BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated .

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Fri 29 Nov 2024 19:53
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - madf

Recap: I announced I had bought a used BMW I3 and promised to update .

This is UPDATE 1. 29th November 2024

Today I drove 89 miles form North Staffordshire (just north of Stoke on Trent) to Llandudno Junction I near Conwy North Wales - mixture M6/M56 and A roads. in my 2012 Honda Jazz auto to be part exchanged for a 2016 silver and black BMWI 3 with 57k miles, FMBSH , two owners and extras of wide scree monitor and reversing sensors.. i

Provisionally bought over internet - a first for me - test drove it and agreed it was as good as its video claimed.New MOT/ private plate removed . Vendor was Halliwell Jones, main BMW dealer..1 year full warranty from them and 3 years extra purchased £1100. So four years full warranty.

33KWH battery, claimed range c 100 miles plus c 80 miles on petrol engined Range Extender (REX) to recharge battery when low..Total claimed range c 180 miles.

Dry, 10mph winds 10C.

First impressions: same length as Jazz, same width as Jazz, about 10cms higher - but sit MUCH higher in car like mini SUV. Great handling, RWD, like a sophisticated go kart, cruised happily at 70mh, VERY quiet except tyre noise, rise better than Jazz, Superb acceleration. Great progress until hit M6 Southbound- 10 to 40 mph crawl for 20 miles.. easy peasy driving with regen braking recovering lots of energy in stop start.

At the start, estimated range was 103 miles on Electricity alone. (MOT and local driving to test it by garage would see heavy usage and few miles. At the end - after extra detour to buy wine to christen it- (!) actual miles were 103 plus an estimated 26 remaining: total 129 miles on 33kWH battery. (approx 28KWH usable ) for an estimated...4.6miles/KWH. Using granny charger and standard Electricity tariff (12 months fixed ) equates to 5.25p/mile vs Jazz petrol of c 14,1p/mile

Going to run charge down to get Range extender to run.. just to see what it is like.

Yet to read manual and don't yet know more than 1% of IDrive system which controls all electronics.. Simple You Tube guide helped me drive it with no issues.

Conclusions: easy to drive, quiet, comfortable economical and blistering acceleration (0-60mph in 8 seconds). Comfortable., ride smoother than reviews suggested.. Parking in tights spaces fine. Looks like 2 year old car.

Car is 8 years old: battery degradation appears ..nil.. (underrated by BMW)

EDIT: I purposely bough pre April 2017 car as VED is £0 rising to £20 net year. Post that date £195. ( I am Mean)

Edited by madf on 29/11/2024 at 20:02

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Fri 29 Nov 2024 20:18
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - badbusdriver

IMO the last intelligently designed BMW and the last BMW made that I'd actually like to own!

Hope it serves you well :-)

Edited by badbusdriver on 29/11/2024 at 20:19

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Fri 29 Nov 2024 22:00
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - Ethan Edwards

4.6m per kwh is really good very efficient. Our 500e gets about 4.2 m per kwh, the Mokka-e has hit 4.9 a couple of times but usually its less.. So the next thing is modifying how you drive to get that figure up. Basically it's hypermiling.

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Sat 30 Nov 2024 08:06
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - paul 1963

What a great report, thanks for that, I do enjoy reading of people's thoughts on new cars, enjoy your car!

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Sat 30 Nov 2024 09:06
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - craig-pd130

Very good report, thanks, please do post updates.

I always thought the REx was the most practical version. People criticised the petrol range but to me, the point is that you only need 70 or so miles as it's a back-up.

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Sat 30 Nov 2024 12:16
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - madf

Quick Update.

Charged overnight on granny charger - simple connector 3 pin to mains. 97% recharged 9pm to 7am.. Great. No need for charging box.

Current electricity tariff means switch to overnight cheap EV tariff does not make economic sense - (And Mark 1 Smart Meter does not work)

Bought simple plastic cover £7 to fit over lid of front trunk which houses cable in waterproof bags. Trunk itself is not waterproof.- no lid.

Seat belts slip down low between door and seat.. difficult to retrieve. Bought plastic BMW retaining buttons £7.Ebay.

