Vehicle Segment:
Premium Compact Electric Vehicle
Target Audience:
Environmentally conscious consumers seeking premium urban mobility.
Competitors 2014 2015:
Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Spark EV, Volkswagen e-Golf, Fiat 500e, Ford Focus Electric.
Design Philosophy:
Innovative 'Life Module' and 'Drive Module' construction, lightweight Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) passenger cell.
Powertrain Type:
All-electric (BEV) with optional Range Extender (REx) petrol engine.
Cost Savings:
Enables DIY repairs and maintenance, significantly reducing dealership service costs.
Ease Of Use:
Step-by-step instructions with clear diagrams make complex tasks manageable for DIY enthusiasts.
Powertrain:
Electric Drive Unit (Motor, Power Electronics), Range Extender Engine (if applicable), Battery Pack and Management System, Charging System.
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (including Regenerative Braking), Wheels and Tires.
Electrical:
High-Voltage System, 12V Electrical System, Lighting (Interior & Exterior), Infotainment System, Navigation, Driver Assistance Systems, Body Control Modules.
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Paint and Corrosion Protection.
Climate Control:
HVAC System, Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation.
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance Checks, Fluid Replacements, Filter Changes, Brake System Inspection, Tire Rotation, Battery Health Checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures for all Systems, Fault Code Interpretation, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides.
Repair:
Component Replacement (e.g., suspension arms, brake pads, sensors), Engine and Drive Unit Servicing, Battery Module Servicing (where applicable), Body Panel Repair.
Overhaul:
Major Component Rebuilds (where applicable), Electrical System Component Testing and Replacement.
Diagnostics:
Complete Diagnostic Procedures, Use of BMW Specific Diagnostic Tools (e.g., ISTA/D, ISTA/P conceptual guidance).
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to in-depth diagnostics and component-level repairs. Includes detailed diagrams and step-by-step instructions.
Electric Motor Type:
BMW eDrive synchronous electric motor
Electric Motor Power Output Kw:
125 kW (170 hp)
Electric Motor Torque Nm:
250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
Range Extender Engine Option
Rex Engine Type:
2-cylinder inline gasoline engine
Rex Engine Displacement Cc:
647 cc
Rex Engine Power Hp:
35 hp (26 kW) @ 4800 rpm
Battery Type:
Lithium-ion high-voltage battery pack
Battery Capacity Kwh:
22 kWh (usable)
Charging Port Type:
Type 1 (J1772) standard; Type 2 (Mennekes) optional in some markets
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (2014 Model Year)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (2014 Model Year)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard
Traction Control:
Standard
Front Collision Warning:
Optional
Pedestrian Warning System:
Standard (Audible signal at low speeds)
Airbags:
Frontal, Side-Impact, Knee Airbags
Body Structure:
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) passenger cell for enhanced rigidity and crash protection.
Infotainment System Name:
BMW iDrive (typically with a 6.5-inch or optional 8.8-inch display)
Navigation System:
Optional, integrated with iDrive.
Audio System:
Standard HiFi system, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Parking Assist:
Optional Parking Assistant with rearview camera and Park Distance Control (PDC).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional (with Stop & Go functionality in later updates/packages).
Lane Departure Warning:
Optional
Connectivity Suite:
BMW ConnectedDrive services (e.g., real-time traffic information, remote services via smartphone app).
Smartphone Integration:
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB interface.
Oil Change Rex Engine:
Refer to manual; typically variable based on usage, but generally yearly or at specific mileage intervals for the range extender.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years (standard BMW recommendation).
Cabin Air Filter:
Annually or as needed depending on environment.
Battery Coolant Check:
As per manual; typically no scheduled replacement but requires inspection for leaks.
Range Extender Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-12 FE SAE 0W-30 (or equivalent meeting BMW LL-12 FE specification)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or BMW's specified equivalent)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
BMW Windshield Washer Concentrate or equivalent.
Battery Degradation:
Generally good battery longevity, but extreme temperatures can affect performance and capacity over time. Covered by warranty.
Rex Engine Reliability:
The 2-cylinder engine is primarily for charging and not high mileage use, potential for carbon buildup if not run regularly under load.
Door Handles:
Some early models experienced issues with the suicide-style door handles not retracting properly. Service bulletins address this.
Manufacturer Origin:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), Germany.
First Generation Introduction:
Launched in 2013 (as a 2014 model in many markets).
Design Concept:
BMW 'Project i' initiative, focused on sustainable urban mobility.
Manufacturing Plant:
BMW Leipzig Plant, Germany.
World Green Car Of The Year:
Winner, World Green Car of the Year 2015.
European Car Of The Year:
Nominated, European Car of the Year 2014.
Connected Car Award:
Often received awards for its innovative connectivity and technology features.
