Positioning:
The BMW i3 represented BMW's initial foray into mass-market electric vehicles, focusing on sustainable materials, urban mobility, and a distinct design language.
Competitors:
Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt (later models), Renault Zoe, Tesla Model S (higher end), early iterations of other premium EVs.
Design And Materials:
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) passenger cell ('Life Module'), sustainable interior materials (e.g., kenaf, recycled plastics, responsibly sourced wood).
Powertrain Philosophy:
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) with optional Range Extender (REx) gasoline engine.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Troubleshooting
Additional Coverage:
Maintenance, Diagnostics, Wiring Diagrams, Technical Specifications
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (specific count not provided, but described as extensive)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Language:
English (assumed, as is standard for these types of manuals)
Powertrain:
Electric Drive Unit (Motor, Power Electronics), Battery Management System (BMS), Range Extender Engine (if applicable for specific market configurations), Transmission (single-speed)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering System, Braking System (including regenerative braking), Wheels and Tires
Electrical And Electronics:
12V Electrical System, High-Voltage System, Lighting, Infotainment, Navigation, Driver Assistance Systems, Body Control Module (BCM), Gateway Module
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Seats, Safety Restraints (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (e.g., brake fluid, coolant for REx), Filter Replacements, Battery Health Checks
Repair:
Component Replacement (e.g., motor, battery modules, suspension components), Bodywork Repair, Interior Component Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-based Troubleshooting, Electrical System Diagnostics
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks and tire pressure adjustments to in-depth diagnostic procedures, component replacement, and detailed wiring diagrams.
Motor Type:
Synchronous Electric Motor
Battery Type:
Lithium-Ion
Horsepower Bev:
170 hp (125 kW) @ 4800 rpm
Torque Bev:
184 lb-ft (250 Nm) @ 0-3170 rpm
Type:
2-cylinder Gasoline Engine (optional)
Horsepower Rex:
35 hp (26 kW) @ 4800 rpm (acts solely as a generator)
Fuel Type Rex:
Unleaded Gasoline
Length:
158.1 inches (4015 mm)
Width:
69.9 inches (1776 mm) (excluding mirrors)
Height:
63.3 inches (1607 mm)
Wheelbase:
110.1 inches (2797 mm)
Curb Weight Bev:
Approx. 2,900 - 3,000 lbs (1315 - 1361 kg)
Curb Weight Rex:
Approx. 3,100 - 3,200 lbs (1406 - 1451 kg)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for models tested)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models tested with specific optional equipment)
Driver Assistance:
Optional features may include: Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Parking Assistant.
Airbags:
Front, side-impact, knee airbags; head protection system.
Body Structure:
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) passenger cell for increased rigidity and safety, combined with aluminum chassis.
System Name:
BMW iDrive (likely 5.0 or similar for this era)
Display:
Central color display screen (typically 6.5-inch or 8.8-inch).
Connectivity:
Bluetooth, USB interface, optional navigation, BMW ConnectedDrive services.
Features Overview:
Availability of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) depending on trim and optional packages, including parking aids and safety warnings.
Remote Services:
Potential for remote vehicle status checks and control via smartphone app (BMW Connected App).
Battery Check:
Regular checks as per onboard diagnostics and service schedule (typically every 15,000 miles or 12 months for basic inspections).
Brake Fluid:
Every 2 years (BMW standard for most models)
Cabin Air Filter:
Annually or as needed based on driving conditions.
Range Extender Engine Service:
If equipped, the REx engine requires oil changes and filter replacements similar to a small gasoline engine, typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year.
Brake Fluid Type:
BMW DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity)
Coolant Type Rex:
BMW Blue Performance Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based)
Battery Degradation:
As with most early EVs, some battery degradation over time is possible, though BMW has robust battery management.
Range Extender Engine Reliability:
Early models of the REx engine could be prone to issues if not regularly run and serviced, sometimes exhibiting carbon buildup or reliability concerns.
Suspension Components:
Some owners report premature wear on certain suspension components due to the vehicle's unique weight distribution and urban driving focus.
Heritage Focus:
BMW has a long history of performance and luxury, with the 'i' sub-brand dedicated to sustainable mobility and innovative technologies.
Generation I:
The i3 was BMW's first mass-produced all-electric vehicle, launching the 'i' sub-brand focused on electric and sustainable mobility.
Platform Development:
Developed on a dedicated electric vehicle platform (e-Drive architecture) to optimize weight distribution and packaging.
Manufacturing Location:
Leipzig, Germany
World Green Car Of The Year:
Winner, World Green Car of the Year 2015
European Car Of The Year:
Nominated for European Car of the Year.
Environmental Impact:
Highly regarded for its sustainable manufacturing processes and use of recycled materials.