Front seat belt locks stiff : sprayed internals with dry silicone lubricant - now free.

Drove to shops and back this am 3 miles. Range stays unchanged at 103 miles! Easy to park in crowded Sainsbury's car park. Ride better than Jazz was over local roads.. quite acceptable.

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Sat 30 Nov 2024 13:58
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - craig-pd130

You might find this interesting, it's BMW's technical documentation on the REx engine as fitted to the i3.

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Sat 30 Nov 2024 14:31
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - Steveieb

This is the only EV that I would like to own..

The design is superb and the composite body must be corrosion resistant.

I took one for a test drive around the alpine circuit at Milbrook and loved it.

Do these cars need main dealer servicing which can be expensive and around here our local BMW dealer wasn’t able to offer the service necessitating a trip to Milton Keynes BMW ?

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Sat 30 Nov 2024 16:18
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - Steveieb

Interested to learn that the newer models 1-4 years get a three star reliability rating in Which whereas the cars over 4 years get a five star

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Sat 30 Nov 2024 17:19
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - gordonbennet

Excellent write up Madf, i've never looked at these before but they do make a compelling argument.

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Sat 30 Nov 2024 20:40
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - madf

This is the only EV that I would like to own..

The design is superb and the composite body must be corrosion resistant.

I took one for a test drive around the alpine circuit at Milbrook and loved it.

Do these cars need main dealer servicing which can be expensive and around here our local BMW dealer wasn’t able to offer the service necessitating a trip to Milton Keynes BMW ?

The actual servicing is every 2 years or 20k miles which is mainly inspection on the BEVS only, but engine oil/filters as well on the REX.

Brake pads last long time due to high regenerative braking.

Lots of EV independents: see Wiseley Motors.)On YouTube)

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Sat 30 Nov 2024 21:02
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - badbusdriver

What about parking prangs/bodywork damage?. Obviously you don't want anything to happen, but have you looked into this with regards to the carbon fibre bodywork?. I'd assume specialist knowledge and skills needed and is one of the things that would make wary of getting an i3.

Edited by badbusdriver on 30/11/2024 at 21:04

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Sun 1 Dec 2024 10:30
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - madf

What about parking prangs/bodywork damage?. Obviously you don't want anything to happen, but have you looked into this with regards to the carbon fibre bodywork?. I'd assume specialist knowledge and skills needed and is one of the things that would make wary of getting an i3.

Yes thought about it. Wings, bonnet , boot, and bumpers bolt on. Doors available new. New boot c/w glass c £1k. More serious damage will probably bend the shell very expensive and limited repairers. Ebay has lots crashed for repair. Apparently battery shell damage = write off. Lots of s/h spares around (22k sold in total in UK ) Set 4 alloy wheels on ebay to replace the car ones £200.
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Sun 1 Dec 2024 10:33
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - madf

This is the only EV that I would like to own..

The design is superb and the composite body must be corrosion resistant.

I took one for a test drive around the alpine circuit at Milbrook and loved it.

Do these cars need main dealer servicing which can be expensive and around here our local BMW dealer wasn’t able to offer the service necessitating a trip to Milton Keynes BMW ?

The actual servicing is every 2 years or 20k miles which is mainly inspection on the BEVS only, but engine oil/filters as well on the REX.

Brake pads last long time due to high regenerative braking.

Lots of EV independents: see Wiseley Motors.)On YouTube)

Edit: Up to now , did all my own servicing but at 77 decided to give my body a rest.. I am fit enough but less able to contort my fingers in tight spaces eg fitting bullbs.

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Wed 4 Dec 2024 08:54
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - Simoncelli58

Nice write up.

But am I the only one to smile at 'Blistering Performance - 0-60mph in 8 seconds?

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Wed 4 Dec 2024 12:21
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - madf

Nice write up.

But am I the only one to smile at 'Blistering Performance - 0-60mph in 8 seconds?

All things are relative: I drove a Honda Jazz before...

Beside a Tesla it's slow but I cannot carry beehives (full of bees of course) in a Tesla Model 3 nor can I afford the insurance:-)

Edit : and at 77 my reflexes are a bit slower than they were:-(

Edited by madf on 04/12/2024 at 12:23

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Wed 4 Dec 2024 12:53
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - badbusdriver

Nice write up.

