Forum for the entire range of BMW electric vehicles
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW i3 Forums BMW i3 General Discussion

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-24-2018, 06:22 AM   #1
fxoffroad
Private
fxoffroad's Avatar
39
Rep
90
Posts

Drives: '18 X3/'18 i3s/'12 X5/'03 Z8
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Ski Country USA

iTrader: (0)

An i3s

Thoughts, suggestions or comments on the following will be greatly appreciated.

I'm thinking about trading my X5 for this i3S Rex. I live in Colorado. Also have a 2018 X3.

I know there will be days when my better half will take the X3 to work and I'll randomly decide to go up to the mountains to go snowboarding for the afternoon - so the i3S Rex will be my only option.


My primary concerns are:
  • Snow Tires & Freeway Driving
  • Year-round driving up in the mountains - and coming back down to Denver on the same day if I can't/don't have access to a charging point.
  • Legroom. Really like having the option to stretch my left leg straight out while driving.
  • Overall comfort. (Especially coming out of an X5 w/ multi-contour seats.)





Last edited by fxoffroad; 07-24-2018 at 08:47 AM..
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2018, 06:59 AM   #2
BMWBuffalo
Second Lieutenant
United_States
37
Rep
209
Posts

Drives: 2020 X7 M50i
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Kentucky

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by fxoffroad View Post
[SIZE="3"]Thoughts, suggestions or comments on the following will be greatly appreciated.

I'm thinking about trading my X5 for this i3S Rex. I live in Colorado. Also have a 2018 X3.

I know there will be days when my better half will take the X3 to work and I'll randomly decide to go up to the mountains to go snowboarding for the afternoon - so the i3S Rex will be my only option.


My primary concerns are:
  • Snow Tires & Freeway Driving
  • Year-round driving up in the mountains - and coming back down to Denver on the same day if I can't/don't have access to a charging point.
  • Legroom. Really like having the option to stretch my left leg straight out while driving.
  • Overall comfort. (Especially coming out of an X5 w/ multi-contour seats.)
[/SIZE]



Go for it! Just turned my i3 Rex lease back in and already missing it! Great car for city driving, quick, go cart like handling and best of all, no need for trips to the gas station! (Well occasionally for the Rex)

Does the i3s your looking at have a moonroof? If so, the picture you posted shows it open?
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2018, 07:24 AM   #3
fxoffroad
Private
fxoffroad's Avatar
39
Rep
90
Posts

Drives: '18 X3/'18 i3s/'12 X5/'03 Z8
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Ski Country USA

iTrader: (0)

Yep, that's a sunroof. The glass panel is relatively huge, but the structural openings are actually small. Still some great fresh air.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWBuffalo View Post
Go for it! Just turned my i3 Rex lease back in and already missing it! Great car for city driving, quick, go cart like handling and best of all, no need for trips to the gas station! (Well occasionally for the Rex)

Does the i3s your looking at have a moonroof? If so, the picture you posted shows it open?
Appreciate 1
      07-25-2018, 11:35 AM   #4
jmg
Lieutenant General
jmg's Avatar
18493
Rep
14,085
Posts

Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G82 M4C X-Drive  [9.83]
2018 F80 M3 CS  [9.83]
2019 i3 BEV  [0.00]
Range is your biggest concern. As far as comfort I find it very very comfortable. Much more comfortable than a X3 or F30 imho. For me it's not about how much contour the seats have, because the i3 doesn't have a lot. It's the actual shape of the seat. I find the F30 and X3 seats to be too narrow for how little the side bolsters are. The i3 has small side bolsters, but the center isn't as protruded, so it accentuates the supportive nature of the seats. Legs room is surprisingly generous. I like to stretch out as well and there is plenty of room.
__________________

2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect*, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing
Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///M3
IG: Raging_G82
Appreciate 1
      07-25-2018, 01:47 PM   #5
bagekko
Major
bagekko's Avatar
United_States
776
Rep
1,067
Posts

Drives: Lots of BMWs
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: RI/MA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 M4 Vert  [0.00]
2006 Z4M Roadster  [0.00]
1995 540i  [0.00]
2008 BMW M5  [0.00]
2019 i3 Rex  [0.00]
2021 X7 40i MSport  [0.00]
I have an i3Rex, dont know much about the S version.

Snow Tires & Freeway Driving - Its a great city & highway cruiser, its the 2nd BMW I ever bought without ever driving it before getting the keys, I am not an EV person but a huge Bimmerhead, I am impressed how fun it is to drive. People with 19s can get snow tires, if using all seasons there is a traction mode adjustment in the iDrive the genius suggested.

