2014 BMW I3 Range

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

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

Under the hoodWhat is important under the hood1Washer fluid reservoir2With Range Extender: filler flap emergency
unlocking3Coolant reservoir for climate control4Coolant reservoir for driveThe occasional use cable compartment in the
center is used for storage of the Level 1 charg‐
ing cable and the Level 2 charging cable.
Moisture can penetrate into the occasional use
cable compartment, e.g. in a car wash.
Hood Hints Working under the hood
Never attempt to perform any service or
repair operations on your vehicle without the
necessary professional technical training.If you are unfamiliar with the statutory guide‐
lines, have any work on the vehicle performed
only by a service center.
If work is not carried out properly, there is a
danger of subsequent damage and related
safety hazards.◀
Fold down wiper arm
Before opening the hood, ensure that the
wiper arms are against the windshield, or this
may result in damage.◀Seite 177Under the hoodMobility179

Engine oilVehicle 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.
General information
Engine oil consumption depends on the fre‐
quency of Range Extender use. Therefore,
regularly check the engine oil level after refuel‐
ing.
Checking the oil level
Note Check the engine oil level with Range Extender
warmed up to operating temperature.
After switching off the Range Extender, wait
several minutes before checking the oil level
so that the engine oil can collect in the oil pan.
Checking1.Park the vehicle in horizontal position in a
safe place.2.Switch the engine off.3.Remove the cargo floor panel.4.Turn the lid counterclockwise and remove.5.After approx. 5, minutes, remove the dip
stick and wipe with a lint-free cloth, paper
towel or similar.6.Carefully insert the dipstick up to the stop
in the measuring tube, and pull it back out.
The engine oil level must be between the
two marks of the dipstick.Seite 179Engine oilMobility181

and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian mod‐
els. These entries are proof of regular mainte‐
nance.
Socket for OBD Onboard
Diagnosis
Note Socket for Onboard DiagnosisThe socket for onboard diagnostics may
only be used by the service center or a work‐
shop that operates in accordance with the
specifications of the vehicle manufacturer with
correspondingly trained personnel and other
authorized persons. Otherwise, use may result
in operating problems for the vehicle.◀
Position
Located on the driver's side is an OBD socket
for reading the vehicle data. On vehicles with
Range Extender, additional components are
checked that are critical for its emissions mix.
Emissions
Applies to vehicles with Range Extender.
▷The warning lamp lights up:
Emissions are deteriorating. Have
the vehicle checked as soon as
possible.▷The warning lamp flashes under certain
circumstances:This indicates that there is excessive mis‐
firing in the engine.
Reduce the vehicle speed and have the
system checked immediately; otherwise,
serious engine misfiring within a brief pe‐
riod can seriously damage emission con‐
trol components, in particular the catalytic
converter.Seite 184MobilityMaintenance186

Read the information on What to do after an
accident, refer to page 197.
What to do after an accident
Hints After an accident
After an accident, do not touch any high-
voltage components such as orange colored
high-voltage cables or parts that are in contact
with exposed high-voltage cables. Otherwise,
there is the risk of fatal injury from electrocu‐
tion due to the system's high voltage.◀
Esliding fluids
Do not touch any fluids esliding from the
high-voltage battery, or the skin can sustain
chemical burns.◀
General information
If you are involved in an accident with your ve‐
hicle, compliance with the following additional
safety precautions is required with regard to
the high-voltage system:▷Secure the crash site.▷Immediately notify rescue forces, police, or
firefighters of the fact that your vehicle is
equipped with a high-voltage system.▷Engage selector lever position P, set the
parking brake and reel off operating and
drive readiness.▷Lock the vehicle after exiting.▷Do not inhale any gases esliding from the
high-voltage battery; if needed, maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle.Seite 195Breakdown assistanceMobility197

Use only a mild soapy solution, with the safety
belts clipped into their buckles.
Do not allow the reels to retract the safety
belts until they are dry.
Carpets and floor mats No objects in the area around the pedals
Keep floor mats, carpets, and any other
objects out of the pedal area; otherwise, the
function of the pedals could be impeded while
driving and create the risk of an accident.
Do not place additional floor mats over existing
mats or other objects.
Only use floor mats that have been approved
for the vehicle and can be properly attached to
floor.
Ensure that the floor mats are securely fas‐
tened again after they were removed for clean‐
ing, e.g.◀
Floor mats can be removed from the car's inte‐
rior for cleaning.
If the floor carpets are very dirty, clean with a
microfiber cloth and water or a textile cleaner.
To prevent matting of the carpet, rub back and
forth in the direction of travel only.
Sensors/cameras
To clean sensors and cameras, use a cloth
moistened with a small amount of glass
cleaner.
Displays/monitors Cleaning displays and screens
Do not use any chemical or household
cleaning agents; otherwise, surfaces can be af‐
fected.◀
Keeping out moisture
Keep all fluids and moisture away from
the unit; otherwise, electrical components can
be damaged.◀Avoid pressure
Avoid pressing too hard when cleaning
and do not use abrasive materials; otherwise,
damage can result.◀
Clean with a clean, antistatic microfiber cloth.
Long idle times and long-term vehicle
storage
Do not allow the vehicle to sit idle for ex‐
tended periods with a low charging state
Before storing the vehicle for an extended pe‐
riod, check the battery charge indicator to en‐
sure that the high-voltage battery is fully
charged. For longer idle times, park the vehicle
with a charging plug plugged into a suitable
power source. Regularly check charging state.
Otherwise, the high-voltage battery can be
damaged when there is excessive discharge.◀
For idle phases that last several weeks, park
the vehicle with a fully charged battery if possi‐
ble.
Do not park the vehicle for longer than 14 days
if the electric range is less than 6 mls, approx.
10 km.
With storage times of up to three months, if
possible plug the vehicle into a suitable power
source or park it in a nearly fully charged state.
Note The service center can advise you on what to
consider when storing the vehicle for longer
than three months.Seite 199CareMobility201