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      02-06-2020, 05:41 PM   #1
derrick
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Talking MY19 BMW i3s 120ah (Jucaro Beige, Coilovers, AC Schnitzer, Sweat)

Hi All... I'm going to bore you a bit with some background info. Please fast forward below if you just want to see photos!

Its been awhile since I've posted on any bimmerpost (m3post, e90post, etc..) forums. I've had a few different cars throughout the years that led me to these particular forums mostly: e92 335i, e39 540i wagon, e60 m5, e92 m3 (current).

About 9 years ago, like many, I took a keen interest in the potentials of EVs and the reality that Tesla helped propel. This ultimately led me to committing to a Tesla Model S P85 (Car #573 built in 2012). The Model S was life changing since it enabled (forced) me to:
  • Convert our home to solar
  • stop purchasing gas regularly
  • Receive incentives after credits
  • Plan long distance trips differently
  • listen to people preach about how EVs are dumb...

Being that my car was a 2012 S P85, I'd compare to owning the 1st-gen iPhone. No sensors, no auto drive, no frills (besides instant acceleration), just good ol' EV performance & not having to get petro. This was perfect for me then, and its perfect for me now. Fast forward to today, and the sort of performance available, that P85 seems like a dog

MY 2019 i3s
Late last year, I was involved in a crash that left the Model S a total loss. Forunately, my wife & son weren't in the car, and I walked away with minor bruising & scratches. The car was paid off with all major components already replaced or updated under warranty; it was in peachy condition until the car smackdown. I was ready to drive it into the ground... Just not so soon. What was next?

It didn't take me long to considering the BMW i3s... Close friends & family thought I wasn't serious because of the "size" and looks of the car -- I didn't care -- I just loved BMWs & this one has what I needed.

The i3s made sense because:
  • I wanted another EV
  • That had comparable range for city-driving (150miles)
  • Was fun to drive
  • Affordable* - Stellar lease deals you all should be familiar with.

Range & Power
I'm impressed with the battery & range the 2019 models received, as its quite accurate. At a full charge, even with the occasional stop-light to stop-light warrior stomps, I'm getting consistently 140-155 miles out of a full charge.

Coming from the 2012 P85 Model S thats rated at 260mi range, I truly received about 180-190miles out of that 85kw battery. Its a heavier car, put down tons of power, and obviously an older generation. I'm not complaining but, if we're comparing range, between the two, the 2019 i3s is NOT far behind.

The i3s charge has lasted longer throughout the week on lesser kW usage which is a +. Again, I'm comparing a car from 2012 vs 2019.

Enjoyability (Suspension/Spacers)
First drive home on the freeway from Murrieta to San Diego, CA, 18 wheelers were making the car squirm. Not the most pleasant feeling but hell.... I knew what I had to do.

Spacers - 20mm in the rear, 15mm in the front. This solved the squirminess.

Suspension - I installed H&R Race Springs at first, but I took those off after 3 weeks. The ride was jarring and I HATED not having any adjustability. Stock ride on the i3s is a bit stiff and spirited already, but the H&Rs had a bounce that made me feel sorry for any passengers.

I researched quite a bit and decided to throw on a set of Megan Coilovers. There are mixed feelings about these coilovers, but for something I'm just using for a couple years, not tracking, and give me the ability to adjust for comfortable dampening & height, I'm in... They've been on for about 3.5 months and I couldnt be more pleased. If there are other options to try, I'm all ears, but for now, these are great.

The Mod itch... AC Schnitzer
"What they make that for that car?" -- I'm sure a lot of you have heard that at one point or another... Forum members are going to be the 1st to know anything and everything about their topic, but the reaction from people seeing our cars "modded" is comical.

Anyway, who cares about them, this isn't about that. Its about ME. So do what makes you happy, in this scenario, I felt like the ACS Splitter & Roof Spoiler made me happy.

Everyone mods differently and makes choices based on their own research/advice. I want to thank each & everyone of you thats contributed to the forums here. Special thanks to the guy that posted a patchy YouTube suspension DIY, where you are (it helped me figure out I needed a stick & second person for the rears. )

I do all the work myself, even the prep, shoot & clear of the reflectors... Probably the hardest work was getting them off. --- More photos & updates to come.

Follow on Instagram for random posts & updates if you're interested!
https://www.instagram.com/i3oobie/




Last edited by derrick; 02-06-2020 at 05:48 PM..
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      02-07-2020, 10:20 AM   #2
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Great photos!

The car looks very quick and aero!

What is the model or part number for the coilovers?
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      02-07-2020, 02:22 PM   #3
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I was looking at the Megs as well but ended up going with the AST springs.

LOVE your look! Perfect wheel gap and spacing
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      02-07-2020, 05:28 PM   #4
derrick
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PBNB View Post
Great photos!

