key BMW I3 2015 I01 Owner's Manual

FOR OVER THREE QUARTERS OF
A CENTURY, THE BASIC IDEA BEHIND
THE CAR WAS LEFT UNTOUCHED.
Until now. Today, the BMW i3 introduces a wealth of new ways to create
the ultimate sustainable electric car. One key innovation is LifeDrive:
the first serial production passenger cell made of light and extremely
robust carbon fiber. It substantially reduces the weight of the vehicle
for maximum electric range. Moreover, streamflow aerodynamics
reduce drag and energy consumption.
The interior of the BMW i3 features natural-fiber based raw materials
in the instrument panel and door trim surfaces. Textiles for the seats
are made of up to 100% recycled materials. The leather components
are tanned with natural olive leaf extract, which gives the leather a
unique, fresh scent. The interior wood panels are made of open-pore
eucalyptus wood. All wood is sourced from responsible forestry and
certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®).
Innovation is also built into the BMW i3 product development process
itself: To ensure a truly sustainable product, measurable targets were
already set in the early strategic phase of development to define envi-
ronmental guidelines for the entire product life cycle – from the sourcing
of raw materials to production, utilization and recycling. These were
agreed to and monitored throughout the development phase of the
vehicle. The life cycle assessment process and the results have been
certified by a third party according to ISO 14040/14044. Further
details can be found online at bmw-i.com.
01. DEVELOPMENT
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Additional symbolsSymbolMeaning Spoken instructions are turned off. Check the current vehicle position.
Split screen
General information Additional information can be displayed on the
right side of the split screen, e.g., information
from the on-board comupter.
In the divided screen view, the so-called split
screen, this information remains visible even when you change to another menu.
Switching the split screen on and off On the Control Display:
1. Press button.2."Split screen"
Selecting the display
On the Control Display:
1. Press button.2."Split screen"3.Move the controller until the split screen is
selected.4.Press the controller or select "Split screen
content".5.Select the desired menu item.
Programmable memory
buttons
General information
The iDrive functions can be stored on the pro‐
grammable memory buttons and called up di‐
rectly, e.g., radio stations, navigation destina‐
tions, phone numbers and menu entries.
Settings are stored for the profile currently in
use.
Saving a function
1.Highlight the function via the iDrive.2. Press and hold the desired button,
until a signal sounds.
Running a function
Press button.
The function will work immediately.
This means, e.g., that the number is dialed
when a phone number is selected.
Displaying the button assignment Touch buttons with bare fingers. Do not wear
gloves or use objects.
The key assignment is displayed at top edge of
screen.
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Opening and closingVehicle 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. The respectively applicable country
provisions must be observed when using the
respective features and systems.
Remote control/key General information
The vehicle is supplied with two remote con‐
trols with integrated key.
Every remote control holds a replaceable bat‐
tery.
You may set the key functions depending on
the optional features and country-specific ver‐
sion. For Settings, refer to page 48.
The vehicle stores personal settings for every
remote control. Personal Profile, refer to
page 39.
The remote controls hold information on re‐
quired maintenance. Service data in the re‐
mote control, refer to page 188At a glance1Unlocking2Locking3Unlocking hood4▷With alarm system: panic mode▷Without panic mode:
Adjustable function: headlight courtesy
delay feature, stationary air condition‐
ing or unlock tailgate.
Integrated key
Press button, arrow 1, and remove the key, ar‐
row 2.
The integrated key fits the driver's door lock.
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Replacing the battery1.Remove integrated key from remote con‐
trol.2.Raise the cover of the battery compart‐
ment, arrow 1.3.Remove the cover of the battery compart‐
ment, arrow 2.4.Insert a battery of the same type with the
positive side facing up.5.Press the cover closed.
Take the used battery to a recycling
center or to your service center.
New remote controls New remote controls are available from the
service center.
Loss of the remote controls Lost remote controls can be disabled by your
service center.
Emergency detection of remote
control
Also in the following situations, radio-ready
state and drive readiness can be established:
▷Interference of radio transmission to re‐
mote control by external sources e.g., by
radio masts.▷Empty battery in remote control.▷Interference from radio transmissions
through mobile devices in close proximity
to remote control.▷Interference of radio transmission by
charger while charging items such as mo‐
bile devices in the vehicle.
