Any members in New Zealand ?

[Chrisnz]

Just seeing if anyone has joined the forum from New Zealand ,I have done 5000k since May and love the car ,my Audi rs4 has hardly moved.

 

[Kiwi]

Just seeing if anyone has joined the forum from New Zealand ,I have done 5000k since May and love the car ,my Audi rs4 has hardly moved.

I've been looking and test drove an i3 but still undecided.

After owning many BMW's I thought the i3 would corner well and have supportive front seats but it did not so this turned me off. I still think about the i3 and may need another test drive now the market has settle down.

I did notice a Japanese import i3 for 56k the other day.

 

[castigan]

yes, in auckland. 2014 i3 rex - can code too if you need anything done

 

[gumbinz]

Yes, in Whangaparaoa, Auckland. Have just taken delivery of an 2014 REX.

 

[Gazza1]

Yes, in Tauranga, having just bought a 2014 i3 REx from AutoLink in Auckland last Saturday 15 July.
Unfortunately joined the "Drivetrain fault" group on the trip home!
However, being very well treated by dealer and i3 is now at BMW Auckland.
I'm awaiting outcome, and so very interested in your story Castigan.
Gazza1

 

[davidb]

Yes - in Palmerston North - Imported 2015 EV - non REx. Still awaiting delivery in 10 days time. Any others nearby?

 

[MagicCarpet]

In Warkworth. 2017 REX from Japan
Info for other Kiwis getting a Jap or UK car insted of local (you probably already know the AC and DC chrging ports are different):
Came with a 15A Clipper Creek EVSE (home charger cord)
Checked all the specs rated for 230V and 50Hz power with ELCB function so no need to buy an aftermarket $700 unit just because they say you have to.........obviously I need a suitably rated outlet and NZ plug for it which has been done. There is lots of 'official' BS on the net - tread quietly and dont believe everything you see.
Got E-Sys and the OBD2 cord so I could code the AM radio (we dont get FM this far out in the sticks you know)
Now mulling over whether to attempt the Navigation NZ maps install.
Any advice on how the software & hardware operates would be helpful as German phrases and a WinNT like browser of E-Sys isnt my preferred
way of learning how to brick my car.
I'm not sure there is much support from BMW Head office either, new to the brand and the last almost European car I owned was a Mk2 Escort.
When I go on the website there are a total of 3 dealers in N.I . authorised to service & sell BMWi and the one I picked to ask the questions dont actually have the ability or authoisation to sort the Nav map issues
Arranging to have the VIN area switched from Japan as apparently this is necessary before I can buy maps or other options for the car.

So far just done a 1700km roadtrip without issues (unless getting stones stuck in the front brake disc shield plates x4 counts)
it makes a terrible screechy noise and best fixed by pushing the shield away from the disc with a stick until a stone drops out
PM me if I can help with any issues.
Ralph

 

[johnwilliam1883]

i want test drive

 

[MarkH]

Yes. Recently bought a 2016 BEV i3 33kwh.
Located in Rotorua.
Finding this forum very useful

 

[MarkH]

MagicCarpet, I had the NZ maps sent to me on a USB stick from Gravity 379 Dominion Rd Mt Eden. Phone 09 6390168.
It was a doddle to load.

 

[MagicCarpet]

Thanks Mark, about the maps, is yours a Japan or UK version car? - just read your other post - UK version may be easier
The BMWi dealer told me its difficult for Japan cars and I have to get them to disconnect the telematics and put the car onto the NZ services first.

Then they get AutoGravity to come in and do the changes. The dealer cannot do it. Seems odd that they would travel to Wellington if they were able to just do it with USB. I may give them a call, the website doesnt cover i3. I suspect some firmware may need changing, might be easier for me to buy a UK NAV system which will also get me the DAB tuner.

I sent the disconnect waiver forms in, all 2 pages, and nothing happened. Other than giving me the ability to buy maps for NZ @ $85, I'm not sure there is anything useful for me.
Ralph

 

[MarkH]

Yeah, mine was a UK car.

I'd give AutoGravity a call and see what they advise.

Good luck.

 

[akmodi]

In Rotorua, 2019 i3 120. Thanks

 

[MarkH]

#akmodi
Where do you plan to get yours serviced? I think yours and mine are the only 2 in Rotorua.
None of the major (well thought of) garages seem to know anything about them.
One tried to tell me that it was a requirement to get the Aircon recharged every 2 years (at a cost of $600!)
Someone has designed a spreadsheet (elsewhere on this forum) that details stuff that needs doing at a service. I think I'll do everything on that sheet that I can do myself and just take it in to a garage to do the rest at the time of getting a WOF. Much of what is on the list is a WOF check anyway.

 

[MagicCarpet]

hi again guys with i3 after build date 07/2016 the rear brake discs no longer need replacing so (in my opinion) theres only checking of the fluid levels and oil quality if fitted with rex so I just do those items myself before WOF and reset the service menu. in my town there is a Euro specialist place who also has done the EV/hybrid courses so I do the WOF there - no way to be sure a testing station knows how to do the i3 on the brake test machine without braking something......

If you look on BMW NZ website theres only 5 places in N.I. authorised for sales and service and I had to nominate one to get the telematics registered to NZ so I'm with the one in the Hutt which till recently was Winger.

 

[akmodi]

Hi MarkH,

I was planning to get it serviced in Tauranga.

You are aware that servicing in the first 3 years is free anyway.

BTW: my email address is [email protected]

Thanks

akmodi

 

[MagicCarpet]

Anybody heard what the cause of the i3 which burnt to the ground over Nelson way around 9 mths. back? Just want to know what needs to be checked and did they get a new car?
I plan to look at the fuel vent line routing across the HV cables fwd of the Rex, already spotted HV cabling not tied in correctly to the mid rear down low and fixed with a tiewrap - it was scuffing across an aluminium heat shield - found when i did the fluids check.