Maintenance requirements for I3. can it never get serviced?

[mikesolaric]

contemplating in getting the first I3 in Philippines. Local BMW dealer here doesn't sell it hence can this car survive 5years use without mechanic. I can have tires rotated and brake fluid flushed but nobody can do diagnostics. Is this too risky?
We have a solar company hence electricity is free in our workplace and even our homes. So the green appeal of this car is good for business so its worth taking early adopter risks for this.

 

[mikesolaric]

more importantly are there any annoying service me codes that come up. also when they service the unit, do they do anything remarkable. it has no engine oil, belts, fans, etc so what do they really do during service and what are the service intervals like?

 

[i3Alan]

contemplating in getting the first I3 in Philippines. Local BMW dealer here doesn't sell it hence can this car survive 5years use without mechanic. I can have tires rotated and brake fluid flushed but nobody can do diagnostics. Is this too risky?
We have a solar company hence electricity is free in our workplace and even our homes. So the green appeal of this car is good for business so its worth taking early adopter risks for this.

Service for an i3 BEV, other than as needed for tires, brakes, brake fluid, wipers and washer fluid presents two concerns for a non-i dealer. First is the software which may need updating from time to time. I don't know if a non-i dealer can do this, even though it should be the same as for other BMWs. Second is accident repairs to the CFRP body or aluminum undercarriage, which could be a big problem if ever needed. There is little likelihood of any other repairs needed, with the most probable next likely repair to be replacement of the AGM 12 volt battery. Anyone that can get the AGM battery should be able to replace it, although it is buried in the frunk making it a bit more difficult to replace than most cars' 12 volt batteries, but easier than most other BMWs! Note that the battery, drive electronics, motor, and mechanical drive components should be very long life and high reliability, unlikely to need any service within 10 years. However, there is always some chance that any of these components could fail.