Get Charging the vehicle Guide for BMW I8 2 Door First Generation (2014-2020)

Charging the vehicle

MOBILITY

Charging the vehicle

Level 1 charging is possible via a household

socket with a voltage of 120 volts.

Vehicle features and options

For optimal use of the energy from the power

grid, charging at a Level 2 charging station, such

as BMW i Wallbox, is recommended.

This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐

cific and optional features offered with the series.

It also describes features that are not necessarily

available in your vehicle, for instance, due to the

selected options or country versions. This also

applies to safety-related functions and systems.

When using these functions and systems, the

applicable laws and regulations must be ob‐

served.

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 or charging station.

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.

Level 1 charging

Prior to the first Level 1 charging at your own

household socket, or at other household sock‐

ets, the permitted charge current strength must

be determined by a qualified electrician, for ex‐

ample.

General information

The charge current strength for Level 1 charg‐

ing, refer to page 198, can be adjusted in the ve‐

hicle in three levels.

High-voltage battery

At delivery, the charge current for Level 1 charg‐

ing is set to the lowest level.

The high-voltage battery is used as an energy

accumulator. The high-voltage battery can be

charged by energy recovery during the trip or via

the power grid.

Depending on the country-specific version, one

of several ampere ratings is printed on the

Level 1 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.

In order to operate the high-voltage battery opti‐

mally, charge the vehicle regularly and fully using

a compatible charger.

When charging via the power grid, you can chose

between the following variants.

▷ Level 1 charging via a household socket.

▷ Level 2 charging via a Level 2 charging sta‐

tion.

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Charging the vehicle

MOBILITY

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.

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:

Maintaining charge state

▷ Charging cable.

The current charge state of the high-voltage bat‐

tery can be maintained or increased with the

Maintain charge state, refer to page 96, function.

The charge state is maintained and the electric

range is conserved for a later point in the trip.

▷ Charging station.

▷ Household socket and connected circuits.

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.

Safety information

Warning

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.

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.

Warning

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.

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.

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Charging the vehicle

MOBILITY

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.

Level 1 charging cable

Depending on the country version, the vehicle is

supplied with a Level 1 charging cable.

Level 1 charging cables can be used to charge

the vehicle from grounded household sockets.

Charging at household socket connections is

performed with alternating current.

Charging cable

When a Level 1 charging cable is used, the effi‐

ciency values may differ from those stated on the

energy label.

General information

Use a Level 1 charging cable, Level 2 charging

cable or the permanently installed charging cable

of a charging station to charge the vehicle.

Level 2 charging cable

The Level 2 charging cable makes it possible to

quickly recharge at sockets of designated

Level 2 charging stations using a special plug.

Charging is performed with alternating current at

designated Level 2 charging stations. The charg‐

ing process can be completed faster than at

household sockets.

Different charging cables can be required de‐

pending on the country.

Safety information

Warning

The charging cable may be permanently installed

at the charging station.

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.

Storage

The Level 1 charging cable is located in the sep‐

arate area on the right-hand side of the cargo

area.

A dealer's service center will be glad to provide

information about suitable charging cables.

The Level 2 charging cable can be stored in the

same place.

If required, store the charging cable with the in‐

stalled plug cover to prevent moisture in the

charging cable plug.

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.

Connecting

Charging socket flap

The charging socket flap is located on the left

side of the vehicle.

Warning

Always keep charging socket clean and unob‐

structed.

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.

Keep the charging socket flap closed when the

charging socket is not used.

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Charging the vehicle

MOBILITY

Charging process is interrupted.

Connecting the charging cable

To connect, engage selector lever position P,

deactivate drive-ready state, and unlock the vehi‐

cle. Set the parking brake, if needed.

1. Tap on the charging socket flap, arrow.

3. Remove the charging cable from the charg‐

ing socket, arrow 2.

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

gages.

5. Attach cover of the charging cable plug, if

needed.

2. Remove the cover of the charging cable plug,

if needed.

6. Disconnect Level 1 charging cable from the

household socket or Level 2 charging cable

from the port on the charging station as appli‐

cable.

3. Connect Level 1 charging cable to the

household socket or Level 2 charging cable

to the port on the charging station.

4. Insert the appropriate charging cable plug,

and push it in until it engages.

7. Stow the charging cable.

At a charging station, insert the permanently

installed charging cable in the place provided

for it.

When charging at a charging station, follow the

instructions at the charging station.

Removing

Electrical unlocking of the charging

cable

When the charging process is active and the ve‐

hicle is locked, the charging cable is automati‐

cally locked. Unlock the vehicle before removing

the cable.

Concept

In the following situations, the charging cable can

be unlocked and removed electronically:

When the charging process is completed, the

charging cable 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.

Charging cable is unlocked.

1. "My Vehicle"

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

row 1, and grasp the charging cable at the

gripping areas.

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. "Settings charging current"

4. "Unlock charging cable"

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Charging the vehicle

MOBILITY

rupt the charging process. Charging will resume

automatically.

Manual release

The charging process may take longer under ex‐

tremely low or high temperatures.

Emergency unlocking

In case of an electrical malfunction, the charging

cable can be manually unlocked.

Safety information

When charging at a charging station, complete

the charging process at the charging station be‐

fore unlocking the charging cable.

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.

1. Open the door on the side of the charging

socket flap.

2. Open the cover, arrow 1.

Pull the knob, arrow 2.

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

on household sockets. With unknown power

networks, set on the lowest level.

3. For removing the charging cable, refer to

page 195.

Starting the charging process

1. Engage selector lever position P. Set the

parking brake, if needed.

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.

2. For planning the charging process, refer to

page 197.

