Ameer Randolph
The BMW i3 REx is an electric vehicle with a small gasoline range extender fed by a tiny fuel tank. The fuel tank capacity is limited to 1.9 gallons for North American models from 2014 to 2016. The 2017 and newer models have a full fuel tank capacity of 2.4 gallons. The range extender is designed to provide additional power during long trips or when the electric range is insufficient. However, some users have expressed concerns about the fuel in the tank going bad if it sits for too long. It is recommended to use the range extender periodically and consider adding fuel stabilizers to prolong the fuel's life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity | 1.9 gallons (2014-2016 models); 2.4 gallons (2017 onwards) |
| Gas mileage | 35.5 mpg (2015 model); 1,000 mpg (2019 model) |
| Refueling frequency | Every 50-60 miles; every hour for a few minutes |
| Gas type | Gasoline without ethanol (recommended); ethanol-free fuel provides more power/miles-per-gallon |
| Fuel stabilizer | Recommended for long-term storage; prolongs fuel life |
| Maintenance cycle | Built-in to run periodically; can be manually run at highway speeds for 10-15 minutes once a month |
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What You'll Learn
- The i3 REx's small fuel tank means you may need to stop for gas every 50-60 miles
- The i3 REx is not ideal for long trips in rural areas where gas stations are scarce
- The i3 REx's range extender is a great feature for long trips, but it has limitations
- Gasoline sitting too long can go bad. Use fuel stabilizers to prolong its life
- The i3 REx's fuel tank capacity is software-limited to 1.9 gallons, but this can be changed through coding
The i3 REx's small fuel tank means you may need to stop for gas every 50-60 miles
The BMW i3 REx is an electric car with a small gasoline range extender fed by a tiny fuel tank. The tank's capacity is 1.9 gallons, although some sources state that the actual capacity is 2.3 or 2.4 gallons.
Due to its small fuel tank, the i3 REx may need to be refuelled every 50-60 miles. This can be inconvenient for long-distance trips, especially in rural areas where gas stations are less prevalent. However, for shorter trips and city driving, the i3 REx's range extender can be useful for providing additional miles of driving beyond the electric range.
The i3 REx's small fuel tank can be a drawback for those who frequently undertake long journeys. However, it is important to note that the range extender is primarily designed for occasional use and not as a primary fuel source. The electric range of the i3 REx has improved over the years, reducing the reliance on the range extender.
To maintain the fuel system and engine health, it is recommended to run the REx periodically and use fuel stabilizers or ethanol-free fuel to prevent gasoline from "going bad". BMW has also implemented a maintenance cycle that runs automatically to keep the fuel mixed and usable.
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The i3 REx is not ideal for long trips in rural areas where gas stations are scarce
The BMW i3 REx is an electric car with a small gasoline range extender fed by a tiny fuel tank. The tank's capacity is 1.9 gallons, and it can be extended to 2.4 gallons for 2017 and newer models.
In addition, the gasoline in the tank can "go bad" if it sits for too long. While the i3 tank is pressurized to help prolong the life of the gas, it is still recommended to burn most of the tank every six months or use a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gas from degrading. This can be a hassle if you are primarily using the i3 REx for long trips in rural areas, where you may not have frequent opportunities to use up the gas before it goes bad.
Furthermore, the range extender may not be suitable for prolonged highway driving, especially at high speeds or when climbing steep hills. In these conditions, the range extender may struggle to maintain the battery state of charge, and you may experience reduced power.
Overall, while the i3 REx can be a capable car for enthusiastic owners willing to push its limits, it may not be the best choice for long trips in rural areas with scarce gas stations. Its small gas tank, limited range, and potential issues with gasoline degradation can make it less convenient for such journeys.
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The i3 REx's range extender is a great feature for long trips, but it has limitations
The i3 REx is not ideal for long trips as it has a small fuel tank that needs to be refilled frequently. The tank capacity is limited to 1.9 gallons for North American models from 2014 to 2016, and 2.4 gallons for models from 2017 onwards. This means that on extended trips, you may need to stop to fill up the gas tank every 50-60 miles, which can be inconvenient if you are in a rural area with fewer gas stations.
