2015 BMW I3 high voltage

Addendum
ADDENDUM TO OWNER'S MANUAL
We wanted to provide you with some updates
and clarifications with respect to the printed
BMW Owner's Manual. These updates and
clarifications will supersede the materials con-
tained in that document.
1. Where the terms “service center,” “the ser-
vice center,” “your service center,” “service
specialist,” or “service” are used in the
Owner's Manual, we wanted to clarify that
the terms refer to a BMW dealer's service
center or another service center or repair
shop that employs trained personnel that
can perform maintenance and repair work
on your vehicle in accordance with BMW
specifications.
2. Where the text of the Owner's Manual con-
tains an affirmative instruction to contact a
“service center” or “your service center,”
we wanted to clarify that BMW recom-
mends that, if you are faced with one of the
situations addressed by that text, you con-
tact or seek the assistance of a BMW
dealer's service center or another service
center or repair shop that employs trained
personnel that can perform maintenance
and repair work on your vehicle in accor-
dance with BMW specifications.
While BMW of North America LLC, at no
cost to you, will pay for repairs required by
the limited warranties provided with respect
to your vehicle and for maintenance under
the Maintenance Program during the appli-
cable warranty and maintenance coverage
periods, you are free to elect, both during
those periods and thereafter, to have main-
tenance and repair work provided by other
service centers or repair shops.
3. Where the Owner's Manual makes refer-
ence to parts and accessories having been
approved by BMW, those references are
intended to reflect that those parts and
accessories are recommended by BMW of
North America LLC. You may elect to use
other parts and accessories, but, if you do,
we recommend that you make sure that any
such parts and/or accessories are appropri-
ate for use on your vehicle.
4. At page 7, under the warranty section's dis-
cussion of homologation, where it states
that you “cannot lodge warranty claims for
your vehicle there,” the text should read
that you “may not be able to lodge warranty
claims for your vehicle there.”
5. At page 7, under the heading “Body work
and working on the high-voltage system,”
the text of that section should be disre-
garded and the following text should be
read in lieu thereof: “BMW recommends to
have modifications and work on the vehicle
only be carried out by an authorized BMW i
service center or one that operates accord-
ing to BMW i specifications with personnel
trained accordingly. If work is not carried out
properly, there is the risk of fire and fatal
injury from electrocution due to the high-
voltage system's high voltage.”
6. At page 8, under the “Parts and Accesso-
ries” section, in the sixth sentence, the
word “cannot” should read “does not.”
7. At page 55, in the “Check and replace
safety belts” section, the text beginning,
“This should only be done by your service
center …” should be disregarded and the
following text should be read in lieu thereof:
“BMW recommends having this work per-
formed by a service center as it is important
that this safety feature functions properly.”
8. At page 150 under the heading: “Objects
within the range of movement of the ped-
als” and at page 203 under the heading:
“Carpets and floor mats,” the paragraph
that begins: “Only use floor mats …” should
be disregarded and the following language
should be read in lieu thereof: “The manu-
facturer of your vehicle recommends that
you use floor mats that have been identified
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ContentsThe fastest way to find information on a partic‐
ular topic or item is by using the index, refer to
page 210.6Notes
At a glance
14Cockpit18iDrive26Voice activation system29Integrated Owner's Manual in the vehicle31BMW eDRIVE34Safety of the high-voltage system
Controls
38Opening and closing53Adjusting60Transporting children safely64Driving75Displays90Lights93Safety107Driving stability control systems110Driving comfort128Climate control135Interior equipment143Storage compartments
Driving tips
148Things to remember when driving152Loading154Increase rangeMobility160Charging vehicle169Refueling172Fuel173Wheels and tires182Under the hood184Engine oil186Coolant188Maintenance190Replacing components196Breakdown assistance200Care
Reference
206Technical data208Appendix210Everything from A to Z
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NotesUsing this Owner's Manual
Orientation
The fastest way to find information on a partic‐
ular topic is by using the index.
An initial overview of the vehicle is provided in
the first chapter.
Updates made after the editorial
deadline
Any updates made after the editorial deadline
can be found in the appendix of the printed
Owner's Handbook for Vehicle.
User's manual for Navigation,
Entertainment, Communication
The topics Navigation, Entertainment, Com‐
munication and the short commands of the
voice activation system can be retrieved on the
Control Display via the Integrated Owner's
Handbook.
Additional sources of information
The service center will be happy to answer any
other questions you may have.
Information on BMW, e.g., on technology, is
available on the Internet: www.bmwusa.com.
BMW i Driver’s Guide App
The Owner's Manual is available in many coun‐
tries as an app. Additional information on the
Internet:
www.bmw.com/bmw_i_drivers_guide
Symbols
Indicates precautions that must be followed
precisely in order to avoid the possibility of
personal injury and serious damage to the
vehicle.
◄ Marks the end of a specific item of
information.
Refers to measures that can be taken to
help protect the environment.