3. Switch off drive-ready state.

Charging process

4. Connect Level 1 charging cable to the

household socket or Level 2 charging cable

to the port on the charging station.

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. Open the charging socket flap.

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

fer to page 194.

7. Lock vehicle if it is unlocked.

If the Level 1 charging cable is exposed to high

temperatures and direct sunlight, this may inter‐

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Charging the vehicle

MOBILITY

Charging status display

Planning the charging process

Indicator light on the charging socket

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 199.

The following settings are available:

▷ Immediate charging.

▷ Set time window for favorable charging.

▷ Set charging via a Level 1 charging cable.

An indicator light is located on the charging

socket.

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.

Charging status

Light

Charging status

White

Charging cable can be con‐

nected or removed.

Setting the charging mode

Via iDrive:

Flashes yel‐ Charging process is being pre‐

low

pared.

1. "My Vehicle"

Blue

Charging process paused.

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. Select the desired setting:

Flashes blue Charging process is active.

Flashes red Fault in the charging process.

▷ "Charge immediately": the charging proc‐

ess starts as soon as the charging cable is

connected.

Green

Charging process is completed.

▷ "Charge for departure time": if a departure

time is set, a time window for charging

with a favorable electricity rate can be set.

When the vehicle is locked, the indicator light

goes out after some time.

When the vehicle is unlocked, the blue indicator

light flashes continuously. The other indicator

lights go out after some time.

Setting the time window for favorable-

rate

Via iDrive:

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.

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. "Set low cost time slot"

4. Set rate begin.

Additional messages about the charging status

can be displayed in the instrument cluster, on the

BMW display key, or via the BMW Con‐

nected app on a smartphone.

5. Set rate end.

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Charging the vehicle

MOBILITY

The Digital Charging Service enables the time

window to be set automatically for certain loca‐

tions. Further information about the Digital

Charging Service is available on the Internet:

charging process is automatically continued after

the interruption.

Terminating the charging process

1. Disconnect the charging cable from the vehi‐

cle, refer to page 195.

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.

2. Stow the charging cable as required.

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

gages.

4. Lock vehicle if it is unlocked.

Intelligent charging

Concept

Setting the charge current for charging

via a Level 1 charging cable

Intelligent charging can adapt the charging proc‐

ess dynamically via the Internet to the environ‐

mental conditions, such as the availability of solar

power or time-variable electricity rates. Intelligent

charging is part of BMW's Digital Charging Serv‐

ice.

Depending on the electrical mains, the vehicle

must be charged with a different charge current

strength, refer to page 192.

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. "Settings charging current"

4. "Level 1 (120V)"

Further information about the Digital Charging

Service is available on the Internet:

Settings are stored. When you change charging

locations you also might need to change the set‐

ting for charging.

General information

Intelligent charging does not display an end of

charge time in the instrument cluster.

Set the charge current strength at other house‐

hold sockets to the lowest level.

If drive-ready state is switched off, changes can

be made via iDrive.

Intelligent charging can be ignored for the next

charging process.

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.

1. Switch off drive-ready state.

2. "Charge immediately once"

Functional requirements

▷ Account on the BMW charging portal.

For removing the charging cable, refer to

page 195.

▷ A subscription to the intelligent charging

service has been obtained.

▷ Suitable Wallbox.

Continuing the charging process

▷ Departure time set, refer to page 199.

If the charging process is interrupted, for in‐

stance through a temporary power failure, the

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Charging the vehicle

Display Meaning

MOBILITY

▷ Charge current strength setting to highest

level, refer to page 198.

Charging progress bar.

Configuring the BMW charging service

Use one of the following to configure the

BMW charging service:

Indicator in blue: charged electrical

range.

▷ BMW remote app on the smartphone.

▷ BMW charging portal in the Internet.

Indicator in white: maximum electrical

range.

Activating intelligent charging

Via iDrive:

Charging cable connected.

White clock: departure time set.

1. "My Vehicle"

White connector: charging procedure

is starting or interrupted.

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. "Low-cost charging for departure"

4. "Intelligent charging"

Blue plug: charging process active or

completed.

Climate control activated at departure

time.

Displays in the instrument

cluster

Flashing: ventilation active.

Flashing: heating active.

Flashing: cooling active.

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.

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

is still under high voltage.

Information regarding the charging process is

shown on the charging screen.

Departure time

Display Meaning

Concept

Blue plug: charging process active or

completed.

For optimum range and climate control, the de‐

parture time can be set before parking the vehi‐

cle.

White plug: charging process inter‐

rupted.

Running light: animated with active

charging process.

General information

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

during electric driving.

End of charging time or set departure

time.

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The following settings are possible for departure

time:

Climate control

▷ Climate control for departure time.

▷ Planning a one-time departure time.

General information

The following settings for vehicle air conditioning

are possible:

▷ Planning of up to three regular departure

times per day of the week.

▷ Activate stationary climate control immedi‐

ately, refer to page 169.

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.

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 170.

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

voltage battery may not be fully charged at

departure time.

Climate control for departure time

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. "Precondition for departure"

Discharged high-voltage and

vehicle battery

Setting the departure time

Via iDrive:

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.

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. "Set departure time"

If the high-voltage battery and the vehicle battery

are discharged, it is not possible to operate the

vehicle.

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

5. Set the desired time.

Have the vehicle checked and returned to opera‐

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

fied service center or repair shop.

Up to three departure times can be set.

Activating the departure time

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "Plan charging/climate control"

3. "Set departure time"

Set departure times are displayed.

4. For example activate "Departure time 1".

Up to three departure times can be activated.

The set departure time will be deactivated, if the

departure time was ignored three times in a row.

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Charging the vehicle for Your BMW I8 2 Door First Generation (2014-2020)

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