BMW I3 2014 I01 Owner's Manual

ConnectionTo connect, engage lever in position P P. Set
the parking brake if needed.1.Tap on the charging port flap, arrow.2.Remove the charging port lid, arrow.3.Connect either a Level 1 or Level 2 charg‐
ing cable to the household socket or the
port on the charging station.4.Remove cover of the charging cable plug if
needed.5.Insert the charging cable plug correspond‐
ing to the charging port, and push it in until
it latches.
When charging at a charging station, follow the
instructions at the charging station.
Remove
When the vehicle is locked, the charging cable
is locked. Unlock the vehicle before removing
the cable.
1.Unlock the vehicle by remote control if it is
locked.Charging cable is unlocked.2.Press the release button on the handle, ar‐
row 1, and grasp the charging cable at the
gripping areas.
Charging process is interrupted.3.Remove the charging cable from the
charging port, arrow 2.4.Put the charging port lid back on.5.Close the charging port flap.6.Attach cover of the charging cable plug if
needed.7.Disconnect either a Level 1 or Level 2
charging cable from the household socket
or the port on the charging station.8.Stow the charging cable.
At a charging station, insert the perma‐
nently installed charging cable in the place
provided for it.
Manual release
The charging port flap is automatically locked
while driving.
The charging cable may be locked during the
charging process.
The charging cable may be locked during the
charging process if the vehicle is locked.
Seite 157Charging vehicleMobility159

Manually unlocking charging port flapIn case of an electrical malfunction of the
charging cable lock, the charging port flap can
be manually unlocked.1.Open rear door on the side of the charging
port flap.2.Remove the cover.3. Pull the blue knob, arrow. This releases
the charging port flap.4.If necessary, press the knob back into the
initial position.
Manual unlocking of the charging
cable
In case of an electrical malfunction, the charg‐
ing cable can be manually unlocked.
When charging at a charging station, complete
the charging process at the charging station
before unlocking the charging cable.
1.Open rear door on the side of the charging
port flap.2.Remove the cover.3. Pull the blue knob, arrow. Charging ca‐
ble is manually unlocked.4.Grasp the charging cable at the gripping
areas.5.Remove charging cable.
Charging operation
Hints Following safety instructions of the
power mains connection
During the charging process, heed the safety
instructions of the respective power mains
connection. Otherwise, there could be a risk of
personal injury or property damage from high
voltage, e.g., from electrocution or fire.◀
Using a Level 1 charging cable at other
household sockets
Before charging at other household sockets,
adapt the charging current strength to the
mains. Otherwise, there is a risk of fire, e.g.,
from overheating of the household socket or
overloading of the power mains.◀
Starting charging process
1.Engage selector lever position P. Set the
parking brake if needed.2.Planning charging process, refer to
page 161.3.Switch off drive readiness.4.Connect either a Level 1 or Level 2 charg‐
ing cable to the household socket or the
port on the charging station.5.Open charging port flap.6.Connect charging cable to the vehicle, re‐
fer to page 159.
At high temperatures, initially the high-voltage
battery is cooled. The charging process can be
started with a delay.
Display of the charging status
The charging status is indicated by the indica‐
tor light at the charging port.
Seite 158MobilityCharging vehicle160

▷Lamp white: charging cable can be con‐
nected or removed.▷Lamp flashes yellow: charging process is
being initialized▷Lamp blue: charging process is started at a
set time.▷Lamp flashes blue: charging process ac‐
tive.▷Lamp flashes red: fault in the charging
process.▷Lamp green: charging process completed.
When the vehicle is locked, the indicator lamp
goes out after some time.
When the vehicle is unlocked, the blue indica‐
tor lamp flashes continuously. The other indi‐
cator lights go out after some time.
To check the charging process, press the

key on the remote control. The charging status
is indicated on the indicator lamp. In some
cases the vehicle is locked.
Additional messages regarding the charging
status, e.g., probable end of charging or the
planned departure time, can be displayed in
the instrument cluster, on the Control Display
and via the BMW i Remote App on the smart‐
phone.
Planning charging process The charging process can be adapted to con‐
straints, e.g., 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 163.
The following settings are available:▷Charge immediately.▷Set time window for favorable charging.▷Set charging via a Level 1 charging cable.▷Set charging via a Level 2 charging cable.
If drive readiness is switched off, changes can
be made on the Control Display. Departure
time can only be changed once. Scheduled de‐
parture times are not adjusted. Settings for
standing air conditioning and loading process
are accepted for planned departure times too.
Charging immediately
The charging process starts as soon as the
charging cable is connected.
1."Settings"2."Charging"3."Charge immediately"
Setting time window for favorable
charging
Level 1 or Level 2 charging:
When departure time is set, a time window for
charging with a favorable electricity rate can be
set.
1."Settings"2."Charging"3."Low cost charging"4.Set rate begin. Turn the controller until the
desired time is set and press the controller.5.Set rate end. Turn the controller until the
desired time is set and press the controller.
Setting charging via a
Level 1 charging cable
Depending on the electrical mains, the vehicle
must be charged with a different charging cur‐
rent strength, refer to page 156.
1."Settings"2."Charging"Seite 159Charging vehicleMobility161

