Get MOBILITY -> Charging the vehicle Guide for BMW I3 4 Door First Generation (2013-2022)

Charging the vehicle

MOBILITY

Charging the vehicle

▷ AC charging station.

▷ DC charging station.

Vehicle features and options

This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐

cific and optional features offered with the series.

It also describes features and functions that are

not necessarily available in your vehicle, e.g., due

to the selected options or country versions. This

also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐

tems. When using these functions and systems,

the applicable laws and regulations must be ob‐

served.

For optimal use of the energy from the power

mains, charging at an AC charging station, for in‐

stance BMW i Wallbox, is recommended.

Charge current

General information

The charge current strength is indicated in am‐

peres.

The vehicle cannot automatically detect the max‐

imum permissible charge current strength of the

power grid during charging via a household

socket.

Concept

The vehicle can be charged using various charg‐

ing cables at charging stations or household

sockets. Control and monitoring of the charging

process are handled completely automatically.

The charge current strength can be set via

iDrive.

Charging on a household socket

Prior to the first charging at your own household

socket, as well as when charging at external elec‐

trical power sockets, the allowed charge current

strength must be determined, for instance by a

qualified electrician.

General information

The charge current strength for charging at a

household socket, refer to page 215, can be ad‐

justed in the vehicle in three levels.

High-voltage battery

The high-voltage battery is used as an energy

accumulator. The high-voltage battery can be

charged utilizing energy recovery during the trip

or via the power grid.

At delivery, the charge current for charging at a

household socket is set to the lowest level.

Depending on the country-specific version, one

of several ampere ratings is printed on the

In order to operate the high-voltage battery opti‐

mally, charge the vehicle regularly and fully using

a compatible charger.

Mode 2 charging cable. This ampere rating is the

limit which must be adhered to for the vehicle if

the charge current is set to the highest level. De‐

pending on the charging cable, the charge cur‐

rent strength may vary when lower levels are set.

When charging via the power grid, you can chose

between the following variants:

▷ Household socket.

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Overview

Imprint on the charging cable

Charge current setting

"Max."

6 A

"Reduced"

6 A

"Low"

6 A

8 A

6 A

10 A

12 A

15 A

10 A

12 A

15 A

7.5 A

9 A

6 A

11.25 A

7.5 A

Depending on the charge current, the charging

duration changes.

Safety information

Charging at an AC quick charging station

Warning

The permitted charge current strength must be

determined prior to charging at an AC quick

charging station, for instance from the call opera‐

tor of the AC quick charging station. The permit‐

ted charge current strength can vary by country.

Improper working with electrical current can

lead to an electric shock due to high voltages or

high currents. There is a risk of fire or danger to

life. Observe the general safety regulations

when working with electrical current.

The charge current strength for charging at an

AC quick charging station, refer to page 215,

can be adjusted in the vehicle in two steps.

Warning

At delivery, the charge current for charging at an

AC quick charging station is set to "Reduced".

Maintain this setting unless it was verified that a

higher charge current strength is permitted in the

individual case.

A faulty and incorrectly designed charging de‐

vice at the charging location can cause damage

to the vehicle and overload the power mains at

the charging location. There is a risk of fire and

a risk of injury.

The charge current changes depending on the

setting.

The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends

that, prior to your first use of a charging loca‐

tion, you have the compatibility of the following

components confirmed:

"Max."

32 A

"Reduced"

16 A

▷ Charging cable.

▷ Charging station.

Range Extender

With Range Extender switched on, the current

charge state can be maintained. In this way, a

higher range is achieved.

▷ Household socket and connected circuits.

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Safety information

Warning

Damaged or worn charging devices, for in‐

stance worn contacts, can heat up. There is a

risk of fire. Only use charging devices that are

in good condition.

Warning

Non-compatible charging cables or unsuitable

charging stations can heat up and cause dam‐

age to the vehicle. There is a risk of fire. Use

charging cables or charging stations for charg‐

ing that are suitable for the respective vehicle

type.

Warning

Simultaneous charging and refueling poses a

risk of fire if a sufficient safety distance from

easily flammable materials is not maintained.

There is a risk of injury or risk of damage to

property. Do not fill the vehicle with fuel and

charge it simultaneously.

A dealer's service center will be glad to provide

information about suitable charging cables.

Warning

Improper use of the charging cable can prevent

charging and lead to damage, for instance ca‐

ble fire. There is a risk of fire. Use the charging

cable only for charging the vehicle, and do not

extend it using cables or adapters.

Warning

Contact with live components can lead to an

electric shock. High voltage is present at the

charging connection. There is a risk of injury or

danger to life.

Warning

Have work on the charging connection, for in‐

stance cleaning, performed by an authorized

BMW i dealer's service center or another quali‐

fied service center or repair shop.