But am I the only one to smile at 'Blistering Performance - 0-60mph in 8 seconds?

All things are relative: I drove a Honda Jazz before...

Beside a Tesla it's slow but I cannot carry beehives (full of bees of course) in a Tesla Model 3 nor can I afford the insurance:-)

Edit : and at 77 my reflexes are a bit slower than they were:-(

Plenty fast enough. Personally I don't see any need for more than that unless you are racing someone (in which case you should be on a track). Besides, with EV's it is the initial step off the line and up to 20-30mph which makes the difference compared to ICE.

As for the Jazz, when we had ours, I (out of curiosity because of how eager it felt) did she decidedly un-scientific tests which led me to suspect that its actual 0-60 time was a good 1.5 seconds less than the official figures. Still no rocket ship of course, but not as sluggish as popular perception would have you believe (assuming you revved it to where peak power was developed as it really didn't have much torque!)

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Wed 4 Dec 2024 13:18
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - gordonbennet

I only wish people with sub 8 second 0-60 times would make use of them in real world driving instead of showing off at the traffic light sprint.

If i had a £ for every twerp i see pull out in front of fast moving traffic and mince up the road at funereal pace i could clear the national debt, same when they amble up a slip road at 35 causing havoc with a queue of frustrated cursing drivers behind instead of at the typical motorway left lane speed of 53/55mph which is usual truck cruise speed, then when they can't get out at the end of the acceleration lane because the 60ft long truck they couldn't see for some reason and which can't pull out hasn't magically vanished they suddenly find 200+bhp and go past at track day speed making silly gestures.

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Wed 4 Dec 2024 17:08
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - Chris M

What GB said.

I would add that I don't see any excuse for drivers of cars that can't do the 8 second 0-60. Our 54bhp Panda manages to join dual carriageways at an appropriate speed.

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Wed 4 Dec 2024 23:14
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - Manatee

Nice write up.

But am I the only one to smile at 'Blistering Performance - 0-60mph in 8 seconds? That's Escort Mk2 RS1800 performance.

In absolute terms that's pretty blistering. Cars generally now are vastly overpowered for what they have to do.

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Thu 5 Dec 2024 09:16
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - madf

We still have occasional snow, ice and frosts. Anyone driving a high powered car in snow with wide wheels is unlikely to get further than a few hundred meters. Ditto ice.

Have an aquaintance who lives on the top of the hill behind us : 250 meters above sea level. She drove a Mini Cooper S: undriveable on snow or ice.

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Fri 6 Dec 2024 10:23
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - madf

UPDATE 2 6th December 2024

This week I did nothing special: just drove my normal routines: shopping, yoga, Beekeeping Meeting , more yoga, more shopping. (Yes I lead an exciting existence)

The weather has been cold: frost one night, Wet: and cold - other nights.

I knew BEVs have problems with cold but ..

The I3 has a battery heating ("preconditioning") facility to heat the battery and car interior up using the main battery. Until now I did not realise how important it is to use it before driving in cold weather. It can be programmed to a time in the car in advance or using the BMW App.. the latter is much easier.It can also be programmed into the key so you can point the key, press it and it starts immediately.

If you don't preheat, range is halved to around 2miles/KWH. If you do use it you get 3 to 3.5KWH IF you moderate accelerator and heating setting when driving using the ECO PRO setting - a switch which has to be used every time you start the car. (Last drive in 10C I achieved 4.6 Miles/KWH over 90 odd miles,)

Hmm.. I knew battery usage deteriorated in the cold.. but hardly that much..I can only assume road testers only test in summer, or on long runs and don't drive in winter.. or don't write about these things.

So overall on my first home charge (battery 99% charged) actual range was : 75 miles vs prior 129 ish miles at 10C..A drop of c 42% (but still my rate per mile of c 9p was cheaper than Jazz petrol of 14p.)

Good luck in getting most drivers to follow the above routine in winter..

The next charge will be a proper test using the experience I have gained this week to ensure I drive more economically.

