Recent 'radio silence'

I have been buying a 2017 BMW i3-REx and reduced postings (i.e., 'radio silence'.) Now that the wire payment is being 'telegraphed' to the seller, I can explain.

Background, a 2014 BMW i3-REx was my EV gateway drug. This serial-hybrid is an electric car that carries an efficient, built-in, generator that works even at 70 mph. Parallel-hybrids have a mechanical transmission connecting the ICE to the drive wheels like the 2017 Prius Prime. One has just a generator and the other a transmission and generator.

I am buying (payment sent, bought?) a used, 2017 BMW i3-REx to replace the original 2014 BMW:

• $15,440 versus $14,500 repurchase price
• 27 kWh battery versus 18 kWh
• 7th of 8 year battery warranty versus expired battery warranty
• 54,000 miles versus ~68,000 mi
• new tires, dealer prep versus 'time to replace' tires
• both have 2" receiver hitch
• pay State purchase taxes and fees and 'hippy tax' registration

An Internet search found about half a dozen, 2017-2018 BMW i3-REx for various higher prices and hundreds of miles way. This one was the least expensive, $15,440 and 850 miles, 15 hours drive, ~$78.60 away. I just got back from inspecting and signing the papers:

• All windows tinted black
• Has 2" receiver hitch
• Missing portable charger and tire 'goop' kit

The battery was near zero but had enough charge to start the REx. So after two hours on a 6.2 kW charger:

• 24 mi indicated EV range at just under 25% SOC, 24%(?)
  • ~100 mi EV range - 24 mi / 24%
  • 86% battery degradation - 100 mi / 116 mi per Wiki
• Battery warranty 8 years to 70%
  • one year left on warranty
  • battery meets my expectations and REx works

Once the seller reports they want to give me the keys and paper work, I'll find 'cheap' transportation and drive back. In addition to an overnight bag, I will bring a dual-voltage, 120-240 VAC, settable current, 8, 12, 30 amp, portable charger along with a NEMA 5-15 to NEMA 14-50 AC adapter. I'll also bring (or buy there) 12 V, air pump and sticky string tire plug kit.

From Huntsville, I have these options:

• cheap flight - $187
• one way rental car - $192
  • 34 gal = 850 mi / 25 MPG
  • $90 rental one-way plus $102 gas ($3/gal)

Questions?

Bob Wilson

 

New, $52-54,000. BMW also had an affordable lease program.

BMW never made a serious effort to reduce the I3 cost to produce. A different CEO came in and he chased off the original engneers and sold off the carbon fiber plant making the body material. He then put the next product, the i8, under an exceptionally poor engineering team. I spontaneously laughed when I saw the i8 ... to the disappointment of the local BMW sales critters.

There are some 'low hanging fruit' that I hope to test with my new I3: (1) cooled exhaust recirculation and; (2) engine coolant cabin heater. I would also like to make the passenger seat become a recliner for 'hotel BMW.'

Bob Wilson

 

Weight remains a critical aspect for efficient EVs which is where traditional manufacturer engineering fails. So their EVs are heavy compared to Teslas but more due to poor design practices. But even carbon fiber and bonding plastics have come down in cost and improved performance (not including the recent submersible.)

Source: https://www.infosys.com/engineering-services/white-papers/documents/carbon-composites-cost-effective.pdf



The first Atlas rockets were made from stainless steel, effectively a metal balloon. Tesla's Starship is also stainless steel. But BMW did not redesign using stainless steel but went with traditional, automotive grade steel and overweight construction.

Bob Wilson

 

Source: AD #3603 – Ouch! Audi Could Buy Chinese EV Platform; EV Startup NIO in Deep Trouble; One-Off Ferrari is Stunning – Autoline Daily

GIGACASTING THREATEN STEEL, TOOL & DIE INDUSTRIES
Aluminum gigacastings are a threat to the steel industry. That’s according to Japan’s second largest steel producer, a company called JFE. It says that as more automakers use gigacastings, demand for steel will go down. Tesla pioneered the use of big aluminum castings as part of the body structure of a car, which eliminated the need for 140 steel stampings in the Model Y. Toyota and General Motors are also going to use big aluminum castings in upcoming EVs. Harbour Reports also points out that the tool and die industry is under threat from gigacastings since they eliminate so many steel stamping dies.​

Bob Wilson

 

A small amount, about one day of Pepsi soda pop cans.

Bob Wilson

 

Then I saw one in the dealer show room. It is far, far, away from the same as an i3. Like I said, I inadvertently laughed at it and my opinion has not changed. Thankfully, BMW canceled it.


Look at the left side, wrapped, tail fin. GACKKKK! Some things are so ugly, even I can't stand them.

Bob Wilson

 

Wiki suggests something else:


I blame Vision EfficientDynamics and Benoit Jacob. I can't image Richard Kim did such a bad job after the i3.

Bob Wilson

 

My deal:


I got confirmation they got the money so the car is mine. BTW, I measured the expected battery range at the dealer, 100 miles.

Bob Wilson