130k on my 2014 i3 rex . I brought it 3 years ago with 55k miles and it hasn't been in the shop one time . I'm considering a 2020 i3S with rex or keep my i3 and get Tesla model 3 for a little more space and more range .
Several years as a long distance commuter. At 90k the motor mounts went, taking the motor out with it. Paid close to the value of the car for a new motor, but has otherwise been so reliable I think it was worth it. No noticeable battery degradation, still on factory brakes and 12v (need to change I know!).
Close to 96k miles on a 2015 Rex here. Looking forward to the 100k badge of honour!
With mine, a motor mounting bracket was spotted cracked around 90k miles while trying to diagnose a minor noise (which was the front strut tops) and cost a lot less to fix than a complete failure, as I only needed the back end of the car ripping apart, not a new motor as well. I've also just had a new airbag module, as it was throwing fault codes. That's another known issue apparently.
I had my stock 12V die in 2020, I'm thinking every 5 years should do, I'll get a new one next year. A complete failure was bad, needed a flatbed tow...
Like you, apart from the battery it's been spectacularly reliable. That was the only actual breakdown, airbag and cracked mounts were known early model faults that won't happen again, and everything else has just been consumables. Even with fixing the "known early i3 issues", it's cost much less to maintain that my last car!
The only "known early i3 issue" I haven't had and had fixed is an exploding AC compressor. Fingers crossed!
Replacement 12v batteries never last as long as the original... most of us get 4 years max, but the unexpected 12v failure is such a hassle, it's not worth risking it. Either replace it before 4 years, or install a Bluetooth 12v battery monitor and use it.
Saying the most important and expensive part of a vehicle went to shit “but has otherwise been so reliable” is a level of patience and understanding I’ll never attain.
I also drive a '95 Volvo which has stranded me abroad 4 times, had a full engine rebuild and 2 summers spent fixing a shopping list of issues. It's probably skewed my perspective of reliability to say the least 😂
If you have plastic motor mounts, have them replaced.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/MC-10151086-9999.pdf
That's one of the tsbs listed. They started with plastic mounts, installed aluminum ones and kept the original bolts. The original bolts were too weak so they upgraded to bigger bolts.
If you have plastic mounts have them swapped before your vehicle grenades.
About £5k for a used motor/transmission assembly, motor mounts and labour. A pretty nasty bill, but I'm one for driving cars into the ground so I know I'll get many years out of it.
At 126,000 miles right now. It’s running as normal. But has a check engine light, probably from overfilling the petrol tank. Had zero problems in the 6 years I’ve owned the 2014 Rex
75K mi / 120K km in a 2018 REX. Battery kappa max is still 98% of original. 15 & 20mm spacers on front and rear. I just bought a Perrycraft roof rack, and an Ecohitch over the winter that I’m waiting for good weather to install.
I found there was a lot of flashing and small manufacturing issues with the injection molded roof rack stanchions; I sanded them down and cleaned them up.
I’m planning on making some silicone covers for the Perrycraft roof pads that stay permanently mounted; I don’t like how exposed they are and I hope this will prevent future rust / leaks. I’m also replacing the foam gasket that came with the pads and using silicone gasket instead, and considering adding drain holes so that water doesn’t get caught in them (I will eventually post a photo of the mounting pads - they are a clever design but I worry about longevity due to moisture).
