The Bavarian Milkfloat - my first foray into electric
Discussion
This is something I have been thinking about for some time, and when deciding I was going start looking at cars earlier this year as my trusty GTD estate is owned for 5 years was approaching the point of needing a few bits doing (clutch wasn’t in best of health, there was a sporadic rev-matched chirping coming from the engine - likely a pulley/tensioner, the drivers seat was losing its foam, suspension was starting to show its age and mileage etc)
I quickly realised that a lot of the the cars I was looking at were quite a lot of money for anything half decent (5 series touring, x3, Arteon shooting brake etc) but didn’t look in the best condition in the pictures.
It then became more and more apparent that compared to the prices of 21/22 age x3 20ds I could get an and iX3 which is much better equipped, faster and cheaper to run.
Since having a kid we don’t stray too far away by car anymore (furthest we have been in 1 hit is 190 miles and that was too far with a dog and toddler) so I figured that 98% of the time the range will be plenty.
I could also justify the budget creep to get one as I’m saving around 2k a year on fuel!
So the hunt was on for an iX3. I wanted the Premier Pro edition (or MSport Pro if I was lucky) as these literally come with every option thrown at them as standard.
The only colour I didn’t want was black (they only came in 4 colours until recently) and didn’t want a cream interior.
A few popped up but sold before I got the chance to see them (well priced ones sell fairly quickly). Then while I was on holiday a couple weeks ago a white iX3 Premier Pro popped up with a private seller at a decent price.
Gave the guy a call, arranged to view once home and did the silly thing of agreeing to buy there and then.
Collected it the Saturday just gone and here we are!
It’s a 22/71 Mineral White iX3 Premier Pro Edition with 20k on the clock.
I’ve done around 200 miles in it already and I am smitten. It’s so smooth to drive, and the self-driving system seems to work really well on motorways etc. It also allows me to keep lane assist off all the time, which is interesting as I thought by this point cars are meant to turn it back on for each journey!
Also, Eco Pro is more than enough for normal every day driving (it’s no slouch in this mode) but it feels much quicker than the figures suggest in sport.
So far I am averaging around the 3.5-3.7 m/kwh which I think is respectable for a big lump like this. Currently charging off the 3 pin plug which is a faff as basically needs topping up every other day but a charger is being fitted next week.
I thought I’d post this as a bit of an ownership log. I don’t plan on doing anything to it really other than driving!
I quickly realised that a lot of the the cars I was looking at were quite a lot of money for anything half decent (5 series touring, x3, Arteon shooting brake etc) but didn’t look in the best condition in the pictures.
It then became more and more apparent that compared to the prices of 21/22 age x3 20ds I could get an and iX3 which is much better equipped, faster and cheaper to run.
Since having a kid we don’t stray too far away by car anymore (furthest we have been in 1 hit is 190 miles and that was too far with a dog and toddler) so I figured that 98% of the time the range will be plenty.
I could also justify the budget creep to get one as I’m saving around 2k a year on fuel!
So the hunt was on for an iX3. I wanted the Premier Pro edition (or MSport Pro if I was lucky) as these literally come with every option thrown at them as standard.
The only colour I didn’t want was black (they only came in 4 colours until recently) and didn’t want a cream interior.
A few popped up but sold before I got the chance to see them (well priced ones sell fairly quickly). Then while I was on holiday a couple weeks ago a white iX3 Premier Pro popped up with a private seller at a decent price.
Gave the guy a call, arranged to view once home and did the silly thing of agreeing to buy there and then.
Collected it the Saturday just gone and here we are!
It’s a 22/71 Mineral White iX3 Premier Pro Edition with 20k on the clock.
I’ve done around 200 miles in it already and I am smitten. It’s so smooth to drive, and the self-driving system seems to work really well on motorways etc. It also allows me to keep lane assist off all the time, which is interesting as I thought by this point cars are meant to turn it back on for each journey!
Also, Eco Pro is more than enough for normal every day driving (it’s no slouch in this mode) but it feels much quicker than the figures suggest in sport.
So far I am averaging around the 3.5-3.7 m/kwh which I think is respectable for a big lump like this. Currently charging off the 3 pin plug which is a faff as basically needs topping up every other day but a charger is being fitted next week.
I thought I’d post this as a bit of an ownership log. I don’t plan on doing anything to it really other than driving!
- btw I know it’s not technically Bavarian as it’s built in China but Chinese didn’t quite work as nicely for the title!
mdk1 said:
That’s good efficiency. Nice cars, once you get your charger fitted have a look for a good electricity deal and then it will be cheap motoring. I’ve done about 500 miles this month for just over £10.
Yeah I’m with octopus so will probably go for intelligent go - I’m getting a zappi fitted which is compatible with octopus so should be good.Enjoy, these are often overlooked, probably due to the older and more traditional design and "average" on paper performance compared to other EVs.