Additionally, the range extender may not be well-suited for extreme hill climbing or prolonged periods of highway driving at high speeds, as it can result in reduced power. However, for most users, the range extender is a useful feature that provides peace of mind and enables occasional long road trips.
To maintain the range extender, it is recommended to run it about once a month for 10-15 minutes at highway speeds to keep it in top condition and evaporate any moisture in the crankcase and oil. It is also important to use high-quality fuel, such as ethanol-free gasoline, to ensure optimal performance and prevent fuel degradation.
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Gasoline sitting too long can go bad. Use fuel stabilizers to prolong its life
Gasoline sitting in a car's tank for too long can indeed go bad. This is due to water contamination, microbial growth, chemical deterioration, and exposure to extreme temperatures. The chemical properties of gasoline change over time, and it may not combust properly, leading to issues such as failure to start, a hesitant ignition, rough-sounding idle, or loss of power while driving. Bad gasoline can also cause damage to the internal engine components and produce a gummy residue that clogs the fuel line.
To prolong the life of gasoline in your car's tank, it is recommended to drive your vehicle regularly, even if it is just for shorter distances. This helps prevent gas degradation through circulation. Additionally, when filling up your tank, it is advisable to top it off to leave less room for moisture, which can cause water contamination and corrosion.
If you plan to store your vehicle for an extended period, it is beneficial to fill up the gas tank to prevent moisture build-up and corrosion. Adding a fuel stabilizer is another effective method to prolong the life of gasoline. Fuel stabilizers are additives that slow down the chemical breakdown of gasoline, and they can be added directly to the tank. Before adding the stabilizer, ensure your vehicle is running close to empty, then pour in the recommended amount and fill the tank with gasoline that does not contain ethanol. Finally, start the vehicle and let it run for at least five minutes to distribute the stabilizer evenly.
It is worth noting that the type of gasoline also affects its longevity. Regular gasoline typically has a shelf life of three to six months, while premium or high-octane fuel can last up to nine months. Diesel can last up to a year, and organic-based ethanol fuel may lose its combustibility within one to three months. Therefore, it is essential to consider the type of fuel and take appropriate measures to prolong its life, especially if your vehicle will be inactive for extended periods.
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The i3 REx's fuel tank capacity is software-limited to 1.9 gallons, but this can be changed through coding
The BMW i3 REx is an electric vehicle with a small gasoline range extender, allowing the car to be used for longer trips. The i3 REx's fuel tank capacity is limited to 1.9 gallons due to software restrictions, particularly for models between 2014 and 2016. This software limitation was implemented to meet EPA requirements and ensure the car qualified as a BEVx, which mandates that the gasoline range is smaller than the electric range.
However, it is possible to remove this software restriction through coding, allowing access to the full 2.4-gallon fuel tank capacity. Online forums and communities have discussed methods to achieve this, including the use of coding applications such as BimmerCode and Vgate iCar Pro. These applications can be used to reprogram the vehicle's settings and increase the fuel capacity.
It is important to note that altering the software limitations is not approved by BMW and may void the warranty. Additionally, the necessity to increase the fuel capacity may depend on individual use cases. For some owners, the default 1.9-gallon capacity is sufficient for their driving needs, especially with improvements in battery capacity and charging infrastructure.
Furthermore, there are considerations regarding fuel maintenance. Gasoline can go bad over time, and unused fuel can absorb water, separate, or turn rancid. To mitigate this, some i3 REx owners recommend burning most of the tank every six months or using fuel stabilizers to prolong the fuel's life.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you burn the fuel in your i3 REx every 6 months. However, fuel stabilizers can be used to prolong the life of the fuel.
Unused gasoline will eventually "go bad". Ethanol-blended gas will absorb water and separate, while non-blended gas will turn rancid.
The Range Extender will automatically run for about 10 minutes once every couple of months to keep the fuel mixed and in usable condition.
It is recommended to use ethanol-free fuel in the i3 REx as it provides slightly more power and miles per gallon. Non-ethanol fuel also has a longer shelf life.
The distance you can travel on a full tank of gas in your i3 REx depends on various factors such as driving conditions, temperature, and elevation gain. On average, you may need to stop for gas every 50-60 miles, but with a range extender, you can go up to 350 miles.