Year-round driving up in the mountains - If you manage the modes and battery, I can get almost 250 miles to charge/tank. Worse case scenario you get 2 gal of gas. Unlocking the Rex menu is helpful because then you can run the Rex at 75% or below and not use up all the battery if you wanted.

Legroom - All depends on your size....

Overall comfort - Nothing compares to MC seats from 5+ series. I miss them in my 1 and will miss them on my next M2/3/4. M5 & X5 have them, wife complains about the i3 seats, but she got used to MC seats for 4+ years. Even my E34 sport seats are more comfortable than the various seats in todays 1/2/3/4 offerings. Problem with the i3 seats, is adjustments, you have forward & back, tilt back tilt, and the height adjust goes on an angle. I find it tough to get the perfect setting because of notch points of where it locks.

Quote:
Originally Posted by fxoffroad View Post
Thoughts, suggestions or comments on the following will be greatly appreciated.

I'm thinking about trading my X5 for this i3S Rex. I live in Colorado. Also have a 2018 X3.

I know there will be days when my better half will take the X3 to work and I'll randomly decide to go up to the mountains to go snowboarding for the afternoon - so the i3S Rex will be my only option.


My primary concerns are:
  • Snow Tires & Freeway Driving
  • Year-round driving up in the mountains - and coming back down to Denver on the same day if I can't/don't have access to a charging point.
  • Legroom. Really like having the option to stretch my left leg straight out while driving.
  • Overall comfort. (Especially coming out of an X5 w/ multi-contour seats.)




__________________
2008 M5 6spd, 1995 540i 6spd
2018 M4 Vert Comp, 2019 i3 120ah REX
2021 X7 40i MSport, 2006 Z4M 6spd
Appreciate 1
      07-25-2018, 02:59 PM   #6
DonC
Lieutenant
United_States
29
Rep
427
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 3.5i M sport, etc
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: near Seattle

iTrader: (0)

We have a new i3S and my wife says it's the best car she has driven. She like the visibility, comfort, and zip the car has. We also have a 2013 X3 3.5 MS with a set of 18 in wheels and snow tires for those days when we need it. Lots of interior room.
__________________
2013 X3 3.5i AW,Msprt,rear fogs,PS,CP, Tech, etc...
Other cars
2005 S2000
2018 i3S
Appreciate 0
      07-25-2018, 05:08 PM   #7
jmg
Lieutenant General
jmg's Avatar
18493
Rep
14,085
Posts

Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G82 M4C X-Drive  [9.83]
2018 F80 M3 CS  [9.83]
2019 i3 BEV  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by DonC View Post
We have a new i3S and my wife says it's the best car she has driven. She like the visibility, comfort, and zip the car has. We also have a 2013 X3 3.5 MS with a set of 18 in wheels and snow tires for those days when we need it. Lots of interior room.
I want to stress that I think the i3 is one of the best cars I have ever owned as well, and my wife agrees. I have my F80, I've had an S4, a 340i... for daily driving it's just a pleasure. Of course, I'd rather take my F80 to the canyons, but I really love the i3.
__________________

2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect*, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing
Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///M3
IG: Raging_G82
Appreciate 2
      07-26-2018, 01:24 PM   #8
fxoffroad
Private
fxoffroad's Avatar
39
Rep
90
Posts

Drives: '18 X3/'18 i3s/'12 X5/'03 Z8
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Ski Country USA

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for this feedback/info.

I think I'm "in", I just need to figure out the winter tire situation for the i3s Rex. I'm hoping I can put 19" rims on the i3s.

I did an extended test drive in an i3 Rex. Like everything overall with a few exceptions: Harsh ride. Lack of confidence for emergency maneuvers on the freeway/interstate. Infotainment is not as good as my 18 X3.

Unlocking the Rex menu will solve the range issue and day trips up to the mountains.


Quote:
Originally Posted by bagekko View Post
I have an i3Rex, dont know much about the S version.

Snow Tires & Freeway Driving - Its a great city & highway cruiser, its the 2nd BMW I ever bought without ever driving it before getting the keys, I am not an EV person but a huge Bimmerhead, I am impressed how fun it is to drive. People with 19s can get snow tires, if using all seasons there is a traction mode adjustment in the iDrive the genius suggested.

Year-round driving up in the mountains - If you manage the modes and battery, I can get almost 250 miles to charge/tank. Worse case scenario you get 2 gal of gas. Unlocking the Rex menu is helpful because then you can run the Rex at 75% or below and not use up all the battery if you wanted.

Legroom - All depends on your size....

