Air Conditioning Affecting Mileage?

[DSMLVNV]

Hi Everyone...Just got my new i3 yesterday. Glad to be here! I'm not sure if this is a UK or US-based Forum. Either way, if you'd help me out, I would appreciate.

I just took my car out in the Las Vegas heat and noticed that the moment I put the A/C on, my mileage potential dropped by 20-25 miles. Is this normal? Am I truly dealing with a car that will only give me 70-75 mile output on a full charge when it's 115 degrees here in July?

Thanks for your help!

-David

 

[i3Alan]

Am I truly dealing with a car that will only give me 70-75 mile output on a full charge when it's 115 degrees here in July?

David, it is a dry heat. You won't need to use your stink'n AC in Las Vegas! :lol:

 

[mindmachine]

Am I truly dealing with a car that will only give me 70-75 mile output on a full charge when it's 115 degrees here in July?

David, it is a dry heat. You won't need to use your stink'n AC in Las Vegas! :lol:

you will just feel like you have been dry roasted. :lol:

 

[DSMLVNV]

LOL...Now can you help me out with my question? Thanks

 

[jadnashuanh]

One of the Eco displays on the iDrive shows the results of various things like the ventilation system. I'd look there first. Also, the estimated driving range, especially when the car is new, is still learning your driving style, and could be way off. Last thing, if you can, use the preconditioning routine while it is still plugged in...this gets the car comfortable for you and the battery before you unplug it and then go. I had my windows tinted with 3M Crystalline film, and that seems to help a lot with the IR and UV and it's very light, enough so that I had the windshield tinted, and it doesn't really look like it is. Neat stuff, over 200 layers of nano-tech, non metallic so it doesn't affect cellphone or other reception and, the cops don't hassle you.

The warmest it's been here since I received mine has been maybe low 90's - I don't have a feel for what it might have been over 100-degrees F, but the a/c doesn't seem to be a really significant range hit. I'd guess heating in the winter, especially if you use the seat heaters, will be worse.

 

[pdurham]

I second the comments of jadnashuanh. We're in Tucson, AZ. Our i3 REx is also tinted with Crystalline, including a light tint on the windshield. Crystalline is expensive but very effective, and the ability to tint the windshield helps a lot. Especially when it's hot, we also precondition the car before heading out. With preconditioning, I can comfortably drive in Eco Pro mode, which cuts back but doesn't eliminate A/C. (Though if the car has been sitting in the sun for awhile, I'm more comfortable staying in Comfort mode for a few minutes until the interior cools off.) I have not seen such a significant impact on range from the A/C under these conditions as reported by DSMLVNV.

 

[DSMLVNV]

Interesting. I'm getting more used to the mileage limitations by the day, and loving the car.

Can you give me some more info about the Crystalline please?

Also, do you all know about the Alternate Mobility Program. iManagement is currently finalizing the program, which will definitely start, and their intention is that the plan is implemented by the end of 2014. Free loaner gas BMW's from your Dealer for any trip over 100 miles!

I'll look for your responses about Crystalline - Costs, Where to install, etc. Thanks everyone!

 

[pdurham]

Crystalline is made by 3M. Here's a link to 3M's web page about Crystalline: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Window_Film/Solutions/Markets-Products/Automotive/Crystalline-Automotive-Films/

The web page has a dealer locator. Not sure where you are, but hopefully that will work for you. As to costs, I paid around $900 to have it installed on all windows (70% on windshield, 40% on sides and back). I've heard of costs varying significantly depending on the dealer and the area, so I would check with a local dealer before making any decision. The percentages refer to the amount of visible light that passes through the film. I.e., 70% lets 70% of the light through. But it doesn't look nearly as dark as those numbers suggest. I can hardly tell there's anything on the windshield, yet it cuts down significantly on the heat.

The alternate mobility program, DriveNow as I believe they call it, appears not to be consistently implemented everywhere the i3 is sold. My guess is that it's more available in Europe and perhaps major U.S. cities. Perhaps it will become available in more places with time. I'd suggest you ask your dealer. I asked mine (Tucson, AZ), and they didn't know anything about it.

 

[DSMLVNV]

Thanks on the Crystalline!

