[-c-]

So since the board hasn't seen any action as of late just thought I'd post.

So as BMW works on future i3 variants and adds new features what would you guys like to see offered on new models ?

Bmw of North America called me a few months ago asking what my likes and dislikes where and what I felt they could improve on in future models.

So what are your thoughts ? I'd like to see an advanced HUD would be nice. I rather enjoyed the one in the 535 I took to Michigan over the weekend..... .

And more interior and wheel options.

[TimeFor]

In my survey I asked they add an option for the anthracite alcantara headliner. Also surround view and lane change warnings should be options.

But really, anything that's available on the new 7 series I'd probably be willing to pay to have on the i3.

[-c-]

Originally Posted by TimeFor

In my survey I asked they add an option for the anthracite alcantara headliner. Also surround view and lane change warnings should be options.

But really, anything that's available on the new 7 series I'd probably be willing to pay to have on the i3.

Mmmmmm the aroma smell button! Lol

[GeorgeJ.]

The biggest change I would like to see is the development of a AWD such that friction brakes could be eliminated. Four smaller motors with (slightly) more power and better regen. The RWD limits the amount of regen possible especially in low surface friction environments like in rain or snow.

Only other change might be structural refinement to allow for a narrower A pillar to improve forward visibility in the corners. Numerous times I have seen pedestrians later than I would have liked.

Keep it the same compact proportions, light weight, and high quality. If they do that I will get another for sure. It is "The Ultimate (city) Driving Machine".

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by -c-

So as BMW works on future i3 variants and adds new features what would you guys like to see offered on new models ?

Bmw of North America called me a few months ago asking what my likes and dislikes where and what I felt they could improve on in future models.

So what are your thoughts ? I'd like to see an advanced HUD would be nice. I rather enjoyed the one in the 535 I took to Michigan over the weekend..... .

And more interior and wheel options.

I personally love HUD, but it should remain an a-la-cart option as it is fairly pricey (custom windshield, projector required) and not everyone cares what speed they are going and in what direction .

I would definitely invest into:
1). increased battery range (150-200 Miles), possibly advocating for another higher capacity model (e.g.: i3-BEV++ and i3-REX++ with larger gas tank)
2). optional Sports package to make i3's highway-worthy
3). optional solar panels on the roof
4). non-cloth (or at least non-light grey) seats, as these ones stain WAYYY to easily. Even sitting on one in wet clean swim suit generates stains.

a

[-c-]

Originally Posted by afadeev

I personally love HUD, but it should remain an a-la-cart option as it is fairly pricey (custom windshield, project screen required) and not everyone cares what speed they are going and in what direction .

I would definitely invest into:
1). increased battery range (150-200 Miles), possibly advocating for another higher capacity model (e.g.: i3-BEV++ and i3-REX++ with larger gas tank)
2). optional Sports package to make i3's highway-worthy
3). optional solar panels on the roof
4). non-cloth (or at least non-light grey) seats, as these ones stain WAYYY to easily. Even sitting on one in wet clean swim suit generates stains.

a

Love the solar panel idea, could reduce the amount of juice required while preconditioning the interior before departure.

The light interior does stain easily, especially the matts, but I do like it a lot.

And the higher range is a given. Not that it's needed all the time but it would increase sales due to range anxiety. Even if BMW did their research and it was good research as I do not ever run out of range during my commute usually still have 40miles left at the end of the day, to have that extra mileage is calming.

But the possible extra weight and longer charging times are a downside. I like the idea of 20 to 30 minutes for a full charge.

.

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by -c-

And the higher range is a given. Not that it's needed all the time but it would increase sales due to range anxiety. Even if BMW did their research and it was good research as I do not ever run out of range during my commute usually still have 40miles left at the end of the day, to have that extra mileage is calming.

Exactly!
No-one runs down their battery down to zero (unless you have a REX ;-), so most people plan around ~75% of available battery capacity. For a BEV, that's ~70 miles, which is roughly what you get out of a REX. Not bad, and probably sufficient for 80% of the commute routs, but doubling that range would make BEV usable for 95+% of commute routs, and likely obfuscate the need for a REX.

Have a BEV car with ~200 mile range would certainly make it a much more compelling proposition to me as a primary car, not just an short-distance second/commuter car that i3-REX is right now.

Originally Posted by -c-

But the possible extra weight and longer charging times are a downside. I like the idea of 20 to 30 minutes for a full charge.

I love the idea of 30 minute charging, but L3 chargers are pretty expensive.
BMW's 24 kW CCS charging station is $6.5K vs. ~$500 for L2 charger.

With a larger 50 kW CSS charger, you could fill 50kW battery to 80% in roughly the same 30 minutes as BMW's 24 kW CSS charger does for the existing i3 battery.

Frankly, $6.5K fast CCS charger is just too much, and likely not worth it for most folks for in-house installation.
For mid-road quick charge-ups, it's a significant improvement on L2. However, they are still hard to come by in NE, and for the the trips that would require mid-point recharging I am happily taking my ICE car. Frankly, it's a MUCH more enjoyable highway cruiser compared to the i3.

a