"..." Identifies display texts in vehicle used to
select individual functions.
›...‹ Verbal instructions to use with the voice
activation system.
››...‹‹ Identifies the answers generated by the
voice activation system.
Symbols on vehicle components
Indicates that you should consult the
relevant section of this Owner's Manual for
information on a particular part or assembly.
Indicates, on certain parts or assemblies, that
incorrect use of high-voltage equipment or of
orange-colored high-voltage components re‐
sults in the risk of life-threatening injury from
electric shock.
Vehicle features and options
This Owner's Manual describes all models and
all standard, country-specific and optional
Seite 6Notes6
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equipment that is offered in the model series.
Therefore, in this Owner's Manual, we also de‐
scribe and illustrate features that are not avail‐
able in your vehicle, e.g., because of the se‐
lected optional features or the country-specific
version.
This also applies to safety-related functions
and systems.
The respectively applicable country provisions
must be observed when using the respective
features and systems.
On right-hand drive vehicles, some controls
are arranged differently from what is shown in
the illustrations.
Status of the Owner's
Manual
Basic information
The manufacturer of your vehicle pursues a
policy of constant development that is con‐
ceived to ensure that our vehicles continue to
embody the highest quality and safety stan‐
dards. In rare cases, therefore, the features de‐
scribed in this Owner's Manual may differ from
those in your vehicle.
Updates made after the editorial deadline
Any updates made after the editorial deadline
can be found in the appendix of the printed
Owner's Handbook for Vehicle.
For your own safety
Warranty Your vehicle is technically configured for the
operating conditions and registration require‐
ments applying in the country of first delivery -
homologation. If your vehicle is to be operated
in a different country it might be necessary to
adapt your vehicle to potentially differing oper‐ating conditions and permit requirements. If
your vehicle does not comply with the homolo‐
gation requirements in a certain country you
cannot lodge warranty claims for your vehicle
there. Further information can be obtained
from your Service Centre.
Working on the vehicle, maintenance
and repairs
Advanced technology, especially the use of
high-performance high-voltage electronics
and modern materials such as carbon, requires
special knowledge when making modifications
to and working on the vehicle, as well as cus‐
tomized maintenance and repair work.
BMW recommends to have modifications and
work on the vehicle, especially maintenance
and repairs to the high-voltage system and
carbon body as well as the retrofitting of ac‐
cessories only be carried out by an authorized
BMW i service center or one that operates ac‐
cording to BMW i specifications with personnel
trained accordingly.
Body work and working on the high-volt‐
age system
Do not perform any modifications or work on
the vehicle, especially maintenance and repair
work on the high-voltage system and the car‐
bon body and avoid retrofitting accessories.
If work is not carried out properly, there is the
risk of fire and fatal injury from electrocution
due to the high-voltage system's high voltage.
BMW recommends to have modifications and
work on the vehicle only be carried out by an
authorized BMW i service center or one that
operates according to BMW i specifications
with personnel trained accordingly.◀
Parts and accessories
BMW recommends using parts and accesso‐
ries approved by BMW for this purpose.
Your BMW center is the right contact for genu‐
ine BMW parts and accessories, other prod‐Seite 7Notes7
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BMW eDRIVEVehicle 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.
BMW eDRIVE Special features of the BMW i
High-voltage system
This BMW i is an electric vehicle. The vehicle
features a high-voltage system that consists of
an electric motor and a high-voltage battery
among other things. Optionally, the vehicle has
a combustion engine that generates electrical
energy via a generator and thereby increases
the range. This combustion engine is called
the Range Extender.
Carbon bodyThe vehicle consists of two different functional
units: the drive module made from aluminum
and the life module made from carbon fiber re‐
inforced plastic (carbon).At a glance1Vehicle battery2Fuel filler flap3High-voltage battery4Charging port5Drive unit
The concept
The vehicle can be operated completely emis‐
sions free using its electrical drive system.
The special high-voltage battery supplies theelectric motor as well as the comfort features
with power.
The high-voltage battery is charged via a
charging cable, e.g., when parked or while driv‐
ing by energy recovery.
Charging can be done especially quickly via
special power connections. However, charging
via conventional power supply - at home - is
also possible.
On the go, the energy recovery ensures that
only little energy is lost when braking.
When the vehicle decelerates, the electric mo‐
tor assumes the function of a generator and
completely or partially converts the freed up
motion energy into electrical power.
As a result the high-voltage battery is partially
recharged in order to reach maximum range.
Seite 31BMW eDRIVEAt a glance31
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An optional Range Extender can supply the
drive system with power and thus increase the
range of the vehicle.
Functions
Electric driving: eDRIVE
The vehicle is powered exclusively by the elec‐
tric motor. The accelerator pedal can be used
not just for acceleration, but also for decelera‐
tion. In this case, the electric motor works like
a generator and charges the high voltage bat‐
tery. With a sensible driving style, this function
can be used for especially efficient energy re‐
covery and comfortable driving, using just the
accelerator pedal.