A Check Control message is displayed if one
attempts to turn on the radio-ready state or ac‐
tivate engine readiness.
Activation of drive readiness via
emergency detection of the remote
control
If a respective Check Control message ap‐
pears, hold the remote control with its back
against the marked area on the steering col‐
umn. The BMW logo on the remote control
should be at the same height as the marked
area. Press the Start/Stop button within
10 seconds while pressing the brake pedal.
If the remote control is not recognized: slightly
change the height position of the remote con‐
trol and repeat the procedure.
Personal Profile
The concept Personal Profile provides three profiles, using
which personal vehicle settings can be stored.
Every remote control has one of these profiles
assigned.
If the vehicle is unlocked using a remote con‐
trol, the assigned personal profile will be acti‐
vated. All settings stored in the profile are au‐
tomatically applied.
If several drivers use their own remote control,
the vehicle will adjust the personal settings
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Press button on the remote control for
at least 3 seconds.
To reel off the alarm: press any button.
Malfunction Remote control detection by the vehicle can
among others be malfunctioning under the fol‐
lowing circumstances:▷The battery of the remote control is dis‐
charged. Replace the battery, refer to
page 39.▷Interference of the radio connection from
transmission towers or other equipment
with high transmit power.▷Shielding of the remote control due to
metal objects.▷Interference of the radio connection from
mobile phones or other electronic devices
in direct proximity.
Do not transport the remote control together
with metal objects or electronic devices.
In the case of interference, the vehicle can also
be unlocked and locked from the outside with‐
out remote control, refer to page 43.
For US owners only
The transmitter and receiver units comply with
part 15 of the FCC/Federal Communication
Commission regulations. Operation is gov‐
erned by the following:
FCC ID:
▷LX8766S.▷LX8766E.▷LX8CAS.▷LX8CAS2.▷MYTCAS4.
Compliance statement:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
▷This device may not cause harmful inter‐
ference, and▷this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Any unauthorized modifications or changes to
these devices could void the user's authority to
operate this equipment.
Without remote control
From the outside Locking from the outside
Do not lock the vehicle from the outside
with people inside the car, as the vehicle can‐
not be unlocked from inside without special
knowledge.◀
Remove the key before pulling the door
handle
Before pulling the outside door handle, remove
the key to avoid damaging the paintwork and
the key.◀
Unlock or lock the driver's door via the door
lock using the integrated key, refer to page 38.
The other doors must be unlocked or locked from the inside.
1.Remove lid on the door lock.
To do this, slide the integrated key into the
opening from below and unlock the lid.Seite 43Opening and closingControls43
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2.Unlock or lock door lock.
Alarm system
The alarm system is not armed if the vehicle is
locked with the integrated key.
The alarm system is triggered when the door is
opened, if the vehicle was unlocked via the
door lock.
In order to terminate this alarm, unlock vehicle
with the remote control or establish radio-
ready state, if needed, through emergency de‐
tection of the remote control, refer to page 39.
From the inside
Unlocking and locking
Via the buttons for the central locking system.
▷ By pressing the button, the vehicle
is locked with the doors closed.▷ Pressing the button unlocks the
vehicle.
The vehicle is not secured against theft when
locking.
The vehicle locks automatically after you drive
off.
In the event of a severe accident, the vehicle is
automatically unlocked. The hazard warning
system and interior lights come on.
Unlocking and opening▷Press the central locking system
button to unlock the doors to‐
gether, and then pull the door handle
above the armrest.▷Pull the door opener on the door to be
opened. The other door remain locked.
Rear doors
The rear doors can only be opened using the
handle on the inside, arrow. The correspond‐
ing front door must be opened.
To better reach the front door's handle fold the
front seat's backrests, refer to page 54,
down.
Before exiting the vehicle, make sure that the
front safety belt is completely wound up.
When closing, make sure that the correspond‐
ing front door is far enough open.
Hood
Unlocking from the outside Press button on the remote control for
approx. 1 second.
