f30 335 with an i3 especially if the $199/mo leases and free chargepoint service are still there next year. She doesnt push hard in the 335 very often anyway and just uses it for groceries and driving slowly around town.

the i3 is very honest about what it is... A cheap lease commuter appliance.

[COKen]

My SA was excited about getting an I3 at a VERY good employee price. Just before it came in he checked with his insurance agent to let him know he was getting a new car and was told that because of the CF the I3 would cost about 3x as much as his late model 335. This was just after they first came out, so the insurance company may not have had good numbers on them yet, but if you are considering one, you may want to check on the insurance before you get very excited.

[nicknaz]

Good call on insurance. Thanks.

If i3 doesnt work out, 330e or that x5e look interesting too.

What im really waiting on though is the 3er size $36 k tesla.

[maa335iF30]

There's a recent post where guys are getting 650+ miles on a single tank in their 300hp 335s (I'm not quite there; but close)....so we don't need this!

[Crashnbrn5]

Originally Posted by maa335iF30

There's a recent post where guys are getting 650+ miles on a single tank in their 300hp 335s (I'm not quite there; but close)....so we don't need this!

That's 37mpg or more. No way. Unless they are going down hill for 120 miles. Maybe...but why pussy foot in a 335i. My x3 35i gets a proud 12mpg. Purposely... It's fun for God's sake

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by Crashnbrn5

Thinking of going 3 series to i3.... it wont be bad, trust me, unless you really need the extra "space".

Hello everyone, recently I went to the BMW ultimate drive event in East Rutherford NJ and I had the perfect opportunity to drive a few cars that I haven't had a chance to. One of the cars was the brand new 2015 BMW i3, all electric version. Coming from a line of BMW's that I've owned, this drive was an absolute shock at 1st impressions. The electric engine efforts put forth are surprising. Yes we know the i3 is a lightweight, but the electric engine provided is more than enough to satisfy the buyer. I would like to test drive the i3 with the range extender to see if I feel a weight difference. I would also like to squash the myth behind the thin tires. We can assume all day that BMW made a "bad decision" when picking out this rubber but they did a fine job. The handling was very good for what this car is made for. The steering was very precise and I had zero problems navigating this swiftly around a turn. The turning radius by the way is one of the best I've seen in a small car. I didn't like the small dash board, it's basically just a small screen that gives you just enough information. It gives the driver a great view of the road but I'm used to seeing more things in front of me when I drive. Regarding the views, inside the cockpit, the views are similar to an F16 fighter jet (which I've sat in), it gives you 360 degree of everything around you, great job BMW for that. For my size, 5' 10", I felt very comfortable sitting in the i3, since the transmission and drive-train are not directly underneath the car, it provides plenty of legroom and headroom for everyone. I would buy this car as my city driver, it's a wonderful piece of machinery. Go test drive one today!!!

I hope you like my video guys, please like, subscribe, and share when you can.

Originally Posted by Crashnbrn5

Sh*t compared to what though? It's in it's own category man. Stop comparing it to your/a gas vehicle. I drove it hard and wild like an as*hole and it put a smile on my face, never felt at one moment that it was a POS. But thanks for the opinion, this is why we do reviews to hear others point of view.

Mirrors my experience virtually identically. FC4 pretty much lives with a stick perpetually up his a$$.

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Good call on insurance. Thanks.

If i3 doesnt work out, 330e or that x5e look interesting too.

What im really waiting on though is the 3er size $36 k tesla.

I'm with you on the little Tesla. If that car gets at least, say 220 miles per charge, I'll buy it.

Not enough to go too far, but will make it back home to Alabama pretty easily until a charge is needed. Charge stations at rest areas will help also.

[atg4]

The i3 is a neat concept, however I dislike the one I have. Having to constantly drive with the fear of staying close to a charger, isn't driving. That's why I prefer my 335 and 640. Just fill up and go convenience. The tech is pretty cool though!

[newoldbeemer]

I kept hearing people say how this thing "drives like a BMW" and did a test drive. No, it doesn't drive like a BMW it drives like a Leaf. And I despise the cardboard material that is supposed to be the dashboard.

I don't hate electric cars, I love the way the Tesla drives. But I'd pass on the i3. Carpool lane, just get the Leaf or Volt and pay half the money, or get a motorcycle and pay even less.

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

I kept hearing people say how this thing "drives like a BMW" and did a test drive. No, it doesn't drive like a BMW it drives like a Leaf. And I despise the cardboard material that is supposed to be the dashboard.

I don't hate electric cars, I love the way the Tesla drives. But I'd pass on the i3. Carpool lane, just get the Leaf or Volt and pay half the money, or get a motorcycle and pay even less.

Have you looked at the retail prices on the Leaf and Volt? Not much less than an i3.

[fecurtis]

The F3x isn't even a very thirsty car...

[newoldbeemer]

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

Have you looked at the retail prices on the Leaf and Volt? Not much less than an i3.

Around where I live I see volts and leafs (leaves?) listed for 31k and i3 starting at 47k. Well I agree lease deals may look similar. One of my friends said he's getting a leaf on 150 per month lease. Do i3s go in the same ballpark?

