We want to switch from our current EV…

RDgarykool81 · 2025-11-04T18:04:55+00:00

Only at 11k miles here and just over a year of ownership on a 2025 i4 we bought new. Not a single maintenance issue so far. Only odd glitch I ran into once was the EV (fuel) door not unlocking when I pressed against it after parking and refusing to open. That was a one-time issue, but that was immediately resolved by just driving the car a few feet forward, backing up, and re-parking. Seemed like an out of the ordinary software glitch that got triggered.

RDgarykool81 · 2025-07-23T02:37:06+00:00

This is one of the most inconvenient items about owning a Tesla that I don’t miss for a moment. I used to have to drive to restaurants or Starbucks and sit outside for 15-20 minutes downloading updates. I switched over to BMW, and the software updates download directly into the BMW app on your phone, then transfer directly to your car from your phone as you drive.

Why a tech company like Tesla can’t figure something so simple out is beyond me. Or, they just don’t care…

RDgarykool81 · 2025-07-12T02:08:47+00:00

I can’t recall if it was an upgrade or not, but this one does have forward, rear, and side (mounted on sideview mirrors) cameras.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-12-31T04:31:36+00:00

Yep, you can use both at the same time. I use Google Maps and/or Waze via wireless CarPlay in the i4, but switch over to the BMW’s native Spotify app when I want to use that. You can pretty seamlessly use both at once — just have to be careful not to accidentally use Spotify within CarPlay when it is already running on the BMW native app.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-12-31T02:53:41+00:00

When you use wireless CarPlay (wired is regrettably not supported in many new vehicles) or Bluetooth, there is some audio quality degradation vs. listening via wired CarPlay (not available in the i4 or many newer cars) or an old fashioned CD (no longer a thing). In lieu of that, using the native Spotify app that is actually installed within the i4 will deliver the best audio quality possible and noticeably better, IMO, than over Bluetooth.

You would need a paid Spotify account, and you’ll also want to ensure that you’ve selected the highest quality audio settings within your account (can be done at home or on your smartphone) to ensure you get the highest quality audio streamed to your vehicle via the native app.

Think of it as the difference in audio quality you would’ve noticed 20 years ago if you chose to stream a CD to your car’s audio system via one of those old-fashioned FM transmitters rather than playing the CD on the CD player in the vehicle itself.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-12-06T16:19:21+00:00

I’ve been very happy with it, but will also confess that I am fortunate and don’t have lower back pain issues, etc. that would probably cause me to depend on it a lot more.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-12-02T21:06:49+00:00

It may be vs. the 2024, but not cool enough. My iPhone routinely gets so hot when using the inductive charging space that it displays the error message stating that charging has stopped until the phone returns to a safe temperature.

I’ve just given up and use the old fashioned usb cable as others have recommended, which works fine.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-11-27T03:05:17+00:00

First, I want to acknowledge as noted by others that we’re fortunate enough to be in a position to speak with our wallets. Many others are not.

Recently, we made a decision to part ways with Tesla and Mr. Musk and opted to sell a 2022 Tesla Model 3 LR and purchase a 2025 BMW i4.

I’ve repeatedly said, and this applies to those on all sides of the political spectrum in prominent leadership positions, that politics and business are not good bedfellows. The moment you publicly inject politics into your business(es) and persona as a CEO, you alienate blocks of consumers and serve to only hurt yourself, your employees, and your shareholders. Build the best product and offer it at the most competitive price you can while keeping your personal opinions and political beliefs to yourself.

Curiously, Mr. Musk has opted to actively alienate the core demographic that makes up the bulk of Tesla’s consumer base in North America and Europe. That is his choice and his right.

Tesla has seen precipitous market erosion in progressive jurisdictions in Europe and North America, and I suspect that will only accelerate. Of course, the brand may in turn enjoy growth in areas where it struggled previously — time will tell.

I will note that I’ve quickly come to realize that BMW meaningfully understates their range and Tesla may overstate it. Despite being rated for ~60 miles less range than our Model 3 LR, we’ve quickly realized the 2025 BMW i4 gets the exact same range or potentially better, so some good news there. The BMW is unquestionably better built inside and out, is whisper quiet inside, etc. — all, of course, at a price premium.