Overall comfort - Nothing compares to MC seats from 5+ series. I miss them in my 1 and will miss them on my next M2/3/4. M5 & X5 have them, wife complains about the i3 seats, but she got used to MC seats for 4+ years. Even my E34 sport seats are more comfortable than the various seats in todays 1/2/3/4 offerings. Problem with the i3 seats, is adjustments, you have forward & back, tilt back tilt, and the height adjust goes on an angle. I find it tough to get the perfect setting because of notch points of where it locks.
Appreciate 0
      07-26-2018, 02:18 PM   #9
jmg
Lieutenant General
jmg's Avatar
18493
Rep
14,085
Posts

Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G82 M4C X-Drive  [9.83]
2018 F80 M3 CS  [9.83]
2019 i3 BEV  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by fxoffroad View Post
Thanks for this feedback/info.

I think I'm "in", I just need to figure out the winter tire situation for the i3s Rex. I'm hoping I can put 19" rims on the i3s.

I did an extended test drive in an i3 Rex. Like everything overall with a few exceptions: Harsh ride. Lack of confidence for emergency maneuvers on the freeway/interstate. Infotainment is not as good as my 18 X3.

Unlocking the Rex menu will solve the range issue and day trips up to the mountains.
The harsh ride is an issue, but it actually makes the car more nimble. I think you would be surprised at how well the car handles with such a low center of gravity despite it's high seating position. Remember, the heavy batteries are low in the chassis. The relatively high engine placement on an ICE makes the i3 handle quite differently than you would expect.

Was this a brand new i3 you test drove? The iDrive has historically been much in line with what is offered in the F30 and X3 except the i3 has a slightly bigger display. Maybe the recent i3 wasn't updated to the 2018 iDrive?
__________________

2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect*, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing
Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///M3
IG: Raging_G82
Appreciate 1
      07-26-2018, 02:18 PM   #10
bagekko
Major
bagekko's Avatar
United_States
776
Rep
1,067
Posts

Drives: Lots of BMWs
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: RI/MA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 M4 Vert  [0.00]
2006 Z4M Roadster  [0.00]
1995 540i  [0.00]
2008 BMW M5  [0.00]
2019 i3 Rex  [0.00]
2021 X7 40i MSport  [0.00]
In such a narrow tire, surely RF's provide that harsh ride, I hate RF but leave them on the wifes cars. The upgraded Nav screen is necessary in the i3, guess the tiny screen is standard on anything below the 5/X5 series, never saw it before looking at my sales reps i3.

Unlocking the Rex menu and also removing the 2g limit, though did someone say the 2018 doesnt limit the gas to 2g vs 2.4g?

Quote:
Originally Posted by fxoffroad View Post
Thanks for this feedback/info.

I think I'm "in", I just need to figure out the winter tire situation for the i3s Rex. I'm hoping I can put 19" rims on the i3s.

I did an extended test drive in an i3 Rex. Like everything overall with a few exceptions: Harsh ride. Lack of confidence for emergency maneuvers on the freeway/interstate. Infotainment is not as good as my 18 X3.

Unlocking the Rex menu will solve the range issue and day trips up to the mountains.
__________________
2008 M5 6spd, 1995 540i 6spd
2018 M4 Vert Comp, 2019 i3 120ah REX
2021 X7 40i MSport, 2006 Z4M 6spd
Appreciate 0
      07-26-2018, 02:21 PM   #11
jmg
Lieutenant General
jmg's Avatar
18493
Rep
14,085
Posts

Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G82 M4C X-Drive  [9.83]
2018 F80 M3 CS  [9.83]
2019 i3 BEV  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by bagekko View Post
In such a narrow tire, surely RF's provide that harsh ride, I hate RF but leave them on the wifes cars. The upgraded Nav screen is necessary in the i3, guess the tiny screen is standard on anything below the 5/X5 series, never saw it before looking at my sales reps i3.

Unlocking the Rex menu and also removing the 2g limit, though did someone say the 2018 doesnt limit the gas to 2g vs 2.4g?
I believe the new i3's increased battery range has allowed the gas tank to be fully unlocked because it is within regulation to be equal to or less than the electric only range.
__________________

2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect*, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing
Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///M3
IG: Raging_G82
Appreciate 0
      07-26-2018, 04:08 PM   #12
fxoffroad
Private
fxoffroad's Avatar
39
Rep
90
Posts

Drives: '18 X3/'18 i3s/'12 X5/'03 Z8
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Ski Country USA

iTrader: (0)

Appreciate the input! Thanks!

Yeah... it was a new 2018 i3 Rex.

I think the Infotainment is a 10.x screen - the X3 has a 12.x" screen. Notably different... but not a deal breaker... the X3 interface/OS is more extensive and more visually appealing.

I am, a lot like bagekko I'm not a EV person, but am a huge "Bimmerhead" (new term for me , but totally applicable). I've been driving Bimmers since I was in college.)

