Realistically, TM3 may replace both the i3 (for sure) and the M3 (TBD) in my garage. That's mostly my 20+ year history of continuously owning at least one BMW talking. I like to think that there is something that BMW M3 has on offer that TM3 can't deliver, but I am not optimistic on that. TM3 exterior is very generic, but interior is minimalist, elegant, and functional.įor $35K, before Fed & State incentives, it's an awesome deal.įor $58K for TM3P (before extras & incentives), it's a very compelling value proposition, for something that is faster than anything BMW or MB have to offer, at any price. I found very little not to love about the car. The tech is wonderful and the sound system is the best OEM I've ever heard. The acceleration is fantastic, the handling sufficient, the interior is spartan but comfortable and supportive. The looks, while somewhat generic, are pleasing. LimeRock already has 12 electric chargers in the paddock (charges at many other West Coast tracks), with other tracks to follow. 元 recharge on TM3 will take ~20 minutes (to 80% battery), a little longer than gasoline refill, but still very manageable. One reason I went for the largest battery is ability to run a 2-3 full track sessions before needing to recharge, similar to the mileage I get out of the M3. But the instant torque at all four wheels can compensate for a lot of other limitations. ~3600 for M3), so I expect more tire wear and more sliding through corners. I will defer judgement until I drive M3 and TM3 on track, back-to-back (will sign up for autoX's and DE's in 2Q with my wife, swapping cars).īased on the internet reports, I expect TM3 to be faster than M3 over a few qualifying laps, before heat-sync sets in, and lap times drop by a second or two. There is a funny story on how "track mode" came about, with Randy volunteering himself into the job of Tesla track engineer: However, TM3-P, with Randy Probst's "track mode", is as close as they got so far, and feedback is pretty good. I don't think Tesla focuses on track performance when it designs cars. The Model 3 is so fast, I'm not sure I would still keep my M3 CS with something like that, but I'd also be slightly apprehensive about an electric track car. I'm also curious if you think the M3 and the Model 3 are so close together in terms of what they are built for. Owning one and dealing with issues is a bit scary especially now that consumers are not recommending Tesla anymore and they are considering closing stores. The Model 3 is so fast, I'm not sure I would still keep my M3 CS with something like that, but I'd also be slightly apprehensive about an electric track car.Ĭan't lease a model 3 can you? Either CASH or Loan only right? If lease is available, that would be a good option within the warranty period. On that note, are you/did you buy or lease? Leasing has been such a good deal on my past 2 i3's (less than $200/mo including tax on both), I'm dreading anything higher than a $300/mo payment. Hopefully they will have a white on black Model 3 in 2 years when my i3 lease is up. The $35k Tesla Model 3 seems like a good alternative, but I will NEVER get a black car ever again. We're moving on.Ĭongrats! I'm pleased with my current 2018 i3 (my 2nd), but I don't see anything from BMW in the future to fit my budget as an EV commuter. Sadly, you stopped investing into EVs, and had nothing new to offer seven years after the i3 launch. Thank you BMW for introducing us to the EV universe. We'll see how it does on track later this year. Handles just about as well as my BMW M3, but a bit heavier, yet faster. Proper performance suspension, track mode TC, performance tires (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S). Proper 4-door sedan with enough space for two adults to sit in comfort in the back. Thus, after two 24 month i3 lease cycles, we ordered a black/black TM3P to replace it. We test drove a bunch of EV options, and only Leaf SL and Model 3 were going to fit into the "small fun car" category that i3 currently occupies in our garage.Īnd then Musk dropped the prices for TM3s by ~$6K all around, and it was game over. MB and VW group offerings are not much better. My i3 is coming off lease shortly, and given lack of any meaningful investment into i-platform BMW, my next EV wont be made in Germany.
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