Coasting
An especially efficient operating point is so-
called coasting. In this case, the vehicle is de‐
celerated only by driving resistance and no en‐
ergy flows between high-voltage battery and
electric motor. In order to coast, depress the
accelerator pedal far enough that the mark in
the instrument cluster, refer to page 75, is
exactly in the center.
Energy recovery: CHARGE
The high-voltage battery is charged while driv‐
ing through energy recovery.
The electric motor acts as a generator and
converts the kinetic energy of the vehicle into
electric current.
Charging can take place in various situations
while the vehicle is in motion:▷As soon as the gas pedal is only slightly
depressed.▷During vehicle braking.
The mark in the instrument cluster is located
within the CHARGE range.
Sensible driving and early speed reduction are
important to make full use of the energy recov‐
ery feature.
Display
The eDRIVE displays, refer to page 75, pro‐
vide information about the current state of the
drive and visualize the system's use in a dia‐
gram.
Maximize energy-saving driving and
range
Energy-saving driving is the basic prerequisite
for as large a range as possible. eDRIVE pro‐ vides various functions that assist with an en‐
ergy-saving driving style and in the process
help to monitor the range and if needed to in‐
crease it. The following instructions provide an
overview of the available functions and the per‐
sonal measures.
Before driving
eDRIVE allows using the air conditioner even
before driving off. The stationary climate con‐
trol, refer to page 133, provides more range
than full air conditioning while driving.
Parked car ventilation during the charging
process can provide maximum range when
driving off.
Trip planning and special functions of
the navigation system
Several special functions of the navigation sys‐
tem support trip planning taking into account
the electric range:▷Range assistant, refer to Integrated Own‐
er's Manual. Checks whether an entered
navigation destination can be reached. If
the range is not sufficient, various recom‐
mendations to help increase the range are
displayed automatically, e.g. an alternative
ECO PRO route is displayed.▷Intermodal routing oder intermodal infor‐
mation, refer to Integrated Owner's
Manual, as route criterion support trip
planning using public transportation.Seite 32At a glanceBMW eDRIVE32
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▷Range map indicates the action range on
the navigation map, refer to Integrated
Owner's Manual.▷Charging assistant under special destina‐
tions in navigation, helps to find and possi‐
bly include a public charging station in the
desired route, refer to Integrated Owner's
Manual.
During driving
▷General driving tips, refer to page 154, for
increasing the range.▷Use the eDRIVE system efficiently, refer to
page 148, for an optimized driving style.▷ECO PRO driving style analysis, refer to
page 157, for driving style analysis.▷ECO PRO and ECO PRO+ mode, refer to
page 155, for increasing the range.▷Display of the Fuel consumption history,
refer to page 77.▷Display of secondary functions and the po‐
tential range, refer to page 78.
After the trip
▷Charge vehicle, refer to page 160, and
plan next trip.▷Prepare for long downtimes, refer to
page 203.
BMW i Remote app
A special BMW i Remote App allows to control
and display certain vehicle functions using a
smartphone.
Safety information Read the information on safe handling of the
high-voltage system, refer to page 34.
Long-term Follow the instructions for vehicle storage and
for longer idle periods, refer to page 203.
Seite 33BMW eDRIVEAt a glance33
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Safety of the high-voltage systemSafety of the high-voltage
system
Working on the vehicle Maintenance and repairs
Have maintenance and repair work per‐
formed only by a service center or a workshop
that works according to BMW specifications
with appropriately trained personnel. Other‐
wise, there is the risk of fatal injury from elec‐
trocution due to the high-voltage system's
high voltage.◀
Body work and working on the high-volt‐
age system
Do not perform any modifications or work on
the vehicle, especially maintenance and repair
work on the high-voltage system and the car‐
bon body and avoid retrofitting accessories.
If work is not carried out properly, there is the
risk of fire and fatal injury from electrocution
due to the high-voltage system's high voltage.
BMW recommends to have modifications and
work on the vehicle only be carried out by an
authorized BMW i service center or one that
operates according to BMW i specifications
with personnel trained accordingly.◀
Your vehicle's high-voltage system is a self-
contained system. Safety is ensured as long as
no work is performed on technical components
or on the chassis.
High-voltage system: contact with
water
The high-voltage system is typically safe even
in the following example situations:▷Water in the footwell, for instance after a
rainstorm when sunroof was kept open.▷Vehicle is in water but only up to the al‐
lowed height.▷Liquid escapes in the trunk.
In these cases there is no risk of injury from
electrocution. Other damage to the vehicle is
possible.
High-voltage system: automatic
deactivation
If an accident occurs, the high-voltage system
is switched off automatically to prevent risk of
danger to occupants and other traffic.
Read the information on What to do after an
accident, refer to page 199.
Seite 34At a glanceSafety of the high-voltage system34
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