Neue Klasse i3 First Edition

[insightman]

Still no pricing or availability for eager US customers, but BMW Blog reports BMW has released this info for lucky Europeans. To accomodate overwhelming interest in the i3 sedan, BMW has opened the order books for Europeans earlier than planned; production of the i3 still won't begin until August, however.

Initially, BMW will be delivering the i3 50 xDrive "First Edition" starting at €75,340 ($86,371 USD), followed later by a not-first edition i3 50 xDrive starting at €65,900 ($75,549 USD) before options (European VAT included in those prices, I assume). The First Edition can also be ordered with optional extras, such as a panoramic glass roof and heated rear seats--and, curiously, another option described below.

The BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition gets a version of the M Sport Package and the illuminated kidney grille as standard equipment. HOWEVER, as described, the M Sport steering wheel is NOT part of the First Edition's M Sport Package. Here's a photo of the First Edition's interior showing the standard Neue Klasse steering wheel. The BMW Blog article reports the more conventional-looking M Sport steering wheel is an available option.

Based on the M Sport steering wheel being an option on the i3 First Edition, I'm hoping the M Sport steering wheel can be ordered on a base i3 50 xDrive without having to buy the entire M Sport package.

 

[bwilson4web]

I sold my 2017 BMW i3-REx to my brother Will (4 of 5) and he still calls me every 3-4 weeks to rave about the car and ask questions. The most recent about an oil change?

• BMW means “Bring More Wampum” - he needs to get on their customer list to learn about specials. When there is a tire or oil change special, it becomes ‘less bad.’
• REx oil has an easy life - as low as a 15 minute run every 60 days, it lasts years. Just check it annually for level and clarity with a paper towel.
• 840 mi and 1,600 miles in nearly 4 years - it remains hardly used. Even the 25 kW (34 hp) REx leads a soft life.
• Oil changes are SOB - uses dip stick tube to add and the oil filter is a SOB to reach. Best to let BMW do it as every few years, on sale.

With 80,000 miles and 9 years old, what was going to be a loaner, he fell in love with it in 15 seconds and I let him buy it for $9,000. I asked that if he decides to let it go, offer it to me first.

I do my own Tesla maintenance so having two EVs makes it easy. But I’d been thinking about an another Model 3 if the price is right.

Tesla offered $5,000 as trade-in for my 80,000 mi, 2019 with Full Self Driving ($8,000 to replace.)

Bob Wilson