Just get a motorbike for 3k for that hov lane and enjoy a proper car in the weekends.

[kent11202]

I think the i3 is butt ugly (and that's being kind). On top of that, the damn things cost around $10K more than I paid for my 2013 328i Luxury Line. I can buy a LOT of freaking gas for the difference. $10,000 divided by $4.00/per gallon equals 2,500 gallons. At 27MPG average, I'd have to drive 67,500 miles to make up the price difference. Further, I doubt the battery pack would last that long so I'd be stuck paying God knows how much for a replacement.

I'm all for protecting the environment but this vehicle makes no sense whatsoever. Apologies to those who already own/lease one - no offense intended.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by fecurtis

The F3x isn't even a very thirsty car...

It is all relative, isn't it?

Here in Europe even the current 2.0-litre diesels are not meeting the upcoming CO2 targets. Takes something like a 1-series 116d ED 3-cylinder (1496cc) diesel to break through the 95 grams threshold. In the UK there's going to be a good few 3-cylinder 3-series diesels, once introduced.

Something like a 335i is already becoming an engine many have to give a miss, simply on mpg, emissions and tax ratings.

In the UK at the present moment, there are only 5 examples of 335i sedans for offer as BMW Approved Used Cars (AUC), 3 examples of 535i sedans, only one AUC 550i in the whole UK. That reflects how we've already moved from gas drinking motors.

HighlandPete

[....,,,,..,,..]

As mentioned previously the new emissions standards levy fines against manufacturers for each car registered.

The average limit is 95 g/km.

From 2019 every gram over this limit gets a 95 Euro fine per registered car.

So for example I think a 335i is about 188 g/km.

So that's say 93 g/km over the limit.


So what's that an extra cost of $9700 to a 335i.

Unless of course they can sell a large number of cars under 50g /km.

[pocoyo_3]

Originally Posted by Crashnbrn5

Thinking of going 3 series to i3.... it wont be bad, trust me, unless you really need the extra "space".

Hello everyone, recently I went to the BMW ultimate drive event in East Rutherford NJ and I had the perfect opportunity to drive a few cars that I haven't had a chance to. One of the cars was the brand new 2015 BMW i3, all electric version. Coming from a line of BMW's that I've owned, this drive was an absolute shock at 1st impressions. The electric engine efforts put forth are surprising. Yes we know the i3 is a lightweight, but the electric engine provided is more than enough to satisfy the buyer. I would like to test drive the i3 with the range extender to see if I feel a weight difference. I would also like to squash the myth behind the thin tires. We can assume all day that BMW made a "bad decision" when picking out this rubber but they did a fine job. The handling was very good for what this car is made for. The steering was very precise and I had zero problems navigating this swiftly around a turn. The turning radius by the way is one of the best I've seen in a small car. I didn't like the small dash board, it's basically just a small screen that gives you just enough information. It gives the driver a great view of the road but I'm used to seeing more things in front of me when I drive. Regarding the views, inside the cockpit, the views are similar to an F16 fighter jet (which I've sat in), it gives you 360 degree of everything around you, great job BMW for that. For my size, 5' 10", I felt very comfortable sitting in the i3, since the transmission and drive-train are not directly underneath the car, it provides plenty of legroom and headroom for everyone. I would buy this car as my city driver, it's a wonderful piece of machinery. Go test drive one today!!!

I hope you like my video guys, please like, subscribe, and share when you can.

Great review

[OUGrad05]

Originally Posted by Brigand

As mentioned previously the new emissions standards levy fines against manufacturers for each car registered.

The average limit is 95 g/km.

From 2019 every gram over this limit gets a 95 Euro fine per registered car.

So for example I think a 335i is about 188 g/km.

So that's say 93 g/km over the limit.


So what's that an extra cost of $9700 to a 335i.

Unless of course they can sell a large number of cars under 50g /km.

Keep in mind the N55 is a rather rare option in Europe. They have a host of additional engine options we don't get here in the states. But you overall point is still correct, emissions have to improve.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

Keep in mind the N55 is a rather rare option in Europe. They have a host of additional engine options we don't get here in the states. But you overall point is still correct, emissions have to improve.

Yes true.

Then think of emissions quotas from M cars, starts adding a large chunk of cash to base price of a car.

Fiat have the largest headache with their car group.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

I love my "gas sucking" automobiles... But it isn't really like EVs are a viable alternative for an only car. Especially people residing in condos and apartments.

i3s are econoboxes without the economy. Every time I see the $50k sticker on one I shake my head and contemplate how the hell anyone could justify owning one.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by OUGrad05

Keep in mind the N55 is a rather rare option in Europe. They have a host of additional engine options we don't get here in the states. But you overall point is still correct, emissions have to improve.

European users really have to go diesel for the performance option. Simply to keep a lid on the costs.

It is not as if users don't desire the N55 engine, it just doesn't make financial sense to have one for the average driver, even many an enthusiast has to give it a miss.

Even the smaller N20 (328i) doesn't add up and/or make financial sense to most users.

HighlandPete