BMW I3 Charging Problems

If you’re the proud owner of a BMW i3, you know how great of a car it is. It’s sleek, and stylish, and comes with a range of innovative features. But, as with most electric cars, it also has its issues.

One of the biggest problems for BMW i3 owners is charging issues. From slow charge times to draining batteries, these problems can be incredibly frustrating. That’s why we’re here to help.

In this article, we’ll discuss the most common BMW i3 charging problems, and some possible solutions that you can use to get your car back on the road.

So, if you’re fed up with charging issues and want to get your BMW i3 back in perfect condition, then this post is for you!

Table of Contents

BMW I3 Charging Problems & Solutions

The BMW I3 being the first electric vehicle is one of the most remarkable engineering inventions out there. This particular car helps in saving a few bucks on gasoline and proves to be an excellent investment. However, as mentioned earlier, this particular vehicle is prone to a few charging issues that you, as a BMW I3 owner, should know.

Intermittent Check Engine Light

Is your BMW i3 flashing that pesky check engine light? Don’t ignore it! While it may seem like an insignificant electronic glitch, it can actually hamper your charging and lead to bigger problems down the road.

When you’re out and about, trying to plug in your i3 to public charging docks, you might run into significant issues. Many owners have found that the check engine light interferes with the charging process, causing frustration and inconvenience.

Some have tried changing charging docks until they find one that doesn’t trigger the light, but with limited options available, this isn’t always possible.

Don’t leave your charging capabilities up to chance. It’s best to be proactive and address the issue head-on. The flashing check engine light could be a sign of an engine defect or an electronic issue, both of which require attention from a professional mechanic.

Once the problem is identified and resolved, you can get back to happily recharging your battery and enjoying your BMW i3. So don’t let that check engine light go ignored – take action and keep your i3 running smoothly!

Draining The Battery To 0%

Do you treat your BMW i3’s battery like you would your phone’s battery, letting it run down to 0% without a second thought? While it may not seem like a big deal at first, constantly discharging your i3’s battery to 0% can significantly reduce its lifespan.

But it’s not just about the lifespan of your battery – draining it to 0% can also leave you stranded with all electronic operations in the car ceasing to function.

Plus, when you do need to recharge, it takes significantly longer when starting from a completely depleted battery, which can be incredibly frustrating. And if there are any other issues with your car, draining the battery to 0% can make them even worse.

So what’s the solution? Follow the guidelines set forth in your BMW i3 manual, which typically recommends not letting the battery drop below 15%.

By keeping your battery charged within the recommended range, you can ensure that your i3 is always in optimal running condition, and avoid the frustration of a drained battery.

So don’t let your i3’s battery life suffer – take care of it and keep your car running smoothly for years to come.

Low-Cost Charging

Are you looking for a way to reduce the overall cost of charging your BMW i3? One solution is the low-cost charging adapter, which can help slow down the charging process and save you money. However, there are some issues you need to be aware of before you use this method.

One of the biggest problems with low-cost charging is that the current produced may not be strong enough to properly charge your vehicle. This is especially true if you have an older battery that requires a stronger current to fully charge.

As a result, your i3 might take longer to charge, or it might not charge at all.

Another issue with low-cost charging is that it’s not always reliable. Imagine taking a break to charge your vehicle, only to return and find that nothing has happened. This can be frustrating, and it’s especially problematic if you’re relying on your i3 to get you somewhere.

So what’s the solution? While low-cost charging can be a good option for some people, it’s best to use it during off-peak times when the current is stronger.

Many people choose to charge their i3 between 12 am and 6 am in the mornings when there is less demand for electricity and the current is stronger. This can help ensure that your i3 is properly charged and ready to go when you need it.

Damaged Charger

Charge up your BMW I3, but don’t forget to handle the charging unit with care! Even though the charging unit is sturdy, time can wear down the internal wirings and cause bad charging issues. Unfortunately, these issues can be mistaken for battery problems, so it’s important to be aware of the signs.

One of the most common issues is leaking from the charger. While it might be frustrating, the charging light will alert you to the problem. However, failing to set the maximum charging load can also lead to performance issues.

Luckily, there’s a solution! Take your vehicle to the dealership to have them inspect the charger. If you’d rather handle it at home, test the vehicle with a different charger. If the charger is damaged, buying a new one is your best bet.

Public Charging Stations

Finding a public charging station for your BMW I3 can be convenient, but it’s not always the best option. One common issue drivers face is connecting their vehicle to a public charger and returning to find it has not been charged at all.

Even more frustrating is when the car won’t start charging at all, leaving you stranded. To make matters worse, some drivers resort to forcefully connecting the charger to their car, which can cause damage to the pins that connect the charger to the car.

