Model variant:
i3 (I01), including i3 and i3s variants with REx range extender
Production years covered:
2014-2022 production run; refer to manual for specific model-year applicability
Body style:
4-door hatchback with rear-hinged coach doors
Target audience:
DIY owners, mechanics and workshops servicing the BMW i3 electric vehicle
Purpose:
Factory-level service and training reference for maintenance, fault-finding and repair
Advantage:
Focused manual-style reference instead of scattered forum posts and incomplete snippets
Format benefit:
Searchable, zoomable, printable PDF with bookmarked chapters
Access:
Instant digital download, re-downloadable anytime
Coverage:
Complete service, repair, diagnostic and training content
Specifications:
All factory specifications, tolerances and wear limits
Tools:
Special service tool numbers with illustrations
Diagnostics:
Symptom-based troubleshooting flowcharts and diagnostic trees
Coverage:
All i3 models, variants and trim levels per manual model-year applicability
Systems:
Electric drivetrain, high-voltage battery, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical, climate
Manual type:
Service and Training Workshop Manual
Technical depth:
Factory-level repair procedures, diagnostics and technical specifications
File format:
Searchable PDF (zoomable, printable, bookmarked chapters)
Delivery method:
Instant digital download after purchase, no shipping
Devices:
Windows PC, Mac, tablets and smartphones
General information:
General information, safety warnings and maintenance schedules
Maintenance:
Scheduled service procedures and intervals
Safety:
High-voltage system safety warnings and handling precautions
Electric motor:
Electric drive unit service and overhaul procedures
High-voltage battery:
Battery system service and diagnostic information
Transmission:
Single-speed reduction gear service
Brakes:
Brake system inspection and service including regenerative braking
Suspension:
Suspension component removal, installation and inspection
Steering:
Electric power steering service
Wheels and tires:
Wheel, tire and TPMS procedures
Electrical and diagnostics
Electrical system:
Electrical system diagnostics and repair with multimeter testing procedures
Wiring diagrams:
Detailed wiring diagrams and electrical schematics
Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting flowcharts and diagnostic trees
Component testing:
Component function verification and wear limit inspections
Body electrical:
Lighting, control units and network communication diagnostics
Climate control:
Cooling, heating and air conditioning system service
Charging system:
Onboard charger and charging interface procedures
Thermal management:
Battery and drivetrain cooling circuit service
Body and interior:
Body, chassis and interior service procedures
Parts information:
Exploded-view parts diagrams with OEM part numbers
Torque data:
Tightening torque specifications for all fasteners
Special tools:
Special service tool numbers with illustrations
Illustrations:
Step-by-step procedural diagrams, exploded views and component location guides
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Propulsion:
BMW eDrive electric motor (i3) and i3s with optional range extender (REx)
Engine options:
Battery-electric drive; optional 2-cylinder gasoline range extender on REx models
Drive layout:
Rear-wheel drive with rear-mounted drive unit
Power output:
Refer to manual for detailed specifications by model year and variant
Torque:
Factory torque output values included in manual specifications
Energy source:
High-voltage lithium-ion traction battery
Range extender fuel:
Small gasoline tank on REx models only
Battery specs:
Refer to manual for battery capacity and charging specifications
Standard transmission:
Single-speed reduction gear transmission (fixed ratio)
Optional transmission:
N/A - the i3 uses a single-speed transmission on all variants
Features:
Automatic operation integrated with electric drive unit control
Service scope:
Transmission and driveline service procedures included in manual
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2,570 mm (101.2 in)
Length:
Approximately 3,999 mm (157.4 in), slightly longer on i3s
Body construction:
Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell with aluminum drive module
Curb weight:
Approximately 1,195-1,345 kg depending on battery size and REx equipment
Weight distribution:
Low-mounted battery for low center of gravity; refer to manual for exact figures
Crash test rating:
Euro NCAP five-star rating (2014)
IIHS rating:
Refer to official IIHS records for US model ratings
ABS and DSC:
Anti-lock brakes with dynamic stability control
Regenerative braking:
Energy recuperation during deceleration
Driver assistance:
Rear camera and parking assistance depending on market and options
Airbags:
Front, side, head and knee airbag system
Structure:
CFRP passenger cell with aluminum crash structures
Battery protection:
High-voltage battery enclosure with automatic HV shutdown in crash conditions
Audio system:
BMW iDrive-based infotainment with available Harman Kardon premium audio
Connectivity:
Bluetooth, USB and navigation depending on equipment
Display:
Central information display and digital instrument cluster
Parking assistance:
Rear-view camera and Park Distance Control (PDC)
Traffic assistance:
Traffic jam assistant on later models with appropriate options
Connectivity services:
BMW ConnectedDrive services depending on model year
Condition-based service:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system determines intervals
General interval:
Annual or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) inspection, whichever comes first
Brake fluid:
Replace every 2 years
Drive unit fluid:
Refer to manual for approved drive unit lubricant specification
Battery coolant:
Specified low-conductivity coolant for high-voltage battery and drive unit circuits
A/C refrigerant:
R134a or R1234yf depending on model year; see manual for charge quantities
Brake fluid:
DOT 4 specification
Washer fluid:
Standard windshield washer concentrate
Known issues / wear items
12V battery:
12-volt auxiliary battery is a common wear item and frequent failure point
Tires:
Narrow low-rolling-resistance tires wear relatively quickly
Charging port:
Inspect charge port and charge status indicator for wear
Brakes:
Long brake life due to regenerative braking; check for corrosion from low use
Manufacturer:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke), Munich, Germany
Program:
BMW i sub-brand created for electric and sustainable mobility vehicles
Launch:
i3 (I01) launched in 2013/2014 as BMW's first purpose-built production EV
i3s:
Sportier i3s variant introduced in 2017 with more power and wider track
Battery updates:
Battery capacity increased over the run (60 Ah, 94 Ah, 120 Ah packs)
End of production:
Production ended in 2022
Production plant:
Leipzig, Germany
World Car Design of the Year:
BMW i3 won World Car Design of the Year 2014
World Green Car:
BMW i3 named World Green Car 2014
Green Car of the Year:
Recognized by multiple automotive outlets as a leading EV of its era
Engineering recognition:
Noted for pioneering carbon fiber passenger cell in mass production