I wish I could take the i3 on a closed course to push it. And I still need to convince my better half that we don't need an X3 and an X5.

Regarding your earlier comment about seating... whereas I'm cool with (and actually like) the i3 seating, I was referring to the power Multi-contour seats that are in 5, 6, 7-series and X5/6s... once you have these, its difficult to want to sit on anything else.


Quote:
Originally Posted by jmg View Post
The harsh ride is an issue, but it actually makes the car more nimble. I think you would be surprised at how well the car handles with such a low center of gravity despite it's high seating position. Remember, the heavy batteries are low in the chassis. The relatively high engine placement on an ICE makes the i3 handle quite differently than you would expect.

Was this a brand new i3 you test drove? The iDrive has historically been much in line with what is offered in the F30 and X3 except the i3 has a slightly bigger display. Maybe the recent i3 wasn't updated to the 2018 iDrive?

Last edited by fxoffroad; 07-26-2018 at 04:24 PM..
Appreciate 0
      07-26-2018, 10:01 PM   #13
Encanto
Colonel
Encanto's Avatar
United_States
1161
Rep
2,180
Posts

Drives: 2021 X3 M40i
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (1)

Both have iDrive 6...

Quote:
Originally Posted by fxoffroad View Post
Appreciate the input! Thanks!

Yeah... it was a new 2018 i3 Rex.

I think the Infotainment is a 10.x screen - the X3 has a 12.x" screen. Notably different... but not a deal breaker... the X3 interface/OS is more extensive and more visually appealing.

I am, a lot like bagekko I'm not a EV person, but am a huge "Bimmerhead" (new term for me , but totally applicable). I've been driving Bimmers since I was in college.)

I wish I could take the i3 on a closed course to push it. And I still need to convince my better half that we don't need an X3 and an X5.

Regarding your earlier comment about seating... whereas I'm cool with (and actually like) the i3 seating, I was referring to the power Multi-contour seats that are in 5, 6, 7-series and X5/6s... once you have these, its difficult to want to sit on anything else.
Appreciate 0
      07-27-2018, 06:20 AM   #14
fxoffroad
Private
fxoffroad's Avatar
39
Rep
90
Posts

Drives: '18 X3/'18 i3s/'12 X5/'03 Z8
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Ski Country USA

iTrader: (0)

You'd have to get your hands on one to explore it. Its very similar, but different. That said my x3 is fully loaded w/ DAC and DAC+. The nav screen is different (kinda like a TomTom from the mid-2000s) and doesn't seem as robust as what's in other Bimmers.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Encanto View Post
Both have iDrive 6...
Appreciate 0
      07-27-2018, 10:07 AM   #15
Encanto
Colonel
Encanto's Avatar
United_States
1161
Rep
2,180
Posts

Drives: 2021 X3 M40i
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (1)

I have an i3S, however with the 10.25" screen. Is your screen 10.25"?

Quote:
Originally Posted by fxoffroad View Post
You'd have to get your hands on one to explore it. Its very similar, but different. That said my x3 is fully loaded w/ DAC and DAC+. The nav screen is different (kinda like a TomTom from the mid-2000s) and doesn't seem as robust as what's in other Bimmers.
Appreciate 0
      07-27-2018, 10:38 AM   #16
fxoffroad
Private
fxoffroad's Avatar
39
Rep
90
Posts

Drives: '18 X3/'18 i3s/'12 X5/'03 Z8
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Ski Country USA

iTrader: (0)

I think I'm not communicating properly. I don't own a i3s yet, I did an extended test drive in one that has the technology package - with the larger display. I know its a little smaller than what's in my 2018 X3.

I'm trying to say that the interface/OS is different. The X3 has a more robust system. They have similar screens and such, but its different.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Encanto View Post
I have an i3S, however with the 10.25" screen. Is your screen 10.25"?
Appreciate 0
      07-27-2018, 03:21 PM   #17
Acetech
Second Lieutenant
Acetech's Avatar
United_States
219
Rep
275
Posts

Drives: 03 M3. 98 M3. 11 1M
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

I also love my I3, comfortable easy stressless and fun, I barely drive my 1M or M3 anymore.
Also perfectly fine in snow, I use snow tires and yes the standard 19 package will fit the S no problem
Appreciate 1
      07-27-2018, 11:06 PM   #18
DonC
Lieutenant
United_States
29
Rep
427
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 3.5i M sport, etc
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: near Seattle

iTrader: (0)

not sure this last post is correct. Spaces may be needed with 19 in wheels.
__________________
2013 X3 3.5i AW,Msprt,rear fogs,PS,CP, Tech, etc...
Other cars
2005 S2000
2018 i3S
Appreciate 1
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:51 AM.




bmw
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST