My i3 experience so far...In the shop for 18 days & counting

[roup1]

First, let me be the first to acknowledge that I went into this purchase with the full understanding that I was part of the "experiment." I was excited to support this new technology and knew there would be some teething problems. But didn't expect the first one to crop up at 400 miles! That's when my AC stopped blowing cold. Shortly after that, I received a call from my i Concierge Specialist. He told me that there was a software update that addresses that issue as well a few other things. My dealer updated the software and it fixed the AC issue. However, the back up camera stopped working after the update. They tell me that it was a unrelated hardware failure. They asked if they could keep the car since they had to remove the bumper to access the camera module. It turns out that the module is on back-order and they are waiting for one to come from Germany.

Earlier this week, I received another call from the i Concierge to let me know that there is a new software update that deals with charging of the 12 volt battery and other related issues. Since my car is already at the dealer, this additional update will be performed before I pick it up with the new camera module.

In the mean time, I have a nice fully-loaded 328i GT as a loaner. My dealer is the largest BMW center in the Western US so I'm sure that I'm in good hands.

Just curious if any others have experienced similar issues?

Here are some basic details:
Purchase date - 6/17/14
current mileage - approx. 600
i3 BEV
White
Terra World
Tech pkg
Parking pkg
Heated seats
DC fast charging
Harmon Kardon

 

[jadnashuanh]

I got mine about a week after you did...so far, no issues. As of this morning, I have 673-miles on it. I did have the first s/w update done, and will be making an appointment to get the second one done soon.

 

[kevinb61]

I got mine about a week after you did...so far, no issues. As of this morning, I have 673-miles on it. I did have the first s/w update done, and will be making an appointment to get the second one done soon.

The A/C stopped working at 2000 miles, but I wasn't shocked about that, as my BEV's software had never been upgraded. One day in the dealer for the update, and have it backed fixed. Only hiccup so far....

 

[Gridvantage]

I have about 4,000 miles (6,200 km) and only problem was the CEL, now fixed with the new software. I have all of the options (BEV, suite, 20", DC charger, technology package, Harmon Kardon). The only complaint, albeit minor, is the noise from the wheels around mid speed (30-50 mph).

I was driving an X5 before and the i3 is so much more enjoyable.

 

[M2140]

Ive had mine for 2 months now and it's on it's 2nd trip for service at the dealer. First trip was for Check engine light. The 2nd trip started 2 weeks ago and the car is still in the shop now. It's in for a couple of issues but the main ones are Check engine light after every Rex use, Fast charging will not work, and slow charging.

The dealer is trying to fix the car but all their guidance on how to troubleshoot comes from BMW NA in New Jersey and they take 2-3 days to respond. No one seems to be in any rush to try and fix my i3.

Since its been at the dealer I've seen issues get worse and just no end in sight. I've been trying to keep an eye on the car with the iremote app (when it works) and the range keeps going down and the charging times keep getting slower.

I love the car but I think I'm ready to get my money back. 3 weeks out for service out of 2 months of ownership is just not right.