The car looks very quick and aero!

What is the model or part number for the coilovers?
Haha “squirty” is a term I like using. The Megan coilovers are MR-CDK-BI01-EU

https://meganracing.com/mr-cdk-bi01-eu

You can google a few reputable sellers and get a decent price on the $700s

Thanks!
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      02-07-2020, 05:29 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 35mphgolf View Post
I was looking at the Megs as well but ended up going with the AST springs.

LOVE your look! Perfect wheel gap and spacing
Thank you! AST ride is great I read, compared to H&R.

I would of gone that route if I didn’t decide to just bite the bullet and do some coilovers!
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      02-08-2020, 08:52 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by derrick View Post
Thank you! AST ride is great I read, compared to H&R.

I would of gone that route if I didn’t decide to just bite the bullet and do some coilovers!
Haha I’m glad you did - ride looks

Keep the updates comin’!
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      02-10-2020, 12:46 PM   #7
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really good read! love the detailed post, and work you put into the car and your efforts on these boards.


how do the megans ride? asking in terms of bounce and comfort.

I have not experienced that brand in a bmw, but in the past for other makes/models they have always been rather harsh. curious to see your review.


do you commute from san diego to murrieta? I have the opposite commute. I usually stop at pala / the 76 at the park and ride for a free dc fast charge on the way to work and on the way home ... effectively 100% eliminating my need for gas (saves me $250/mo comparing to my honda fit, and $400+ a month comparing to my subaru wrx)
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      02-10-2020, 03:09 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by derrick View Post
Thank you! AST ride is great I read, compared to H&R.

I would of gone that route if I didn’t decide to just bite the bullet and do some coilovers!
A Radio Flyer wagon would ride better than H&R.

Your i3s looks fantastic, especially with the ACS roof spoiler.
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      02-10-2020, 04:41 PM   #9
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Thank you! As long as its useful info to someone its all worth it.

This is my first time using Megan anything. I have KW v1, v3 on my other BMWs.

In terms of welds and build quality, they LOOK great. Components seem solid and we are dealing with a lighter vehicle that I plan to use as a commuter without harsh daily driving, or track days

Dampening --The ride for me now is comparable to stock at +25 clicks to the softer setting (there are 32 settings). Its slightly stiffer than stock just so there isn't a lot of suspension travel from how low I have it w/spacers.

Be warned though, readjusting i03 dampening is a pain on these since the adjustment is done at the top of the strut. There are no openings at the top where the struts are mounted on the I03 (usually accessed from the hood, or rear panels). I literally had to pull the entire struts back out to turn the knobs. No fun.

Height Adjustability - This is easy, just spin the BOTTOM mounts to adjust the entire strut height -- Pretty standard coilover adjustments. Do not adjust perches where the springs are preloaded.

I cant speak on how long these last OR what others have experienced and posted in regards to their quality over time. I just know folks will be inclined to post negative experiences vs positive ones. For now they're great and I have zero complaints for what I need them for.

I'll write a more in depth review/install thread regarding my experience with the suspension setups I've had on the car. (H&R Springs and now these Megan Coilovers)

Quote:
Originally Posted by evilchargerfan View Post
really good read! love the detailed post, and work you put into the car and your efforts on these boards.

how do the megans ride? asking in terms of bounce and comfort.

I have not experienced that brand in a bmw, but in the past for other makes/models they have always been rather harsh. curious to see your review.

do you commute from san diego to murrieta? I have the opposite commute. I usually stop at pala / the 76 at the park and ride for a free dc fast charge on the way to work and on the way home ... effectively 100% eliminating my need for gas (saves me $250/mo comparing to my honda fit, and $400+ a month comparing to my subaru wrx)
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      02-10-2020, 04:43 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tom @ eas View Post
A Radio Flyer wagon would ride better than H&R.

Your i3s looks fantastic, especially with the ACS roof spoiler.
Thank you!

Yes H&R's were teeth-chattering at best.
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      03-27-2020, 08:13 AM   #11
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I'm not on this subforum that much but I have to compliment you on how good your i3s looks! The more I look at these cars, the more I'm convinced one of these will make its way in my fleet in a few years. I love that it's completely different to what I have now, and it also seems like we have very similar taste in cars.

Currently, all my cars are pretty much gas guzzlers (best being an 1999 BMW M3, which is low 20s mpg avg, worst being a Tundra = 14 mpg). An i3s would slot in perfectly as my commute is only about 8 miles each way.
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      06-17-2020, 04:38 PM   #12
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Thanks! I'm just seeing this now as I'm not on this sub much either (mostly on m3post)

6 months in, we use this car to get around town most of the time. Its been great and really fun.

Nothing beats the roar of the M motors, and you're not getting the EV power of where Tesla is at right now, but for what it is, the 2019 i3s has been a huge surprise for us and completely useful.

