[W///]

Originally Posted by Obioban

Why can they do it on a $44,000 i3 but not a $50,000 340i?

So far, EV drivetrains are more expensive to produce than ICE drivetrains. i3 suspension and braking componentry are pretty identical to normal BMWs, i3 electronics are standard BMW parts, i3 wheels are more expensive to produce than BMW's normal wheels.

What's the math that makes the possible on an i3 but not on a 3 series?

Here's a few reasons I would say it's not doable, in no particular order:

1) Industrialization: How many chassis can they build out of CF vs aluminum and steel? Can a plant even handle the demand? The i3 and i8 are a drop in the bucket compared to the 3 Series. And that doesn't even count the other 35UP cars. So are you changing all of them to CF monocoque?

Stamping sheet metal parts vs laying down CF are 2 entirely different worlds.

2) Profit: I'm willing to bet that BMW pretty much barely broke even with the i3. Not the case with a 3er

To me, the little i3 should be compared to something closer to maybe a 1er or 2er in terms of size, base model vs base model. i3 starts at 44k and 230i starts at 34k. That's closer to a 10k swing the other way vs an M340i.

3) Repairs: Are body shops capable of repairing that many CF cars?

Just a few thoughts on top of my head. I'm sure there's more.