I3s arriving in Michigan

[MichiganI3]

After 6 long months of waiting, I just took delivery of my I3 REX from ERHARD BMW here in Farmington Hills. It is one of the first I3s in Michigan which makes driving it even more fun. I have owned several BMWs but it is the first time that I am a "launch customer", especially for a car featuring all this new advanced technology.

Initially I had ordered a TERA and, like many other early adopters, I had to change for a GIGA launch version which I took fully loaded with all options. What a great car!!

My dealership had already been very supportive during the order process and the long wait period. They did an equally great job with preparing the I3 for the road - everything worked right the first time, AC and DC charging included. I am using a 7.2kW AC level 2 charger at home (not the BMW / SCHNEIDER one) and a 10kW DC level 3 at work. Both work well with the DC of course being the fastest. The AC Level 1 charger included with the car also works fine and surprisingly fast. In the vehicle, I put the selector for the charging rate on "high", for both AC Level 1 and AC Level 2.

I also found it easy to activate the ChargeNow card - it works well, I tested it on two public stations here in the area.

Range Extender has to come on yet.

After 130 electric miles I am just delighted.

 

[scottlawrencelawson]

Nice! Congradulations . . . what brand/model of level 2 charger did you get?

 

[MichiganI3]

I am using a BOSCH PowerXpress with a 30A plug and fused accordingly. You can run it at several power levels, I run it at 30A.

 

[MichiganI3]

Just initialized the remote I3 app - everything went smoothly and the app started operating instantly.

Now planning a longer trip - let's see whether the REX works and whether the CEL comes on or not.

 

[MichiganI3]

Just came back from my first longer road trip. Gladly the I3 did not let me down.

After 91 miles in electric, mostly in Eco Plus mode, range extender kicked in smoothly, at 4 miles left in the battery. Felt somewhat nervous that it would not come on at all...

Check engine light came on as soon as the REX started. However the little engine operated without difficulty, and the vehicle diagnostics say the vehicle is 100% OK. Same situation as reported from most other REX owners.

Now recharging - car says it will need 3:40 to get fully charged with my AC Level 2 charger.