Quote:
Originally Posted by W/// View Post
I'm not on this subforum that much but I have to compliment you on how good your i3s looks! The more I look at these cars, the more I'm convinced one of these will make its way in my fleet in a few years. I love that it's completely different to what I have now, and it also seems like we have very similar taste in cars.

Currently, all my cars are pretty much gas guzzlers (best being an 1999 BMW M3, which is low 20s mpg avg, worst being a Tundra = 14 mpg). An i3s would slot in perfectly as my commute is only about 8 miles each way.
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      06-17-2020, 07:10 PM   #13
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Very nice setup! Looks like a million bucks! Despite being an ///M driver myself the i3 is actually a lot of fun to driven very interested in the squirm Reduction with the spacers. I have spare sets for my F80 and I'm wondering if they will fit! Any clue?
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      07-03-2020, 01:22 PM   #14
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Quote:
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Very nice setup! Looks like a million bucks! Despite being an ///M driver myself the i3 is actually a lot of fun to driven very interested in the squirm Reduction with the spacers. I have spare sets for my F80 and I'm wondering if they will fit! Any clue?
F80 M3 + i3S is a great combo

F80 Spacers are 5x120, 72.6mm Bore

I3 Spacers are 5x112, 66.6mm Bore

Definitely will NOT fit unless its some sort of universal spacer and you're not looking to be hub centric (don't do it with universal).

I know EAS offers some great spacers for the i3 -- (I run them on my E92 M3 and F80).

Keep me posted!
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      07-09-2020, 03:12 PM   #15
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It's funny how many i3 owners have M3s...

... though one of the things I enjoy about the i3 is that I have zero temptation to mod it :P

(well, I'd do a tune ASAP if it let me have full power from 0mph and got rid of the top speed limiter)
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      01-12-2021, 04:33 PM   #16
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Hi Tom, I just picked up my 2020 i3s (3rd one) ...what kind of deal you can give for the AST springs for a 2020 I3s Bev?
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      01-20-2021, 12:04 PM   #17
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nicely done!
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      01-24-2021, 08:53 AM   #18
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Wow, it looks great. How much are your car lowered?
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      01-25-2021, 04:22 PM   #19
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Quote:
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Hi Tom, I just picked up my 2020 i3s (3rd one) ...what kind of deal you can give for the AST springs for a 2020 I3s Bev?
You should send EAS a PM! -- Doubt he's checking this thread often.
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      01-25-2021, 04:23 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Next Level Auto Brokers View Post
nicely done!
Thanks!

Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW-ALPINA View Post
Wow, it looks great. How much are your car lowered?
I'd say about 2.25" all around
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      02-07-2021, 08:26 AM   #21
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Looks great. Working on making with switch to the I3 myself.
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      04-10-2021, 02:59 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by derrick View Post
Thank you! As long as its useful info to someone its all worth it.

This is my first time using Megan anything. I have KW v1, v3 on my other BMWs.

In terms of welds and build quality, they LOOK great. Components seem solid and we are dealing with a lighter vehicle that I plan to use as a commuter without harsh daily driving, or track days

Dampening --The ride for me now is comparable to stock at +25 clicks to the softer setting (there are 32 settings). Its slightly stiffer than stock just so there isn't a lot of suspension travel from how low I have it w/spacers.

Be warned though, readjusting i03 dampening is a pain on these since the adjustment is done at the top of the strut. There are no openings at the top where the struts are mounted on the I03 (usually accessed from the hood, or rear panels). I literally had to pull the entire struts back out to turn the knobs. No fun.

Height Adjustability - This is easy, just spin the BOTTOM mounts to adjust the entire strut height -- Pretty standard coilover adjustments. Do not adjust perches where the springs are preloaded.

I cant speak on how long these last OR what others have experienced and posted in regards to their quality over time. I just know folks will be inclined to post negative experiences vs positive ones. For now they're great and I have zero complaints for what I need them for.

I'll write a more in depth review/install thread regarding my experience with the suspension setups I've had on the car. (H&R Springs and now these Megan Coilovers)
Hi Derrick

I’ve just bought a set of some BC Racing coilovers, and note that the top of the struts are not accessible to adjust the damping controls. As such, like you say, it’s a real pain that you have to remove the coilovers to adjust the damping.

Did you consider getting damper knob extenders? I think if you remove the rear boot trim, the top of the rear strut towers might be accessible. Having checked the front of the vehicle, the top of the strut mounts are tucked a bit further back under the wiper motors. There does however seem to be very little clearance above the top of the strut mounts to allow the extenders to be fitted.

It’d be interesting to know whether you investigated this as an option, and if so, whether there is sufficient clearance to fit the extenders.

Thanks mate
Michael
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