Other than that, the car has no issues, handles minor flood of c 30cms with no issues (19inch wheels help) and is warm and coy. The demisting works very quickly.

Since I am charging at home with no real long journeys, I have set the charging to be at half power (controlled via Idrive) which takes longer but does not matter. Reduces load on 13amp system and plug. At full speed the charger 13 am socket warmed to c 30C - so I would avoid that.

In conclusion: happy but a lot to learn about winter driving.

I note the Tesla Model 3 has preconditioning of the battery as well. It is ESSENTIAL.

EDIT : I also tested the Range Extender over 7 miles. Quiet..even when stationary and standing next to it. Works fine..Easy to program it to come on via Hot Keys to extend range at high speeds on motorways . (If you wait for auto switch on when 6% battery left, you are limited to c 45mph as it cannot generate enough to run at 70mph on its output)

Edited by madf on 06/12/2024 at 10:28

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Fri 6 Dec 2024 11:32
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - badbusdriver

Other than that, the car has no issues, handles minor flood of c 30cms with no issues (19inch wheels help)

TBH most cars should manage to go through 30cm of water with no issues (assuming not going fast), the stumbling block is going to be the resolve of the driver!

One day recently I was on my way to work after very heavy rain and there were a lot of floods. At the worst bit I encountered the driver of a LR Discovery a few cars ahead of me turned and went back, but I went though it with my tiny Piaggio Porter truck, on its 12" wheels :-)

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Fri 6 Dec 2024 12:41
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - Andrew-T

<< ... the car has no issues, handles minor flood of c 30cms with no issues and is warm and coy. The demisting works very quickly. >>

I assume that is a typo :-). If not, how very sweet ....

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Fri 6 Dec 2024 16:07
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - mcb100
Cold weather EV is similar to cold weather ICE.
Whereas a petrol or diesel is running rich, circulating cold, thicker, oil around its innards an EV is attempting to warm its battery to a more efficient state.
Once they’re warmed through, on a longer journey, efficiency in the cold should be close to that in warmer temperatures. Just like an ICE.
Cold starts and short hops are not particularly efficient, unless you’ve preconditioned things while it’s still plugged in.
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Thu 26 Dec 2024 17:57
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - Steveieb

Heard that the plastic panels cannot be resprayed and need to be replaced whole.

This sounds a great solution after an accident but very expensive if they need to be sourced from the main dealer ?

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Thu 26 Dec 2024 18:15
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - badbusdriver

Heard that the plastic panels cannot be resprayed and need to be replaced whole.

This sounds a great solution after an accident but very expensive if they need to be sourced from the main dealer ?

Carbon fibre, not plastic.

As for replacement panels, all bolt on according to madf, but 2nd hand would surely be the way to go unless insurance paying for it.

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Thu 2 Jan 2025 13:04
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - Ethan Edwards

How about having repaired panels wrapped instead of respraying? As long as you get the others wrapped its undetectable.

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Thu 2 Jan 2025 13:22
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - badbusdriver

How about having repaired panels wrapped instead of respraying? As long as you get the others wrapped its undetectable.

Repainting carbon fibre body panels does present extra challenges compared to steel, but (despite what has been said) that doesn't mean it isn't doable. You just need to find a bodyshop with relevant experience.

And there is also the possibility of buying a 2nd hand panel in the same colour.

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Thu 26 Dec 2024 20:51
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - SLO76
BMW made an effort with these to be different. I quite like them, my wife has a couple of friends who’ve owned pure EV versions and one upgraded to the range extender model. Both speak highly of the i3 and neither had any issues as far as I’m aware. I like the interior and they’re known to be highly efficient.

I don’t follow any related Facebook pages or forums for them so I’ve no real knowledge regarding reliability beyond SWMBO’s pals experiences but I get the appeal, I like quirky cars.
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Fri 27 Dec 2024 10:17
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - madf

UPDATE No 3 27th December 2024

Well now done c 500 miles mainly town driving, Nothing has gone wrong, learned a bit more about the minor controls , Averaging about 3.2miles/KWH . Mastering the art of preheating it so it runs better.