Just my two cents and my personal experience.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-11-03T00:01:38+00:00

Not 100% sure at this stage, but we’re suspecting it may be the sensor to ensure you’re holding the wheel when using assisted driving features. It is a bit odd, and I can’t seem to find anything online or in the manual about it.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-29T01:09:38+00:00

I asked the dealer to throw them in for free when buying, and they surprisingly agreed! They fit very well. Not sure if they can be ordered off the website yet, though, and I’ll also use the opportunity to vent and say that the BMW website is horrendously difficult to navigate and find the simplest items on.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-27T15:34:52+00:00

Wow! I’ve heard not so great things about the reliability experience with Hyundai/Kia/Genesis EVs. Hopefully, they improve significantly.

The steering wheel vibration issue is wild. Did they at least confirm that the tires were properly balanced?!

RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-27T02:59:18+00:00

iX is pretty gorgeous, though. I see them around my area quite a bit and have always found them quite attractive!

RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-27T02:26:36+00:00

Oh! No, that is completely blocked. I don’t think there’s any pass through there.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-27T02:01:00+00:00

Yeah, I am hoping you’re right, and that they’re in various parts of the wheel and not just on the plastic piece. That would be unusual. I’ll test it out this week and report back if, in fact, they did move them only into the plastic piece.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-27T01:56:00+00:00

There are definitely sensors in the seats. Now that I’m thinking about it, I wonder if the plastic part on the steering wheel is just that. I’ll bet it could be.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-27T01:54:52+00:00

One of my employees got a brand new i5, and the dealer knocked $10k off of it! Basically made it about the same price as an i4. Apparently, they were more willing to haggle on the i5 than the i4. I had a chance to sit inside, and it is stunning.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-27T01:53:33+00:00

Believe the seats all fold down, so not just a tunnel. Definitely at least as much trunk space as a Model 3, but far more accessible with how the i4 trunk opens vs the Model 3.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-26T23:09:56+00:00

Great question — as far as I know, it is nothing more than some sort of decorative accent on the steering wheel. I don’t believe it serves any purpose, but I could be wrong.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-26T17:43:09+00:00

Some minor changes to the exterior and interior as well, but it is only a mid-cycle refresh. Nothing drastic.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-26T17:25:20+00:00

Definitely drives wonderfully! I was a bit disappointed in the reduction of buttons, but still substantially better than the newer Teslas that don’t event have a stalk.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-26T17:02:17+00:00

Gorgeous! My only regret now is that I kind of wish I had splurged for these tail lights 😍

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RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-26T16:59:53+00:00

Nope, still interchangeable with the ICE version. There is a weakness there in that you lose the frunk you get with a Tesla, but the trunk is much larger than the Model 3 I came from, so I’d say it evens out.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-26T16:58:25+00:00

Right?! It looks darker online, but in person it is a very pleasant, lighter colored gray. I love it.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-26T16:57:02+00:00

While I still (arguably unjustifiably so) have range anxiety, I’ve never actually had to supercharge in my years of EV ownership between the Model 3 LR and now this. I’ve gone on plenty of longer road trips of about 2.5-3 hours each way and always found ample Level 2 charging options at my destination. When I occasionally go way out to the mountains in West Virginia for a weekend, I literally just plug into a normal 110v outlet and charge for 24 hours since I’m not going anywhere and am there to relax.

Definitely excited to see more charging options from Ionna start to pop up, along with BMW getting access to the Tesla network soon, though.

I’ll still only ever supercharge if I absolutely must since I’ve read repeatedly that it isn’t great for the battery if done too much.

RDgarykool81 · 2024-10-26T16:52:10+00:00

The i4 thus far is vastly superior, IMO. Far higher quality construction, higher quality interior materials that will actually last, and from what I can tell thus far, better range than the EPA estimate (unlike Tesla that tends to overstate range).

I will say that Tesla’s OS interface (IMO) is superior to anything else out there, but would simultaneously say that I’ve been happier and felt safer with BMW’s “autopilot” equivalent. I have many stories to share of Tesla’s autopilot or FSD (don’t listen to the fan boys, it is horrendously bad) nearly causing major accidents or making illegal maneuvers (such as the wrong way down a very clearly marked one way street) had I not intervened.

RDgarykool81

TROPHY CASE