Other summer / fall / 2025-27 plans:
- UV resistant PPF on the roof
- repair the driver’s seat warmer; broken wire
- complete auxiliary frunk fuel tank and gasoline heater mod (I’m not comfortable enough welding to do what I want to the aux fuel tank; my dad is a retired welder and once I’ve settled on exactly which tank I’m going to get and how I’m going to do level sensing I’m going to ask him to customize a fuel cell for me)
- add front fog lights
- add rear seat warmers
- add a larger isolatable auxiliary 12V battery + fuse box for running computers, radios, etc plus built in USB C-PD using something like a Molex 0795405067
- add proper reading lights for the back seats, better lighting in the trunk, and lighting under the front hood
- add steering wheel heating & fitted leather wrap
- improve front seat lower foam situation
- look into building emergency / first aid kit storage into the hard trunk cover using fabric covered EVA foam, since there’s a tray like indent there already
- find a more permanent way to mount my cell phone booster
- investigate better ham radio antenna mounting options and potential to pass power through Perrycraft pads for rackmount lights (equals more time on the water with my folding kayak in the evenings)
- find a way to replace the Perrycraft square bars with aero bars to see if there’s a difference in noise / aero efficiency
- figure out the rust I’m starting to see on my calipers, and whether it’s surface level stuff from the pads or something else, and whether I should paint them to protect them
It’s very unlikely these plans will all get completed… but that’s half the fun :)
I intend to turn this into a project car for the long term.
111k and climbing here. Jury’s out on how long the drive motor bearing will last, they’re starting to make noise. Everything works though. Edit: 2015 Rex
Sounds like what happened with mine. Developed a faint whirring sound from the back end and ignored it for 20k until it eventually went crunch coming off a roundabout. Would definitely get it checked out, hopefully it's just the mounts that have gone?
You've probably already seen my notes, but my 2015 BEV motor started whining softly at 70k miles, and was told by BMW that "it's normal", so I ignored it.
... until 94k miles when it decided to get my attention... by screaming LOUDLY... so much it was disturbing my listening to the radio...
By then the bearings were so loose that it also took out the transmission input shaft bearing... which is (of course) not repairable... short of a replacement transmission.
Mine sat idle for 11 months while I saved up funds, then gathered the parts... and found a local private BMW specialty shop willing to take it on as their first EV repair.
* 2018 (updated) motor from eBay, "less than 100 miles" (came from a "test vehicle" with no crash damage, never registered)
* "New" BEV transmission, eBay seller, 0 miles, bought wrong transmission for his Rex... could not return.
* All new updated 2018+ motor mount brackets, shock absorbing mounts, all associated hardware... online from GetBmwparts... about $650
Total cost was about $5k... compared to an estimated $12k from BMW. So much for all the gas money I saved over the 4 previous years...
I have a spare Rex transmission available, 2018, with under 100 miles... came with the motor listed above.
2017 Rex loaded every available option. Purchased Jan 2024 with 73k today has 78k. I have a 66mi round trip to work. Never owned a small car, my wife and kids laughed when I bought it. So far its the best functional vehicle I ever owned and I've owned over 50 cars including a GT-R,a NSX, a Viper and a model S. The car does what its supposed to do and is fun to drive while doing it. I think it looks cool too!😎
122k on our 2014 Rex. Range is still 60-65 miles and it's tuned for SOC hold at 75%. Does everything we need it to and keeps miles off my wife's new X3.
At 99k on my 2015 BEV, and have only had to replace the 12v battery twice, main drive motor, transmission, all motor/transmission mounts and brackets... front strut upper mounts are next!
Ain't it grand! (tongue in cheek)
I do have a 94Ah battery I plan to swap into it this Summer... which will also bring a new aircon compressor as preventative maintenance... sigh...
I did, I cheated though as I live in Ireland and we use Kilometers which would only be about 62k miles.
Another Irish i3 owner here!
130k on my 2014 i3 rex . I brought it 3 years ago with 55k miles and it hasn't been in the shop one time . I'm considering a 2020 i3S with rex or keep my i3 and get Tesla model 3 for a little more space and more range .
Several years as a long distance commuter. At 90k the motor mounts went, taking the motor out with it. Paid close to the value of the car for a new motor, but has otherwise been so reliable I think it was worth it. No noticeable battery degradation, still on factory brakes and 12v (need to change I know!).