But, they offer a much better handling/ride balance compared to most of their rivals in my opinion. Much preferred it to the Korean, VAG alternatives and Polestar that we also tried. We've had ours for a year and 15k miles, no issues at all.
They are surprisingly efficient, we often see over 4 mi/kwh at this time of year, and even in winter rarely below 3.
Performance may lack compared to some EV rivals, but it is still golf gti quick, and a step ahead of most 2 litre petrol/diesel cars with a much nicer drivetrain.
But, they offer a much better handling/ride balance compared to most of their rivals in my opinion. Much preferred it to the Korean, VAG alternatives and Polestar that we also tried. We've had ours for a year and 15k miles, no issues at all.
They are surprisingly efficient, we often see over 4 mi/kwh at this time of year, and even in winter rarely below 3.
Performance may lack compared to some EV rivals, but it is still golf gti quick, and a step ahead of most 2 litre petrol/diesel cars with a much nicer drivetrain.
Yes one of the things that pulled me towards it was the fact it looks like a normal car really - an aerodynamic boot lid is all fine and dandy until you have a moderately sized dog and a shed load of tat to carry round!
I think at first a lot of reviews didn’t rate them so weren’t a big seller, but as time has gone on (and journos had them as long termers) people have realised that they are a good compromise between a traditional car and electric.
I see loads of facelift ones knocking around now.
I think at first a lot of reviews didn’t rate them so weren’t a big seller, but as time has gone on (and journos had them as long termers) people have realised that they are a good compromise between a traditional car and electric.
I see loads of facelift ones knocking around now.
First thing I did to the car (I have done this with all my cars for some time) is to fit a hatchbag bootliner.
Yes, they are not cheap, but they are very good at keeping the dogs fur off the boot carpet and also containing any "spillages"
Also mean cleaning the boot is a doddle rather than scrubbing carpet etc. I have teamed this up with a cheap fitted rubber mat . The car came with a genuine BMW mat but it had been badly stored so all the edges were curling up meaning my dog would just be catching it all the time.
I need to get a dog guard, as the BMW net thing gets in the way of the hatchbag so can't fit that.
Also had my Zappi fitted today. I originally had an ohme home pro booked with Octopus, but prior to our old garage being converted we ran 6mm cable in prep for a charger, though turns out a data cable is also needed. Octopus would not use this 6mm cable and wanted to run their own. They also demanded a dedicated consumer unit despite my unit having capacity for a car charger.
So I cancelled this and got a local guy to fit a Zappi which he was happy to do, as all he had to do was run a data cable and connect it up.
Next week the car is going to get the bumper top and some gloss black bits (B pillars, interior parts etc) PPF'd to prevent these getting scratched to buggery, and then I am off to Cambridge in a few weeks where I may have to test the public charging infrastructure so will see how that goes.
Annoyingly, and I dont know how but when looking at the car I missed the fact the rear tyres are mismatched. One is I believe the original Yokohama and one is a 2021 stamped Continental. The Yoko also hasn't aged well - the sidewall is a scuffed and there are a couple of chunks missing out of the tread from sharp stones or something. This is bothering me a bit so I may get both changed at some point - Bridgestone Turanza 6s are reasonably priced and seem to be getting good reviews.
The fronts are Pirellis but appear to be JLR spec tyres which also annoys me, but these are nearly new so are probably going to stay until they are worn out.
I've done about 5-600 miles so far and still pleased with it. Some things annoy me a bit but overall I am still very happy.
Yes, they are not cheap, but they are very good at keeping the dogs fur off the boot carpet and also containing any "spillages"
Also mean cleaning the boot is a doddle rather than scrubbing carpet etc. I have teamed this up with a cheap fitted rubber mat . The car came with a genuine BMW mat but it had been badly stored so all the edges were curling up meaning my dog would just be catching it all the time.
I need to get a dog guard, as the BMW net thing gets in the way of the hatchbag so can't fit that.
Also had my Zappi fitted today. I originally had an ohme home pro booked with Octopus, but prior to our old garage being converted we ran 6mm cable in prep for a charger, though turns out a data cable is also needed. Octopus would not use this 6mm cable and wanted to run their own. They also demanded a dedicated consumer unit despite my unit having capacity for a car charger.
So I cancelled this and got a local guy to fit a Zappi which he was happy to do, as all he had to do was run a data cable and connect it up.
Next week the car is going to get the bumper top and some gloss black bits (B pillars, interior parts etc) PPF'd to prevent these getting scratched to buggery, and then I am off to Cambridge in a few weeks where I may have to test the public charging infrastructure so will see how that goes.
Annoyingly, and I dont know how but when looking at the car I missed the fact the rear tyres are mismatched. One is I believe the original Yokohama and one is a 2021 stamped Continental. The Yoko also hasn't aged well - the sidewall is a scuffed and there are a couple of chunks missing out of the tread from sharp stones or something. This is bothering me a bit so I may get both changed at some point - Bridgestone Turanza 6s are reasonably priced and seem to be getting good reviews.