Damaged charging cables can heat up or lead

to an electric shock. There is a risk of fire or a

risk of injury. Use undamaged charging cables

only.

Mode 2 charging cable

Depending on the country version, the vehicle is

supplied with a Mode 2 charging cable.

Charging cable

General information

Use a Mode 2 charging cable, Mode 3 charging

cable, or the permanently installed cable of a

charging station to charge the vehicle.

Mode 2 charging cables can be used to charge

the vehicle from grounded household sockets.

Charging at household socket connections is

performed with alternating current.

Different charging cables can be required de‐

pending on the country.

When a Mode 2 charging cable is used, the effi‐

ciency values may differ from those stated on the

energy label.

The Mode 2 charging cable is also referred to as

standard charging cable.

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If required, store the charging cable with the in‐

stalled connector cover to prevent moisture in

the charging cable plug.

Mode 3 charging cable

Depending on the country version, the vehicle is

supplied with a Mode 3 charging cable.

The Mode 3 charging cable makes it possible to

quickly recharge at sockets of designated AC

charging stations using a special connector.

Charging is performed with alternating current at

designated AC charging stations. The charging

process can be completed faster than at house‐

hold sockets.

Connecting

Charging socket flap

The charging socket flap is located on the right

side of the vehicle.

Always keep charging socket clean and unob‐

structed.

The charging cable may be permanently installed

at the charging station.

Keep the charging socket flap closed when the

charging socket is not used.

If a Mode 3 charging cable is used, apply the cor‐

responding setting via iDrive, refer to page 215.

Connecting the charging cable

The Mode 3 charging cable is also referred to as

AC quick charging cable.

To connect, engage selector lever position P,

deactivate drive-ready state, and unlock the vehi‐

cle. Set the parking brake, if needed.

DC charging cable

The DC charging cable that is permanently in‐

stalled at the charging station makes is possible

to charge at DC charging stations. Charging is

performed with direct current at designated DC

charging stations. At the higher dimensioned

power connection of a DC charging station, the

charging time is normally substantially reduced

compared to a household socket or AC charging

station.

1. Tap on the charging socket flap, arrow.

During charging at a DC charging station, an indi‐

cation in the instrument cluster, refer to

page 216, is displayed.

2. Remove the charging socket lid, arrow.

The vehicle must be charged with a 30 m DC

charging cable exclusively.

The DC charging cable is also referred to as

Mode 4 charging cable.

Storage

Depending on the national-market version, the

Mode 2 charging cable is located in the charging

cable compartment under the hood.

3. Remove the cover of the charging cable con‐

nector, if needed.

The Mode 3 charging cable can be stored in the

same place.

4. Connect the Mode 2 charging cable to the

household socket or the Mode 3 charging ca‐

Moisture can penetrate into the charging cable

compartment, for instance in a car wash.

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ble to the port at the AC charging station as

7. Disconnect the Mode 2 charging cable from

needed.

the household socket or the Mode 3 charging

cable from the port at the AC charging station

as needed.

5. Insert the appropriate charging cable connec‐

tor, and push it in until it engages.

8. Stow the charging cable.

When charging at a charging station, follow the

instructions at the charging station.

At a charging station, insert the permanently

installed charging cable in the place provided

for it.

Removing

AC charging: when the charging process is ac‐

tive and the vehicle is locked, the charging cable

is locked. Unlock the vehicle before removing the

cable.

Unlocking the charging cable

Concept

In the following situations, the Mode 2 charging

cable or Mode 3 charging cable can be unlocked

and removed electronically:

Direct current charging: during the charging

process, the charging cable is locked. When the

charging process is completed, the charging ca‐

ble is automatically unlocked.

▷ When the vehicle is locked.

If necessary, clean the area between the charg‐

ing socket flap and charging socket, for instance

from snow, before removing it.

▷ When a charging station is defective.

Unlocking

Via iDrive:

1. Unlock the vehicle with the vehicle key if it is

locked.

1. "My Vehicle"

Charging cable is unlocked.

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. "Settings charging current"

4. "Unlock charging cable"

2. Press the release button on the handle, ar‐

row 1, and grasp the charging cable at the

gripping areas.

Charging process is interrupted.

Manual release

General information

The charging socket flap is automatically locked

while driving.

The charging cable may be locked during the

charging process if the vehicle is locked.

Manually unlocking the charging

socket flap

3. Remove the charging cable from the charg‐

ing socket, arrow 2.

In case of an electrical malfunction of the charg‐

ing cable lock, the charging socket flap can be

manually unlocked.

4. Put the charging socket lid back on.

5. Press on the charging socket flap until it en‐

gages.

6. Attach cover of the charging cable connector,

if needed.

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5. For removing the charging cable, refer to

page 212.

1. Open the front door on the side of the charg‐

ing socket flap.

6. If necessary, press the knob back into the ini‐

tial position.