The hood is unlocked and slightly raised.
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Locking
Touch the surface on the door handle of the
driver's or front passenger door, arrow, with
your finger for approx. 1 second without grasp‐
ing the door handle.
This corresponds with pressing the button on
the remote control.

To save battery power, ensure that all power
consumers are turned off before locking the
vehicle.
Convenient closing Monitor closing
Monitor closing to ensure that no one
becomes trapped.◀
Touch the surface on the door handle of the
driver's or front passenger door, arrow, with
your finger and hold it there without grasping
the door handle.
This corresponds to pressing and holding

the remote control button.
In addition to locking, the windows and the
glass sunroof close and the exterior mirrors
fold in.
Unlocking the tailgate separately
Press button on tailgate's exterior
Without alarm system: This corresponds with
pressing the button on the remote control
, if the tailgate function is set.
The situation of the doors does not change.
Note the opening height of the tailgate
The tailgate swings back and up when it
opens. Ensure that there is sufficient clearance
when the tailgate opens; otherwise, damage
may result.◀
Do not place the remote control in the
cargo area
Take the remote control with you and do not
leave it in the cargo area; otherwise, the re‐
mote control is locked inside the vehicle when
the tailgate is closed.◀
Malfunction
Remote control detection by the vehicle can
among others be malfunctioning under the fol‐
lowing circumstances:
▷The battery of the remote control is dis‐
charged. Replace the battery, refer to
page 39.▷Interference of the radio connection from
transmission towers or other equipment
with high transmit power.▷Shielding of the remote control due to
metal objects.▷Interference of the radio connection from
mobile phones or other electronic devices
in direct proximity.
Do not transport the remote control together
with metal objects or electronic devices.
In the case of a malfunction, unlock and lock
the vehicle using the buttons of the remote
control or using the integrated key, refer to
page 43.
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Adjusting
Unlocking The settings are saved in the active profile, re‐
fer to page 39.
Doors1."Settings"2."Doors/key"3. Select the symbol.4.Select the desired function:▷"Driver's door only"
Only the driver's door is unlocked.
Pressing again unlocks the entire vehi‐
cle.▷"All doors"
The entire vehicle is unlocked.
Hood Depending on optional features and country
version, this setting is not offered in some cases.
1."Settings"2."Doors/key"3. Select the symbol.4.Select the desired function:▷"Front compartment lid"
The hood is unlocked.▷"Front lid and door(s)"
The hood and the doors are unlocked.
Without alarm system: tailgate Depending on optional features and country
version, this setting is not offered in some cases.
1."Settings"2."Doors/key"3. Select the symbol.4.Select the desired function:▷"Tailgate"
The tailgate is unlocked.▷"Tailgate + door(s)"
The tailgate and the doors are un‐
locked.
Confirmation signals from the vehicle
The settings are saved in the active profile, re‐
fer to page 39.
1."Settings"2."Doors/key"3.Deactivate or activate the desired confir‐
mation signals.▷"Acoustic sig. lock/unlock"▷"Flash when lock/unlock"
Automatic locking
The settings are saved in the active profile, re‐fer to page 39.
1."Settings"2."Doors/key"3.Select the desired function:▷"Lock if no door is opened"
The vehicle locks automatically after a
short period of time if no door is
opened.
Without alarm system: headlamp
courtesy delay feature/standing
climate control
The settings are saved in the active profile, re‐
fer to page 39.
1."Settings"2."Doors/key"3. Select the symbol.4.Select the desired function:▷"Pathway lighting"
Headlight courtesy delay feature▷"Comfort climate control"Seite 48ControlsOpening and closing48
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▷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 167.
The following settings are available:▷Immediate charging.▷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.
Immediate chargingThe 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 160.
1."Settings"2."Charging"Seite 165Charging vehicleMobility165
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Climate controlGeneral information
The following settings for climate control of
the vehicle are possible:▷Activate stationary climate control immedi‐
ately, refer to page 133.
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 134.
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 38.2.Secure the vehicle against rolling.3.Manually unlock charging port flap if it is
locked, refer to page 163.4.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.
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