DCI3 - BMW I3s in the Washington DC Area

[Tacfoto]

Looking to start a small of local owners who can support each other.

 

[tongsli]

I'm in Baltimore, MD

 

[coyotedriver]

I’m in Chevy Chase.

 

[JohnnyCakes]

Alexandria, VA

 

[accidentalyEV]

I am within 90 minute drive and interested

 

[Tacfoto]

OK Cool. This is more than I expected.

I created a group on Facebook. DCI3. Seems like a good name. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1174668953449739

We'll have to have a get together. Maybe a drive and lunch. Thoughts?

 

[Mike_F]

Just bought a 2015 REX - waiting for it to be delivered. In McLean.

 

[Blue82]

I’ve had an i3s since July. I live in DC proper and just joined the Facebook group (though I am not sure that it is very active).

 

[coyotedriver]

Just asked to join. I have a 2018 i3 BEV that I’ve had since 2019, originally purchased in California but moved out to the DC area with me in 2022. I’m in Chevy Chase, just outside DC.

 

[keehn]

Hagerstown, MD area.

(Does that count???)

 

[tongsli]

Hagerstown, MD area.

(Does that count???)

Yes, did you ask to join?

 

[keehn]

Yes, did you ask to join?

Yes.

 

[coyotedriver]

Question for DC-area i3 owners: have any of you found a good independent mechanic who will do work on the i3 (not on the HV battery system and drivetrain, but on other stuff like suspension, etc.)?

Every independent mechanic I’ve talked to basically refuses to work on EVs (which seems like a bad long-term strategy, but I digress). Would love any recommendations. Searching the forum it appears that someone asked this in 2019 but got no reply, which doesn’t fill me with hope…

 

[Blue82]

You can try Rossi Auto Service in Silver Spring:

https://www.rossisautoservice.com/

I have taken ICE cars there for years and when I bought my i3 I talked to Rod (the owner) and he said he has been trained to repair EVs and can do basic work. I couldn't get my summer tires off because they were torqued too tightly and I don't have a working impact wrench so they changed my wheels for me.

 

[Mike_F]

I’m new to the i3 world, but also have a 2004 Z4. Very happy with Alexandria Bavarian Service.

https://alexandriabavarianservice.com/

I took my 2015 i3 to a dealer after I bought it to ensure I got a dealer’s take on the status of the systems. But I was planning to take it to Alexandria for future needs. I haven’t asked them if they service i3s, though.

 

[tongsli]

Question for DC-area i3 owners: have any of you found a good independent mechanic who will do work on the i3 (not on the HV battery system and drivetrain, but on other stuff like suspension, etc.)?

Every independent mechanic I’ve talked to basically refuses to work on EVs (which seems like a bad long-term strategy, but I digress). Would love any recommendations. Searching the forum it appears that someone asked this in 2019 but got no reply, which doesn’t fill me with hope…

There is a user here and on Facebook who is an uber enthusiast who has done the battery swap several times. He lives in Baltimore, MD.

 

[tongsli]

There is also a shop in Capital Heights, MD which specializes in BMW's. I can't remember the name right now but will search for the place and report back