2. Open rear door on the side of the charging

socket flap.

Have the locking system of the charging socket

checked at the dealer’s service center or another

qualified service center or repair shop after emer‐

gency unlocking of the charging cable.

3. Remove the cover.

4.

Pull the top knob. This releases the charg‐

ing socket flap.

Charging process

General information

At high temperatures, the high-voltage battery is

initially cooled. There may be a delay before

charging starts. If the high-voltage battery is dis‐

charged, cooling of the high-voltage battery may

not be possible. The charging process cannot be

started.

5. If necessary, press the knob back into the ini‐

tial position.

If the Mode 2 charging cable is exposed to high

temperatures and direct sunlight, this may inter‐

rupt the charging process. Charging will resume

automatically.

Performing emergency release

In case of an electrical malfunction, the charging

cable can be manually unlocked.

When charging at a charging station, complete

the charging process at the charging station be‐

fore unlocking the charging cable.

The charging process may take longer under ex‐

tremely low or high temperatures.

Safety information

1. Open the front door on the side of the charg‐

ing socket flap.

2. Open rear door on the side of the charging

socket flap.

Warning

Improper use of the power mains connection

can lead to damage, for instance cable fire.

There is a risk of injury or risk of damage to

property. Use the charging cable only for charg‐

ing the vehicle, and do not extend it using ca‐

bles or adapters.

3. Remove the cover.

4.

Pull the lower knob.

The charging cable is manually unlocked.

Warning

If the charge current strength is adjusted incor‐

rectly, the power mains of the household

socket can be overloaded and overheat. There

is a risk of fire. Adjust the charge current

strength to the power mains prior to charging

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on household sockets. With unknown power

networks, set on the lowest level.

Charging status display

Indicator light on the charging socket

Warning

An incorrectly connected charging cable can

lead to damage, for instance cable fire. There is

a risk of injury or risk of damage to property.

Make sure that the charging cable connector is

completely inserted in the charging socket.

NOTICE

An indicator light is located on the charging

socket.

Any weight on the opened charging port cover

may damage it. There is a risk of damage to

property, among other potential damage. Do

not put weight onto the charging port cover, for

instance by setting down the charging cable.

Charging status

Light

Charging status

White

Charging cable can be con‐

nected or removed.

Starting the charging process

1. Engage selector lever position P. Set the

parking brake, if needed.

Flashes yel‐ Charging process is being pre‐

low

pared.

2. For planning the charging process, refer to

page 215.

For DC charging: DC charging is

finishing.

3. Switch off drive-ready state.

Blue

Charging process paused.

Charging process is active.

4. Connect the Mode 2 charging cable to the

household socket or the Mode 3 charging ca‐

ble to the port at the AC charging station as

needed.

Flashes

blue

Flashes red Fault in the charging process.

Green Charging process is completed.

5. Open the charging socket flap.

6. Connect the charging cable to the vehicle, re‐

fer to page 211.

When the vehicle is locked, the indicator light

goes out after some time.

7. Lock vehicle if it is unlocked.

When the vehicle is unlocked, the blue indicator

light flashes continuously. The other indicator

lights go out after some time.

Press the button on the vehicle key to check

the charging state. The charging status is indi‐

cated on the indicator light. In some cases the

vehicle is locked.

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Charging the vehicle

1. "My Vehicle"

MOBILITY

Additional messages about the charging status

can be displayed in the instrument cluster, on the

BMW display key, or via the BMW app on the

smartphone.

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. "Set low cost time slot"

4. Set rate begin.

Planning the charging process

General information

The charging process can be adapted to con‐

straints, for instance the cost of electricity. The

vehicle can control the charging process in such

a way that the charging process is completed at

the departure time. A departure time must be set

for this purpose, refer to page 217.

5. Set rate end.

The Digital Charging Service enables the time

window to be set automatically for current loca‐

tions. Further information about the Digital

Charging Service is available on the Internet:

The vehicle can also start the charging process

before the selected time window begins or end it

after the selected time window finishes. The

starting point of the charging process is adjusted

so the vehicle can be as fully charged as possible

and, if applicable, its climate adjusted by the de‐

parture time.

The following settings are available:

▷ Immediate charging.

▷ Set time window for favorable charging.

▷ Set charging via Mode 2 charging cable.

▷ Set charging via Mode 3 charging cable.

If drive-ready state is switched off, changes can

be made via iDrive.

If drive-ready state is switched off, changes can

be made via iDrive. The departure time change is

a one-off change. Scheduled departure times are

not adjusted. Settings for the stationary climate

control and charging process are also accepted

for planned departure times.

Set the charge current for charging via a

Mode 2 charging cable

Depending on the electrical mains, the vehicle

must be charged with a different charge current

strength, refer to page 208.