DriveNOW is not what I'm talking about. What I'm referring to is a program for those people that have bought BMW EV's. If you have a trip that's over 100 miles, you can get a free loaner from your local BMW Dealer. AMAZING! All you have to do is pay for gas! The program will start by the end of 2014 is the intention.

 

[pdurham]

You're right--DriveNow is not the right name. A little quick research revealed that DriveNow is more like a typical car-sharing program.

Interesting about the loaner program. In my early research, I had read about something like what you described, but with no real details or specific name. At that time, there was mention of it on BMW's i3 website. When first talking to the dealer about the i3 (before we bought it), I asked the dealer about it. As I mentioned, they knew nothing about it, so I concluded that it might never reach us here in Arizona and we didn't factor it in to our decision to buy the car.

There's some information, well, maybe "information" is stretching it a bit, on this forum about the alternate mobility program. Use the search function here to search on those three words. It sounds like something is available in the U.K., but that the cost is such that it is potentially more expensive than a normal rental car. On January 21, 2014, Tom Moloughney had this to say on the subject: "No BMW hasn't announced the details for the US version of this yet. I'll post it here as soon as they do." No further post from him on the subject that I can see.

 

[DSMLVNV]

Here's a link that I think will make you very happy.

http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2014-bmw-i3-gas-loaner-program-to-ease-range-concerns.html

As mentioned, I spoke with iConcierge at BMW today, and they confirmed this is going to happen by the end of the year. From all I've researched it will be a free of charge loaner, just like a loaner during servicing. You just have to pay for gas.

 

[ultraturtle]

Here's a link that I think will make you very happy.

http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2014-bmw-i3-gas-loaner-program-to-ease-range-concerns.html

As mentioned, I spoke with iConcierge at BMW today, and they confirmed this is going to happen by the end of the year. From all I've researched it will be a free of charge loaner, just like a loaner during servicing. You just have to pay for gas.

That news story is almost a year and a half old. My CA told me a week ago that he just got back from i3 training, and BMW USA was soliciting input on implementing the program, but no details had yet been finalized. BMW Calls it the "Alternate Mobility Program" on the BMW USA website http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Cont...ngeExtender/360Electric/FlexibleMobility.aspx:

Alternate Mobility Program*

For those occasional long-distance trips, BMW i is developing customized mobility solutions for your longer excursions. Whether you're planning a long weekend getaway or a road trip vacation, BMW i will have you covered in style.

*Planned to be available in 2014.

This is the only suggestion I've seen that it will be free of charge. As implemented in Europe, it is essentially a very expensive rental.

 

[Chrisn]

In my lease paperwork, it says "Alternate Mobility Program" is included. Dealer thought that meant "free," but he wasn't sure of details/limits/co-pay/etc.

 

[user 1096]

I'm not sure if this is a UK or US-based Forum.... my mileage potential dropped by 20-25 miles. Is this normal? Am I truly dealing with a car that will only give me 70-75 mile output on a full charge when it's 115 degrees here in July?

Thanks for your help!

-David

Couple of thoughts, and Welcome David.

1) I agree with your UK comments; early on, I urged people to INCLUDE THEIR CITY ADDRESS in their "location" ID that shows in the left column. There are enough differences between English and American versions that it would save a LOT of wasted time reading about UK conditions that don't apply here. But, since the car has been on the market there for some time, they have the numbers and experience to show here....I just wish they'd display their home locale.

2) I live on the shore of the Hudson River, at sea level, opposite Albany NY and have to climb fairly steep hills no mater which direction I leave home. I routinely see my Guess-o-meter drop 5 miles going (gradually) about 6 blocks uphill. The hills, combined with my usual forgetfulness to switch over to Pro or Pro+ until I've gone the first block, don't help either.

3) I'll mention it here but also will open a thread of its own regarding AC remaining ON after disengaging the AC button. Today, I climbed in to go over the bridge to work out at my club (3 miles). The AC was still on from a humid/rainy ride home last night. I felt the cold several blocks away and shut it off (with windows open). However, it continued to pump cold air as I parked. Worse, an hour later, when I emerged from the club, I started moving and realized the cold air was still pumping.

I will note that engaging Pro+ will kill it immediately, but traveling in Pro or Comfort even after a manual/AC button shut-off, will not shut the AC off. Anybody else in moderate temp-zone notice this? This summer has been very mild and I prefer letting the windows down around town to cranking on the AC.