3."AC charging power:"
Settings are stored. When you change charg‐
ing locations you also might need to change
the setting for charging.
Set the charge current strength at other
household sockets to "Low".
Setting charging via a
Level 2 charging cable
Depending on the electrical mains, the vehicle
must be charged with a different charging cur‐
rent strength, refer to page 156.
When charging with a Level 2 charging cable,
the charging process can be completed faster
at a Level 2 charging station.
1."Settings"2."Charging"3."Level 2:"
Settings are stored. When you change charg‐
ing locations you also might need to change
the setting for charging.
Stopping charging process The charging operation can be stopped at any
time by removing the charging cable and con‐
tinued at a later time by connecting the charg‐
ing cable in order to use other loads on the
power connection or to prevent simultaneous
high power from multiple loads.
The charging operation is interrupted when the
vehicle is unlocked and automatically resumed
after a brief time or when it is locked.
Continue charging operation If the charging operation is interrupted, e.g.,
through a temporary power failure, the charg‐
ing operation is automatically continued after
the interruption.
Terminating charging process1.Removing the charging cable from the ve‐
hicle, refer to page 159.2.Stow the charging cable as required.3.Close the charging port flap.4.Lock vehicle if it is unlocked.
Displays in the instrument
cluster
The charging state indicator light shows the
charging state of the high-voltage battery in
the instrument cluster, if operating readiness is
turned on. If all segments are filled, the high-
voltage battery is fully charged.
Even if no segments are filled, the high-voltage
system is still under high voltage.
DisplayMeaningPlug blue: charging operation active.
White plug: charging interruption.Running light: animated with active
charging operation.End of charging time or set depar‐
ture time.Charging progress bar.DC charging active on a DC charg‐
ing station.Indicator in blue: charged electrical
range.Indicator in white: maximum electri‐
cal range.Departure time set.Seite 160MobilityCharging vehicle162

DisplayMeaningClimate control activated at depar‐
ture time.Range with Range Extender.Flashing: ventilation active.Flashing: heating active.Flashing: cooling active.
Departure time
The concept For optimum range and climate control, the
departure time can be set before parking the
car.
With a set departure time, the vehicle is cli‐
mate controlled during the charging process
when climate control is set. Climate control
output is reduced during the trip. This in‐
creases the range.
The following settings are possible at depar‐
ture time:
▷Climate control at departure time.▷Planning a one-time departure time.▷Planning of up to three regular departure
times per day of the week.
If drive readiness is switched off, changes can
be made on the Control Display. Departure
time can only be changed once. Scheduled de‐
parture times are not adjusted. Settings for cli‐
mate control and charging operation are also
applied for scheduled departure times.
Climate control at departure time1."Settings"2."Departure time"3."Precond. for departure"
Setting departure time
Level 1 or Level 2 charging:
1."Settings"2."Departure time"3."Departure 1:"4.Set the day of the week if needed.
Turn the controller until the desired day of
the week is set and press the controller.
To select other days of the week, repeat
the operation.5.Set the time.
Turn the controller until the desired time is
set and press the controller.
Up to three departure times can be set.
Activating the departure time
1."Settings"2."Departure time"
Set departure times are displayed.3.E. g. "Activate depart. 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.
Climate control General information
The following settings for climate control of
the vehicle are possible:
▷Activate stationary climate control immedi‐
ately, refer to page 132.Seite 161Charging vehicleMobility163

With stationary climate control activated
and no charging cable connected, the
range is reduced.▷Planned climate control at the set depar‐
ture time, refer to page 133.
Discharged high-voltage and
vehicle battery
General information
In addition to the high-voltage battery, the ve‐
hicle has a 12 volt vehicle battery, which is re‐
quired for operation of the onboard electron‐
ics.
If the high-voltage battery and the vehicle bat‐
tery are discharged, it is not possible to oper‐
ate the vehicle.
Place vehicle in service To place the vehicle in service, charge as
usual.
If there is no possibility of charging on site,
contact the service center.
Charging vehicle with a discharged
vehicle battery
1.Unlock the vehicle, if needed, using the
integrated key, refer to page 36.2.Secure the vehicle against rolling.3.Manually unlock charging port flap if it is
locked, refer to page 159.4.Connect either a Level 1 or Level 2 charg‐
ing cable to the household socket or the
port on the charging station.5.Attach charging cable corresponding to
the charging socket connection.
Charging is started. The charging status is
not displayed. Do not open vehicle during
this time.
After several minutes, the vehicle is slightly
charged. The onboard electronics are ready
again. It is again possible to open the vehicle.
The charging status as well as the charging
state of the high-voltage battery can be dis‐
played again.
Continue charging vehicle until desired range
is possible.
If the vehicle battery cannot be charged, con‐
tact the service center.Seite 162MobilityCharging vehicle164