Via iDrive:

Setting the charging mode

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. "Settings charging current"

4. "Level 1 (120V)"

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. Select the desired setting:

Settings are stored. When you change charging

locations you also might need to change the set‐

ting for charging.

▷ "Charge immediately": the charging proc‐

ess starts as soon as the charging cable is

connected.

Set the charge current strength at third-party

household sockets to the lowest level.

▷ "Charge for departure time": if a departure

time is set, a time window for charging

with a favorable electricity rate can be set.

Set the charge current for charging via a

Mode 3 charging cable

Depending on the electrical mains, the vehicle

must be charged with a different charge current

strength, refer to page 209.

Setting the time window for favorable-

rate

Via iDrive:

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When charging with an Mode 3 charging cable,

the charging process can be completed faster at

an AC charging station.

Terminating the charging process

1. Disconnect the charging cable from the vehi‐

cle, refer to page 212.

Via iDrive:

2. Stow the charging cable as required.

1. "My Vehicle"

3. Press on the charging socket flap until it en‐

gages.

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. "Settings charging current"

4. "Level 2 (208-240V)"

4. Lock vehicle if it is unlocked.

Settings are stored. When you change charging

locations you also might need to change the set‐

ting for charging.

Displays in the instrument

cluster

The charge state indicator light shows the

charge state of the high-voltage battery in the in‐

strument cluster, if standby state is switched on.

If all bars are filled, the high-voltage battery is

fully charged.

Automatically unlocking the charging

cable after the charging process

To allow other charging station customers to use

the charging function, the charging cable can be

unlocked automatically after the charging proc‐

ess is complete.

Even if no bars are filled, the high-voltage system

is still under high voltage.

Via iDrive:

Information regarding the charging process is

shown on the charging screen.

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. "Settings charging current"

4. "Unlock charging cable"

Display Meaning

Blue connector: charging process ac‐

tive or completed.

White connector: charging process in‐

terrupted.

Stopping the charging process

The charging process can be stopped at any

time by removing the charging cable and contin‐

ued at a later time by connecting the charging

cable. This enables other consumers to use the

power connection or prevents simultaneous high

power from multiple consumers, for example.

Running light: animated with active

charging process.

End of charging time or set departure

time.

For removing the charging cable, refer to

page 212.

Charging progress bar.

Running light: animated with active

charging process.

Continuing the charging process

DC charging active on a DC charging

station.

If the charging process is interrupted, for in‐

stance through a temporary power failure, the

charging process is automatically continued after

the interruption.

Indicator in blue: charged electrical

range.

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▷ Planning a one-time departure time.

Display Meaning

Indicator in white: maximum electrical

▷ Planning of up to three regular departure

times per day of the week.

range.

If drive-ready state is switched off, changes can

be made via iDrive. The departure time change is

a one-off change. Scheduled departure times are

not adjusted. Settings for climate control and

charging process are also applied for scheduled

departure times.

Charging cable connected.

White clock: departure time set.

White connector: charging procedure

is starting or interrupted.

Blue connector: charging process ac‐

tive or completed.

Climate control for departure time

Via iDrive:

Climate control activated at departure

time.

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. "Precondition for departure"

Range with Range Extender.

Flashing: ventilation active.

Flashing: heating active.

Flashing: cooling active.

Setting the departure time

AC charging:

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. "Set departure time"

4. Set the desired days of the week, if needed.

5. Set the desired time.

Up to three departure times can be set.

Departure time

Activating the departure time

Via iDrive:

Concept

For optimum range and climate control, the de‐

parture time can be set before parking the vehi‐

cle.

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. "Set departure time"

General information

Set departure times are displayed.

4. For example activate "Departure time 1".

Up to three departure times can be activated.

With a set departure time, the vehicle is pre‐

heated or precooled during the charging process

if climate control is set. Climate control output is

reduced during the trip. This increases the range.

The set departure time will be deactivated, if the

departure time was ignored three times in a row.

The following settings are possible for departure

time:

▷ Climate control for departure time.

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Climate control

General information

The following settings for vehicle air conditioning

are possible:

▷ Activate stationary climate control immedi‐

ately, refer to page 176.

The range is reduced if stationary climate

control is activated without a charging cable

connected.

▷ Planned climate control at the set departure

time, refer to page 177.

If a Mode 2 charging cable is used, the high-

voltage battery may not be fully charged at

departure time.

Discharged high-voltage and

vehicle battery

General information

In addition to the high-voltage battery, the vehi‐

cle has a 12 volt vehicle battery, which is re‐

quired for operation of the onboard electronics.

If the high-voltage battery and the vehicle battery

are discharged, it is not possible to operate the

vehicle.

Have the vehicle checked and returned to opera‐

tion by a dealer’s service center or another quali‐

fied service center or repair shop.

218

MOBILITY -> Charging the vehicle for Your BMW I3 4 Door First Generation (2013-2022)

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