The fronts are Pirellis but appear to be JLR spec tyres which also annoys me, but these are nearly new so are probably going to stay until they are worn out.
I've done about 5-600 miles so far and still pleased with it. Some things annoy me a bit but overall I am still very happy.
Another little update. Done around 2500k miles now, and still enjoying it.
The other week I noticed there was water in one of the mirror indicators. Looked closer and there was a crack in the lense, tested it and of course it wasnt working.
Ordered a replacement off ebay, but was a proper pig to fit, in part due to the fact the mirror has took a hit at somepoint (definitely not during my time) so when I undid screws the plastic mounts they were screwed into disintegrated. Managed to bodge it back together. It doesnt 100% line up with all clips now but unless you are underneath it poking around you would never know.
I could fix it properly but I fully expect at somepoint it will get swiped off down the lanes I use for work by people coming round corners in the middle of the road (Had a few kisses in my old car but the mirror survived other then the odd little scuff due to the car being narrower) so will worry about it then!
Also picked up a puncture last week. a bolt right through the tyre! Managed to limp it home as was only a mile away and had resealed itself on entry, and called BMW assist the following morning. They were out within 90 minutes, repaired it on my drive and I was on my way! Great service.
Picture of said bolt:
And this morning had 2x rear tyres fitted through Asda Tyres, as one tyre was the original Yokohama which was on about 2.5mm and the other was a Conti 4x4 Contact which although had a decent amount of tread, was dated 21.
Replaced both with the Bridgestone Turanza 6, as they weren't a too bad price (in comparison to others), are the brand new model and seem to be flavour of the month with tyre reviewers with good efficiency, wet grip and noise rating. Only done a couple of miles back from the garage but it does seem to be quieter in the car (could be placebo though).
Recently did a trip to Cambridge (around 220 mile round trip)and got all the charging apps (gridserve, electroverse etc) all ready for the journey. Disappointingly the car did the trip with ease showing as having around 45 miles to spare when getting home, so still not needed to use any public charging!
Insurance is due in a few days and that is a bit more punchy than before, but considering the car is worth a lot more and would cost alot more to repair, I don't think it was too bad. Was around £450 for my Golf and is now just over £600 for the iX3.
The other week I noticed there was water in one of the mirror indicators. Looked closer and there was a crack in the lense, tested it and of course it wasnt working.
Ordered a replacement off ebay, but was a proper pig to fit, in part due to the fact the mirror has took a hit at somepoint (definitely not during my time) so when I undid screws the plastic mounts they were screwed into disintegrated. Managed to bodge it back together. It doesnt 100% line up with all clips now but unless you are underneath it poking around you would never know.
I could fix it properly but I fully expect at somepoint it will get swiped off down the lanes I use for work by people coming round corners in the middle of the road (Had a few kisses in my old car but the mirror survived other then the odd little scuff due to the car being narrower) so will worry about it then!
Also picked up a puncture last week. a bolt right through the tyre! Managed to limp it home as was only a mile away and had resealed itself on entry, and called BMW assist the following morning. They were out within 90 minutes, repaired it on my drive and I was on my way! Great service.
Picture of said bolt:
And this morning had 2x rear tyres fitted through Asda Tyres, as one tyre was the original Yokohama which was on about 2.5mm and the other was a Conti 4x4 Contact which although had a decent amount of tread, was dated 21.
Replaced both with the Bridgestone Turanza 6, as they weren't a too bad price (in comparison to others), are the brand new model and seem to be flavour of the month with tyre reviewers with good efficiency, wet grip and noise rating. Only done a couple of miles back from the garage but it does seem to be quieter in the car (could be placebo though).
Recently did a trip to Cambridge (around 220 mile round trip)and got all the charging apps (gridserve, electroverse etc) all ready for the journey. Disappointingly the car did the trip with ease showing as having around 45 miles to spare when getting home, so still not needed to use any public charging!
Insurance is due in a few days and that is a bit more punchy than before, but considering the car is worth a lot more and would cost alot more to repair, I don't think it was too bad. Was around £450 for my Golf and is now just over £600 for the iX3.
I have had one as a company car since March 22, its an M Sport, I have found it to be a great car since we have had it, its now done 80k miles and the range hasn't changed, in that time, only the reduction for weather.
It has been through many tyres though, they do wear out pretty fast, but its a rather heavy car.
Fortunately we have only had a charge a handful of time on the public network, so its been pretty cheap to run on home charging. I went for a wallbox charger as its was the smallest I could find at the time.
If its still available when I am due to renew I would probably get another one, I am not a fan of the new X3 and with there being no IX3 replacement coming.
It has been through many tyres though, they do wear out pretty fast, but its a rather heavy car.
Fortunately we have only had a charge a handful of time on the public network, so its been pretty cheap to run on home charging. I went for a wallbox charger as its was the smallest I could find at the time.
If its still available when I am due to renew I would probably get another one, I am not a fan of the new X3 and with there being no IX3 replacement coming.
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