Bought technical book on I3.. warning for technical nerds only:-)

www.amazon.co.uk/Electric-Vehicles-BMW-i3-Expanded...1

Enjoying driving it: parking due to turning circle and wheels close to end of car (like a Mark1 Mini) is easy, judging length is easy, rear seats fold flat so great for shopping ! and being a mixture of dark silver/black it does not stand out..

Reminds me of driving a go kart... one pedal most of the time..

Edited by madf on 27/12/2024 at 10:18

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Tue 31 Dec 2024 11:14
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - Steveieb

Responding to SLO s post , the Which report on the I3 found that the cars 5 to 9 years old proved more reliable than the newer models which should be good news for the OP .

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Tue 28 Jan 2025 10:20
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - madf

UPDATA #4 28th January

Cold month, lots of short journeys 3.2miles/KWH.

Manage to survive snow and ice by driving with a gentle right foot in Eco Pro mode (restricted throttle response). Traction control doing its job well.

Yesterday a 138 miles round trip to a funeral in the West Midlands: M6/M5,

M6 festooned with 60mph signs, 50 mph signs, warning of broken down vehicles (long since gone) but 7C and dry.

Theoretical capacity at start: petrol range extender 80 miles, Battery 98 miles Total 178 miles,

Actually managed 118 miles on battery with 10 miles left and 20 miles on Range Extender with 78 miles left, 4.5Miles/KWH. Car battery was preheated before start .Total actual 226 miles,

And from an 8 year old battery!

No problems no range anxiety, No expensive non home charging..(Trip home after dark so lights on all way home.

(Fitted upgraded H11 headlamp and dipped H7 halogen bulbs - prior were too dim)

Edited by madf on 28/01/2025 at 10:21

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Tue 28 Jan 2025 11:20
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - badbusdriver

Sounds like you've no regrets over buying the i3 and it has exceeded expectations?

Good to hear, and long may it continue!

Just the other day a young(ish) woman in an i3 parked next to me. I told her it was a cool car but she looked a bit baffled initially (like to her it was just a car), before saying thanks!

Sad that market forces (and the desire for maximum profits) have pushed BMW in a different direction from cars like the genuinely innovative i3, specifically towards ever bigger and ever more catastrophically ugly SUV's.

Watched a "Number 27" video YT last night on the Audi A2 1.2TDI and in a lot of ways I think it was very similar to the i3 in the thinking and purpose behind it.

Sadly it was also a commercial flop, seems people in general shy away from clever cars!

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Tue 28 Jan 2025 11:30
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - Andrew-T

Just the other day a young(ish) woman in an i3 parked next to me. I told her it was a cool car but she looked a bit baffled initially (like to her it was just a car), before saying thanks!

She probably took it as a compliment after working out whether you were chatting her up ... :-)

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Tue 28 Jan 2025 11:45
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - SLO76
“ Watched a "Number 27" video YT last night on the Audi A2 1.2TDI and in a lot of ways I think it was very similar to the i3 in the thinking and purpose behind it.”

Ahead of its time that wee car, I really liked them. Quality bit of kit, surprisingly roomy, great on fuel, took up little space on the road and had bags of character, especially with the 3cyl diesels. Cult following these days means tidy examples without mega miles sell for strong money. Only downer was over firm ride, especially with lower profile tyres.

Edited by SLO76 on 28/01/2025 at 11:46

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Tue 28 Jan 2025 11:23
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - SLO76
All very positive. Sounds like a good wee car. Have you worked out how much it cost you in petrol and home charging to cover that 226 miles? It certainly won’t be dearer than say my Leaf which would’ve required one recharge at prohibitive public charging rates.
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Tue 28 Jan 2025 13:14
BMW I3 - I bought a used BMW I3- a story to be updated . - madf
All very positive. Sounds like a good wee car. Have you worked out how much it cost

27kwh for electricity at 23.625p/KWH incl 5% Vat = £6.38##

2 litres petrol @£1.45 = £2.90

Total £9.28

If petrol driven by last Honda Jazz 138miles @15.6p =£21.53

Net saving £12.25 or 57%

## on a fixed price tariff .Changing to a cheap EV rate means change of tariff and a net price increase on home electricity bills.

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