To avoid these issues, consider bringing your own charger with you when you’re on the go. This way, you can ensure that your car is being charged properly and won’t sustain any damage.

However, if you must use a public charging station, it’s important to be patient and experiment with different charging ports until you find the right one for your car.

Some public charging stations in the US have been known to have issues charging BMW I3 vehicles, so it’s important to be aware of this and plan accordingly.

Worn Out Charging Port

The charging port is a crucial component of the BMW I3, and it’s not uncommon for older drivers to experience issues with their port after a few years of constant use. One of the most common problems is having the spring mechanism jump out or stop working altogether.

This issue can be due to the constant wear and tear of the charging port, but it can also be caused by forcefully opening the mechanism.

When the spring mechanism wears out, the flap that covers the charging port can become difficult to access. You might have to constantly force open the flap, which can eventually damage the charging port. If left unfixed, this issue can severely affect your ability to charge your vehicle, leaving you stranded with a depleted battery.

Luckily, there is a solution to this problem. Regular maintenance of your BMW I3 can help you avoid a worn-out charging port.

If you notice the spring is having issues or your charging port does not open smoothly, you should address the issue right away. Adding lubricant can often revitalize the spring and extend the lifespan of your charging port.

However, if the problem persists, you might need to have the charging port replaced. Regular maintenance can help you avoid these issues and ensure that your BMW I3 stays in top condition for years to come.

Can You Overcharge The BMW I3?

No, you cannot overcharge the BMW I3. The car’s battery management system is designed to prevent overcharging by automatically stopping the charging process once the battery is fully charged.

This system also ensures that the battery is not over-discharged, which can also damage the battery. Additionally, the BMW I3 comes with a charging cable and a wall-mounted control unit that is specifically designed to work with the car’s battery management system.

Therefore, it is safe to leave the car connected to the charger for extended periods of time without fear of overcharging. However, it is important to ensure that the charging cable and control unit are in good condition and functioning properly to avoid any potential issues.

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How Many Years Does A BMW I3 Battery Last?

The BMW i3 uses lithium-ion batteries, which generally have a lifespan of around 8-10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

However, the actual lifespan of the battery will depend on a number of factors such as the usage pattern, driving conditions, and the climate in which the car is used.

Additionally, the battery’s capacity will gradually degrade over time, which means that its range will decrease with age. BMW offers a warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles on the i3’s battery, which covers defects in materials and workmanship.

Why is my BMW i3 charger flashing red?

If your BMW i3 charger is flashing red, it could indicate a problem with the charging process. A flashing red light typically indicates an issue with the connection or communication between the charger and the car’s battery management system. This could be due to a fault in the charging cable or plug, or a problem with the car’s charging system.

In some cases, a flashing red light could indicate that the charger is overheating and needs to cool down before it can continue charging. It’s also possible that there is a fault with the charger itself, which could require professional repair or replacement.

If you are experiencing a flashing red light on your BMW i3 charger, it’s best to consult the vehicle’s manual or contact a certified BMW technician for assistance. They will be able to diagnose the issue and provide you with the appropriate steps to resolve it.

Why is my BMW i3 not charging when locked?

If your BMW i3 is not charging when locked, it may be due to the settings in your vehicle. By default, the BMW i3 is set to only charge when the vehicle is unlocked or the charging port door is open. This is a safety feature to prevent unauthorized access to your vehicle while it is charging.

To enable charging while the vehicle is locked, you can adjust the settings in the iDrive system. Here’s how:

Go to the “Settings” menu on the iDrive screen.
Select “Charging” from the list of options.
Under “Charging Settings”, select “Charging during vehicle lock”.
Choose “On” to allow charging while the vehicle is locked.

Once this setting is enabled, your BMW i3 should charge even when it is locked. However, it is important to note that charging your vehicle while it is locked may increase the risk of theft or damage to your charging cable.

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Therefore, it is recommended to only charge your BMW i3 while it is locked in a safe and secure location.

Final Thoughts!

In this article, we went through many BMW i3 charging problems and took a look at the reasons behind these issues as well.

We hope after reading this guide you should have a better understanding of why these problems occur and what to do when you face such a situation.

Always take care of your BMW I3 charging unit to ensure that it functions properly and lasts as long as possible. Regular maintenance and careful use can prevent common issues such as a worn-out charging port or damaged charger.

Additionally, be aware of the potential limitations and challenges of using public charging stations and low-cost charging, and plan accordingly to ensure that you can charge your vehicle when needed.

If you have enjoyed reading this article, make sure to share it with your friends and family too on social media.

Thank you so much and have a wonderful day

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