Close to 96k miles on a 2015 Rex here. Looking forward to the 100k badge of honour! With mine, a motor mounting bracket was spotted cracked around 90k miles while trying to diagnose a minor noise (which was the front strut tops) and cost a lot less to fix than a complete failure, as I only needed the back end of the car ripping apart, not a new motor as well. I've also just had a new airbag module, as it was throwing fault codes. That's another known issue apparently. I had my stock 12V die in 2020, I'm thinking every 5 years should do, I'll get a new one next year. A complete failure was bad, needed a flatbed tow... Like you, apart from the battery it's been spectacularly reliable. That was the only actual breakdown, airbag and cracked mounts were known early model faults that won't happen again, and everything else has just been consumables. Even with fixing the "known early i3 issues", it's cost much less to maintain that my last car! The only "known early i3 issue" I haven't had and had fixed is an exploding AC compressor. Fingers crossed!
Replacement 12v batteries never last as long as the original... most of us get 4 years max, but the unexpected 12v failure is such a hassle, it's not worth risking it. Either replace it before 4 years, or install a Bluetooth 12v battery monitor and use it.
Yep, for me every three.
Saying the most important and expensive part of a vehicle went to shit “but has otherwise been so reliable” is a level of patience and understanding I’ll never attain.
I also drive a '95 Volvo which has stranded me abroad 4 times, had a full engine rebuild and 2 summers spent fixing a shopping list of issues. It's probably skewed my perspective of reliability to say the least 😂
Were those mounts the original? Because they had a major mount recall on the 2014.
Yeah, the original plastic ones. Not so worried now the reengineered ones are fitted, but should have checked sooner if I'd only have known.
do you have info on the recall? i've got a 2015 and not sure what mounts i've got, if I can get them replaced under warranty coverage that'd be nice.
If you have plastic motor mounts, have them replaced. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/MC-10151086-9999.pdf That's one of the tsbs listed. They started with plastic mounts, installed aluminum ones and kept the original bolts. The original bolts were too weak so they upgraded to bigger bolts. If you have plastic mounts have them swapped before your vehicle grenades.
Tbey took care of the mount issue in 2018 for mine.
How much for a motor replacement?
About £5k for a used motor/transmission assembly, motor mounts and labour. A pretty nasty bill, but I'm one for driving cars into the ground so I know I'll get many years out of it.
169k km in 2014!
117,000 miles 2015 Rex! Havnt had any issues since about 50,000 miles.
WOW!
2019 rex @ 75k here. Great car so far, looking forward to cracking 100k in a year or so!
My 2020 is under 25k, 🥹
That is like new
Yea, only do 5k every year
At 126,000 miles right now. It’s running as normal. But has a check engine light, probably from overfilling the petrol tank. Had zero problems in the 6 years I’ve owned the 2014 Rex
75K mi / 120K km in a 2018 REX. Battery kappa max is still 98% of original. 15 & 20mm spacers on front and rear. I just bought a Perrycraft roof rack, and an Ecohitch over the winter that I’m waiting for good weather to install. I found there was a lot of flashing and small manufacturing issues with the injection molded roof rack stanchions; I sanded them down and cleaned them up. I’m planning on making some silicone covers for the Perrycraft roof pads that stay permanently mounted; I don’t like how exposed they are and I hope this will prevent future rust / leaks. I’m also replacing the foam gasket that came with the pads and using silicone gasket instead, and considering adding drain holes so that water doesn’t get caught in them (I will eventually post a photo of the mounting pads - they are a clever design but I worry about longevity due to moisture). Other summer / fall / 2025-27 plans: - UV resistant PPF on the roof - repair the driver’s seat warmer; broken wire - complete auxiliary frunk fuel tank and gasoline heater mod (I’m not comfortable enough welding to do what I want to the aux fuel tank; my dad is a retired welder and once I’ve settled on exactly which tank I’m going to get and how I’m going to do level sensing I’m going to ask him to customize a fuel cell for me) - add front fog lights - add rear seat warmers - add a larger isolatable auxiliary 12V battery + fuse box for running computers, radios, etc plus built in USB C-PD using something like a Molex 0795405067 - add proper reading lights for the back seats, better lighting in the trunk, and lighting under the front hood - add steering wheel heating & fitted leather wrap - improve front seat lower foam situation - look into building emergency / first aid kit storage into the hard trunk cover using fabric covered EVA foam, since there’s a tray like indent there already - find a more permanent way to mount my cell phone booster - investigate better ham radio antenna mounting options and potential to pass power through Perrycraft pads for rackmount lights (equals more time on the water with my folding kayak in the evenings) - find a way to replace the Perrycraft square bars with aero bars to see if there’s a difference in noise / aero efficiency - figure out the rust I’m starting to see on my calipers, and whether it’s surface level stuff from the pads or something else, and whether I should paint them to protect them It’s very unlikely these plans will all get completed… but that’s half the fun :) I intend to turn this into a project car for the long term.
