Owning a used BMW i3: What I've learnt about using the range extender | CarGurus UK

In his second report about owning a used BMW i3, CarGurus Editor Chris Knapman remembers attending the original UK press launch of the i3, and how a motorway test taught him about the best way to use the range extender.

Watch part one here!

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[bobbralee]

What I found with the I3 is that it feels like you're driving something "Special" and in a world full of boring dull cars, I really like that :)

[stephensolomon]

Recently just bought i3 two weeks ago absolutely fantastic love it❤️

[robertp.wainman]

Surprised 'range extenders' haven't become popular - as for me it eliminates the dreaded range anxiety.

[hayyau]

I've also pre-programmed shortcut key 8 to kick in the range extender. Only works when the battery is below 75% I believe. 100% agreed to use the range extender as you described, earlier rather than later (if you know you need to use it!)

[grantod]

Thanks Chris, really handy update. I have been looking at an I3 and these videos have been extremely helpful! 👍

[djmgmm]

Thanks Chris. Really hope you do more real life updates on your cars as it really is of great interest to myself. After your last video I started thinking about an i3 as a replacement for my current diesel car.

[dorieeger]

I’m about to purchase a 2017 i3 RE. Thank you for your review. I’ll be keeping it in mind!

[alicjajaworska]

This is like the first useful video I've found on youtube on i3!! 👍 Please make more!!

[NigelR]

I dug in wanting an fully electric car. I wanted german build quality !! So bought the i3 with latest battery. The only problem with it is ?? I cant stop trying to find reasons to drive it !! Ive doubled my normal mileage. I have Fun planing routes to have charging options along the way.
Having a charger at home means i always have 170 mile range every morning. And its cheap to run :)

[mikemchale]

You’re absolutely right about the range extender or REX as we call it! If you live in the California area and I don’t know if it’s the entire US but the EPA made some sort of deal with BMW to get the carpool lane available to the i3 so the deal was the REX could not come on until the battery was at 6% which made the REX pretty useless. Until Beamer code came in with a fix/hack! now I can do what you can do and hold state of charge, which works great!&

[dkerlee]

You nailed my exact concerns about this car: the range extender MPH - I get what you're saying about turning it on early, and the learning curve you dealt with there. 40mph would be torture if you didn't know it was coming. Thanks!

[Rick_Retired]

I have had my “Litl’ Blue” 2017 BMW i3 BEV 33Kw 94Ah since 01/25/2021. I bought it in Florida, in showroom condition with 24k on the odometer. I’m 75, and drive it about 30-100 miles a month in Comfort mode with a stomped accelerator, wide open moon roof, and a grin mostly to pick up online ordered groceries and to visit the VA clinic.

I use a 240V, 16A (3.84Kw) Level 2 charger in my carport routed inside my house as an ALTERNATE device to my dryer outlet and usually charge once a month. I gain 13.5 miles per hour of charging up to 124 to 137 miles. From home my electric cost is $0.031 per Mile which at an average gas price of $4.00 per gallon equates to 129 MPG. I’m a happy i3 owner totally free of ICE maintenance to say the very least and gladly pay a helper $15.00 a month from my Social Security cash to wash, vac and dry it.

If there is a more perfect EV out there, I simply don’t want it! I don’t need more range, acceleration, styling, features, reliability, comfort, handling, or value. Litl’ Blue is obviously my Forever Car. Paid $16, 500 but was offered $22, 400 by Edmunds/CarMax 4 months ago which tickled my worn out ego. 36% appreciation on a used car in just over a year is certainly a first ever for me even on my ‘69 427ci/435hp Vette back in 1975. You may name yours too as you would any other loved pet. 🚙

[SinbadCarey]

I just did my first long journey in my 2015 i3 Rex and learnt the same. The Rex is only a 33 BHP engine, outputting up to 24.5Kw, and is there to simply top up the battery as best it can as you go along, not actually power the car forward. When you know this, you realise the i3 Rex is an EV just with a petrol generator in the boot.

[TrackItYT]

Great video, that’s was an excellent help. Also looking at these for short trips.

[RexxReviews]

Ive seen ALOT of these in my area being sold at around 47k-55k miles for less than $13k. Is there something that happens with the battery system at around this mileage range?

[davidtheBeerMan]

First class, truthful account, thanks 😊

[janiececooper]

I have a hybrid (Lexus CT, <3), the BMW I3 sounds like it has a back up plan on an electric system, I appreciate the idea :)

[stephenberry]

Well my 1990 Citroen 2CV6 has the same 29 HP and can be driven flat out for 230 miles at 68 mph and fills up 5 gallons in 3 minutes and rides fabulously.
Plus the seats slide out for picnics and it weighs 600 kgs ...
Huge fun... i3 personality and progress?? with less practicality 50 design years later.

[lhrealestate]

I just bought a BMW i3 2016 thank you!

[davidford]

After having run a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for 5 years, took the plunge and bought a 3rd hand i3 (120Ah - battery only - no REx). One of the best cars we’ve had. Easy driving - we default to ECO Pro mode when driving and this winter - even when cold - an easy 160mi range of mixed driving. Warmer weather has pushed this to nearer 190mi range. We’re not deliberately light footed, but do anticipate and rarely touch the brakes - using the regen nearly all the time. A 32A single phase 240v 7.4kW charger at home means a usual turn around time of just 5 hours to 100% - occasionally 6 hours if we’ve cut things very fine and come back with under 10 miles.
Range anxiety easing now, with InstaVolt stations being easily the best - and quick. Park, start charge, go and get a comfort break and a coffee, and by the time you’ve finished - there’s another 60+ miles added. Total cost including the coffee and a sticky bun - about £20!
In all, I really don’t know why we didn’t do this earlier.
As for performance - it’s not a hot hatch but it’s very nippy, got a fantastic turning circle, it’s a nice place to sit in - and it always brings a smile to your face...