Idleup
Well-known member
Coming from "Old School" - I like being able to access and put my hands on stuff in my car(s). Regretfully, BMW did not have the same idea when they developed the i3. As most of you already know, there is no lifting the hood to check on things - the engine is hidden and shrouded to where the average owner would never even look for it. What really got me is; even the manual tells you to take the car to the dealer to have the engine oil checked. "Say What" - one thing for sure, I'm not putting myself or my car through the misery of driving to the dealer to check the oil!
Anyhow, its really not that bad to get access - just lift the trunk floorboard up and there's a cover which provides easy access to the dip stick. If you like to peek further at the little mice in the cage that provides us all that power and fun - you can remove a few screws and lift the cover to peek at the cute little engine / generator and the electric motor.
The 650 engine is actually nothing like the motorcycle engine, don't think that BMW happened to have some extra bike engines and threw them in the i3 this is not the case at all. The i3 engine is totally redesigned and modified to work in just this application. While I'm sure the concept is occasional use, this engine could be used full time if necessary. Anyhow everything is packed in pretty tight - I found the air cleaner and muffler just behind the rear bumper. Remember, the coolant bottle for the engine and the A/C - Heat system is located way up in front of the car under the plastic flap on the drivers side of the car along side of the compartment. Its not a bad idea to at least monthly to check the oil and the water for if nothing else piece of mind.
I included a few "corporate images" to show some additional clarity.
Enjoy - Mike Mas
Anyhow, its really not that bad to get access - just lift the trunk floorboard up and there's a cover which provides easy access to the dip stick. If you like to peek further at the little mice in the cage that provides us all that power and fun - you can remove a few screws and lift the cover to peek at the cute little engine / generator and the electric motor.
The 650 engine is actually nothing like the motorcycle engine, don't think that BMW happened to have some extra bike engines and threw them in the i3 this is not the case at all. The i3 engine is totally redesigned and modified to work in just this application. While I'm sure the concept is occasional use, this engine could be used full time if necessary. Anyhow everything is packed in pretty tight - I found the air cleaner and muffler just behind the rear bumper. Remember, the coolant bottle for the engine and the A/C - Heat system is located way up in front of the car under the plastic flap on the drivers side of the car along side of the compartment. Its not a bad idea to at least monthly to check the oil and the water for if nothing else piece of mind.
I included a few "corporate images" to show some additional clarity.
Enjoy - Mike Mas
