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      02-02-2020, 02:37 AM   #1
Xr600
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Anyone here made the switch from 3 series to i3s ?

I am considering replacing my 3 series (F30) with an i3s (120 Ah): Anyone here done that, of perhaps owns both models ?. If so: What were your experience ?... Particularly on the handling/ride quality.

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      02-03-2020, 10:28 AM   #2
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The F30 is the worst handling 3 series generation, so low bar. But the i3 handles better and rides worse than the F30.

The i3 BEV is a full 1000 lbs (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) lighter than the F30 330e, so if it didn't handle better BMW really had no idea what they were doing. That's like comparing e30 handling to e38 handling

The i3 also has a lower COG and stiffer chassis.

Avoid the 20" wheels if you're concerned about ride quality.
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      02-03-2020, 02:14 PM   #3
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I switched from an F10 to the I01 several years ago for the commuter. Never looked back. I had a G30 plugin as a loaner for a bit and I didn't miss the 5 series at all. The size and low-end torque of the i3 is unlike anything else out there. I'm 6'5" and fit better inside the i3 than I do in the 5 series. I had an F33 convertible as a weekender and found that ride unbearably harsh. The i3 is no 5 series ride smoothness, but at least it's way softer than the F33.
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      02-03-2020, 03:03 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xr600 View Post
I am considering replacing my 3 series (F30) with an i3s (120 Ah): Anyone here done that, of perhaps owns both models ?. If so: What were your experience ?... Particularly on the handling/ride quality.

Best regards

Torben
Got rid of my e39 and e60 for an i3. LOVE the i3. It makes driving any other car boring to drive in comparison.
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      02-03-2020, 04:25 PM   #5
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Thanks a lot for your replies: didn't own a great many BMW's ( an F20 and my current F30). The F20 was a proper go-kart (Fun !) when it had to be, and I also kind of like the 330e for what that does well .

The i3 here is somehow slightly overpriced on paper, though significantly cheaper than a Model 3 SR. Direct competitors on the price point here is Hyundai Kona 64 KWh.. Had a Kona as a loaner for 24h. as I had a very positive 1'st impression on a test drive: However as good a car as it probably is, it just still feels like a cheap car loaded with buttons + a huge battery.. In other words: It's an ICE vehicle where they slapped in an electric motor - And it shows long term.

On the subject of wheels: The i3s comes standard on 20" I believe, also with the wider track: Must admit that I am slightly worried about the 'one supplier of tyres' concept long term... One can only hope that production keeps on after production of the car stops (and hope for prices to be reasonable).

Will give it som extra thought: I am a big fan of the i3 interior, and the moon roof .

Best, Torben
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      02-04-2020, 04:22 AM   #6
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If you’re concerned about ride quality, you should get the non s i3.

If you’re concerned about handling, you shouldn’t get the sunroof (true of every car).
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      02-04-2020, 09:29 AM   #7
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I have an F80 and a i3, but I had a F30 340i previously. I absolutely love my i3. It's much more nimble in the city than even my F80. Less drama, more efficient, and with the ACC it's much easier to commute in. I love the open and airy interior. I highly recommend the Tech Package for the ACC and bigger iDrive screen and the Giga World interior. I had the Deka in my previous I3 and went back to Giga because it's so much nicer to sit in. The Moonroof to
me was a nice upgrade as well. The i3 is a great secondary car, and if you apply all the incentives it's much cheaper than a model 3. And I would lease it unless you are getting used. My current monthly is $199 after tax for 12k 30 months.
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      02-04-2020, 10:36 AM   #8
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Thanks again guys, for the input:

It would be my primary car, however I am not doing high milage these days. Would mainly get used around town...

Sounds like some damn good offers on lease in the US: Here I am not so fortunate though... I would basically trade in my good 330e/68000 km. on the clock - For a loaded i3s. The standard i3 is quite common where I live, since there are app. 400 of them as part of BMW's DriveNow rental concept in the city.

They are however at lowest trim, and frankly quite boring... However (if anyone should be curious): It should be a testament to the durability (literally) of the i3 that the model has been running for 5 years now, as a pay-per-minute rental service. They are being run hard each and every day, and are doing huge milage... being used for moving between apartments, running IKEA furniture, and as small party cars in the weekends.

Anyways: On with my considerations...
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      02-10-2020, 04:51 PM   #9
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You should take a test drive in both regular i3 and i3s. The tiny extra oomph in power was what sold by with the i3s, and if you plan on keeping it stock, the suspension is slightly stiffer.

When comparing the cars, they're completely different vehicles, but in terms of what you're looking for in use, any i3/i3s will be great just to get around town. You'll have more than enough range for that, if you plan to plug in daily or every other day, waking up with a topped off vehicle and no visit to the gas station is priceless.

There were things that grew on me (or I'm still learning to love) primarily the "sustainable" & fully recyclable materials for the dash/door panels. Instrumental panel, etc... But all-in-all, the vehicle's performance, range (other EV benefits), & US lease specials were what made it a no brainer for me.

Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide!
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      02-13-2020, 01:58 PM   #10
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So it seems I took the plunge, and traded my F30 for a i3s - Didn't put pen on paper yet, but the car in question is a grey i3s, with brown leather interior (BMW Design suite).

Didn't see it in the flesh yet: May be a bit worried if the brown interior is a tad on the dark/gloomy side, but the light/beige interior options is probably a bit too prone to spots.

Should have in a week or two... Excited !
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      02-13-2020, 02:39 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xr600 View Post
So it seems I took the plunge, and traded my F30 for a i3s - Didn't put pen on paper yet, but the car in question is a grey i3s, with brown leather interior (BMW Design suite).

Didn't see it in the flesh yet: May be a bit worried if the brown interior is a tad on the dark/gloomy side, but the light/beige interior options is probably a bit too prone to spots.

Should have in a week or two... Excited !
Congrats!

I've had 2 i3's with the "Giga" or light brown interior and it's quite easy to keep clean. The Brown Leather is probably much nicer though!
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      02-14-2020, 06:04 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Xr600 View Post
So it seems I took the plunge, and traded my F30 for a i3s - Didn't put pen on paper yet, but the car in question is a grey i3s, with brown leather interior (BMW Design suite).

Didn't see it in the flesh yet: May be a bit worried if the brown interior is a tad on the dark/gloomy side, but the light/beige interior options is probably a bit too prone to spots.

Should have in a week or two... Excited !
I have an i3s with the leather. How dark the interior looks depends on the wood trim you select.

I have the lighter shade eucalyptus. The contrast is very nice and gets a ton of complements. The leather is tough even if a bit thin and isn't too hot in summer here in Atlanta.

Strongly suggest ceramic film for windows if in hot climates.
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      02-16-2020, 01:55 AM   #13
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I live in Copenhagen (Denmark) so climate is generally on the chilly side: The i3s I ended up with is with the matte oak inlays - Just looked at the brighter variant which does look very nice. Guess they can be replaced ?.

As I still haven’t tried the s variant, I am still quite exited/anxious with the whole decision: Hope it turns out good ��
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