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EnglishMOBILITY -> Charging the vehicle for your BMW i3 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
6 A
8 A
8 A
6 A
6 A
10 A
12 A
15 A
10 A
12 A
15 A
7.5 A
9 A
6 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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MOBILITY
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.
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