Recent content by ChrisRayner

I expect that carriage of bicycle(s) on the roof will cut range big time. A tailgate mounted carrier would have a similar but less severe effect. I emphasize that this is informed speculation on my part based on partial education in physics and amateur interest in aerodynamics.

Our car has the standard key for the UK market. It has four buttons and a metal key which slides out for emergency use if the battery dies. Three of the buttons are dedicated to lock, unlock and front locker/bonnet/hood release; the fourth has a diamond symbol on it and is allegedly...

Our i3 was due for delivery at the end of April. We postponed delivery until last Wednesday, when they came to install the BMW charger. We could have got it done more cheaply from one of the other suppliers, but we like the design of the BMW unit. It is slightly slimmer than the others, and...

We took delivery yesterday. The Siemens men came round at 7:45 to install the charger, and didn't finish until nearly 2pm. We drove round to the dealers and spent a veeeerry long time being instructed in the operation of the car. That's why they'll be sending a chap round to hand over yours...

The old ones are the best.

Like New York. So good I got quoted twice! :lol:

I think this is a difficult point to resolve at this stage. There are big questions over the residual values and running costs of electric motors. The longevity of battery packs and the robustness and durability of the mechanics are all unknown quantities for the i3. However, I have owned...

You have loads of protection under various acts, principally the Sale of Goods Act. BMW has a lot riding on this car, they need to get it right, and will bend over backwards to make sure the early adopters are satisfied. I think that the delivery is calculated to ensure that you take...

BEV ordered 29th November. Arrived at dealers last week. Got a bit excited and went to see it on Thursday, still had the white plastic on bonnet and roof and foam protector on doors. Charger being installed Wed morning, fetch car home that afternoon. :D :D

Vines in Guildford have one. Bit far for you I suppose. :)

I also play with model aeroplanes, in which field there has been a recent mushrooming of electric power similar to that involved in the latest battery electric cars. It is reasonably common for one of these models to catch fire, usually on account of poor design or execution of the power train...

Well, that's certainly a step in the right direction, but I think you really need to find a rubber tool kit. ;) There have been several incidents of concern. Further details here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plug-in_electric_vehicle_fire_incidents

I'd be very careful with conductive tools anywhere near high voltage batteries. Years ago my dad was tinkering under the bonnet of his car and his gold watch shorted out the starter solenoid. He got a nasty burn on his wrist and the watch was not improved by the experience either. :shock:

I think the traffic police might have something to say about handwriting while driving. If you want to take notes then park and shuffle across to the passenger seat if necessary. There's no transmission tunnel in the way. We drive on the left in order for right handed riders to be able to...

I'm not. I said I wouldn't; and just to clarify, I do live in Bramley, have analysed potential use, and have a BEV due for delivery whenever BMW have finally sorted out their delivery schedules. I have no problem with a Scottish crofter living on the very tip of the Kintyre peninsula owning an...