REx i3s being held up at the ports

[TomMoloughney]

While the BEv i3 has been released in the US, the range extended version (REx) is still being help at the ports because BMW and the EPA are still haggling over the Monroney label efficiency ratings. My car is one of them just hanging out at the port for this all to get sorted out. Some of the cars have been there for over a month now and their (soon to be) owners are calling up their dealerships and demanding answers -which of course the dealers can't give them because they don't know anything either. I did a blog post to explain the situation:

http://bmwi3.blogspot.com/2014/05/monroney-hold-has-hundreds-of-range.html

Anyone else here have an i3 REx that is on US soil but can't be released to the dealer yet? There is likely a few hundred of them there already.

 

[Surge]

Not sure I understand what the holdup is about - the recent EPA rating of 81 miles was FOR the REx! Was it not?

And regarding the battery level for the RExs in port, I would have the dealer do a check on the health of the batt when you take delivery. If less than 100%, I would get it replaced. The dealer can check, as this is how they determine if the battery is to be replaced under warranty.

 

[TomMoloughney]

Not sure I understand what the holdup is about - the recent EPA rating of 81 miles was FOR the REx! Was it not?

And regarding the battery level for the RExs in port, I would have the dealer do a check on the health of the batt when you take delivery. If less than 100%, I would get it replaced. The dealer can check, as this is how they determine if the battery is to be replaced under warranty.

No the 81 miles per charge rating was for the fully electric i3 BEV. The REx hasn't been officially rated yet and that's the holdup. Most people expect a 75 to 76 mile EPA range rating for the REx i3.

 

[Surge]

Makes sense, thanks.

 

[MichiganI3]

Hi All,

I am in the same situation - my REX arrived in New Jersey on 4/28 and has been held there ever since. I learned that they started a work order on the car on 5/7.

My dealership here in Michigan is totally lost and I agree that communication from BMW NA with regards to the REX release is almost non-existing.

Let's see what happens.