RefuelingVehicle features and options
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems.
Hints
A sufficient amount of fuel must be added to
operate the Range Extender. When the Range
Extender is activated, the current charging
state is maintained. The vehicle has a greater
range.
Do not refuel unless the engine is at a
standstill and the selector lever is in posi‐
tion P/N
Do not refuel unless the engine is at a standstill
and the selector lever is in position P/N, other‐
wise the buildup of pressure may cause the
fuel nozzle to shut off prematurely.◀
Tank ventThe concept
The vehicle is equipped with a special fuel
tank. It is designed for special requirements
that arise in operation with the Range Ex‐
tender.
General information
In the fuel tank, excess pressure can build up
due to gasoline vapors which are dissipated
before the tank lid is opened.
At a glance The button is located on the driver's footwell.Tank venting1.Switch off drive readiness.2.
Press button to start the pressure
equalization.
The status of the tank venting is displayed
in the instrument cluster. In rare cases, the
tank venting can last several seconds.
If the tank venting has been completed, a
message is displayed in the instrument
cluster. The tank lid is released for open‐
ing.
3.Open the fuel filler flap.
If the fuel filler flap is not opened within 10
minutes after the fuel filler flap was re‐
leased, the fuel filler flap relocks. Press
button again.
Fuel lid
Opening
Before opening , vent the tank, refer to
page 165.
1.Briefly press the rear edge of the fuel filler
flap.Seite 163RefuelingMobility165

2.Turn the tank lid counterclockwise.3.Place the tank lid in the bracket attached to
the fuel filler flap.
Closing
1.Fit the lid and turn it clockwise until you
clearly hear a click.2.Close the fuel filler flap.
Do not pinch the retaining strap
Do not pinch the retaining strap attached
to the lid; otherwise, the lid cannot be closed
properly and fuel vapors can escape.◀
Manually unlocking fuel filler flap In the event of an electrical malfunction, e.g.
The release is located in the cargo area.1.Open hood, refer to page 180.2.Pull the green knob with the fuel pump
symbol. This releases the fuel filler flap.3.Open the fuel filler flap.4.Carefully open the fuel filler flap. Excess
pressure can build up in the fuel tank from
gasoline vapor.5.Fuel the vehicle as usual. This may be diffi‐
cult due to the residue pressure in the
tank, caused by frequent stopping of the
fuel pump nozzle, e.g.
Observe the following when
refueling
The fuel tank is full when the filler nozzle clicks
off the first time.
Do not overfill the fuel tank
Do not overfill the fuel tank; otherwise
fuel may eslide, causing harm to the environ‐
ment and damaging the vehicle.◀
Seite 164MobilityRefueling166

Handling fuels
Observe safety regulations posted at the
gas station.◀
No simultaneous charging and refueling
Do not refuel while a charging cable is
plugged in, and maintain an adequate safety
distance from highly flammable materials. Oth‐
erwise, there is a danger of personal injury and
property damage from burning fuel vapors,
e.g., if the charging cable is improperly plug‐
ged in or unplugged.◀Seite 165RefuelingMobility167

FuelVehicle features and optionsThis chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems.
Fuel recommendation
Note General fuel quality
Even fuels that conform to the specifica‐
tions can be of low quality. This may cause en‐
gine problems, for instance poor engine start-
up behavior, poor handling and/or poor
performance. Switch gas stations or use a
brand name fuel with a higher octane rating.◀
Gasoline
For the best fuel efficiency, the gasoline
should be sulfur-free or very low in sulfur con‐
tent.
Fuels that are marked on the gas pump as con‐
taining metal must not be used.
Refuel only with unleaded gasoline with‐
out metallic additives.
Do not refuel with any leaded gasoline or gaso‐
line with metallic additives, e. g. manganese or
iron, as this can cause permanent damage to
the catalytic converter and other compo‐
nents.◀
Fuels with a maximum ethanol content of
10 %, i. e., E10, may be used for refueling.
Ethanol should satisfy the following quality
standards:
US: ASTM 4806–xxCAN: CGSB-3.511–xx
xx: comply with the current standard in each
case.
Do not use a fuel with a higher percent‐
age of ethanol
Do not use a fuel with a higher ethanol per‐
centage than recommended or one with other
types of alcohol, e.g. M5 to M100; otherwise
this could damage the engine and fuel supply
system.◀
Recommended fuel grade BMW recommends AKI 91.
Minimum fuel grade
BMW recommends AKI 89.
Minimum fuel grade
Do not use any gasoline below the mini‐
mum fuel grade as this may impair engine per‐
formance.◀
Fuel supply in winter Depending on the region, many gas stations
sell fuel that has been customized to winter or
summer conditions.
Fuel that is available in winter helps make a
cold start easier, e. g.
The manufacturer of the vehicle recommends
filling the tank with the corresponding fuel at
the start of winter to ensure the operational re‐
liability of the Range Extender at low tempera‐
tures.Seite 166MobilityFuel168