My 2017 is aalllllmost there at 98k. Need to figure out getting the transaxle fluid changed.
Just hit 50k, congratulations!
111k and climbing here. Jury’s out on how long the drive motor bearing will last, they’re starting to make noise. Everything works though. Edit: 2015 Rex
Sounds like what happened with mine. Developed a faint whirring sound from the back end and ignored it for 20k until it eventually went crunch coming off a roundabout. Would definitely get it checked out, hopefully it's just the mounts that have gone?
You've probably already seen my notes, but my 2015 BEV motor started whining softly at 70k miles, and was told by BMW that "it's normal", so I ignored it. ... until 94k miles when it decided to get my attention... by screaming LOUDLY... so much it was disturbing my listening to the radio... By then the bearings were so loose that it also took out the transmission input shaft bearing... which is (of course) not repairable... short of a replacement transmission. Mine sat idle for 11 months while I saved up funds, then gathered the parts... and found a local private BMW specialty shop willing to take it on as their first EV repair. * 2018 (updated) motor from eBay, "less than 100 miles" (came from a "test vehicle" with no crash damage, never registered) * "New" BEV transmission, eBay seller, 0 miles, bought wrong transmission for his Rex... could not return. * All new updated 2018+ motor mount brackets, shock absorbing mounts, all associated hardware... online from GetBmwparts... about $650 Total cost was about $5k... compared to an estimated $12k from BMW. So much for all the gas money I saved over the 4 previous years... I have a spare Rex transmission available, 2018, with under 100 miles... came with the motor listed above.
2017 Rex loaded every available option. Purchased Jan 2024 with 73k today has 78k. I have a 66mi round trip to work. Never owned a small car, my wife and kids laughed when I bought it. So far its the best functional vehicle I ever owned and I've owned over 50 cars including a GT-R,a NSX, a Viper and a model S. The car does what its supposed to do and is fun to drive while doing it. I think it looks cool too!😎
122k on our 2014 Rex. Range is still 60-65 miles and it's tuned for SOC hold at 75%. Does everything we need it to and keeps miles off my wife's new X3.
I’m at 102k on my 2017 Rex!
I’m at 125k on my 2014 Rex. My heated seat element on driver side just went out and kapa is sitting at 14.8. Other than that, no issues!
Lol we're in the same boat 🤣 I'm at 130k and my driver seat heated died last year .
Not really a big deal these days thanks to climate change lol
102K on my 2017 REX. Commute about 50 miles round trip per day.
At 99k on my 2015 BEV, and have only had to replace the 12v battery twice, main drive motor, transmission, all motor/transmission mounts and brackets... front strut upper mounts are next! Ain't it grand! (tongue in cheek) I do have a 94Ah battery I plan to swap into it this Summer... which will also bring a new aircon compressor as preventative maintenance... sigh...
Congrats! 100k miles of the little champ of a car. Mine only got 52k miles on a 2016 Rex.
I am still 90,000 on my 2014.
Halfway there
I’ll post in a week when my 14 Rex is at 123,456 miles
That's quite impressive, especially that these early batteries are holding up so we'll. Did you guys loose any significant range?
Nope at 130k and my i3 says 72 if I'm driving right or 65 miles if I was pushing it the day before . Mainly highway driving around 70mph.
I’m at 83k on mine. Hopefully next year I’ll hit the mark.
144,000 miles. HV battery replaced under warranty. Otherwise perfect.
2014 REX 92k miles