🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

i3

Model Variant:

Full Electric (BEV) and Range Extender (REX)

Product Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Model Codes:

I01 (for early models, may vary slightly for REX)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW i3 was a pioneering entry into the premium compact electric vehicle market, designed from the ground up as a sustainable and technologically advanced urban commuter.

Competitors:

Key competitors during its initial production years included the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Spark EV, and later the Renault Zoe and Volkswagen e-Golf.

Unique Design:

Unique 'Life Module' (passenger cell made of CFRP) and 'Drive Module' (chassis containing powertrain and battery) construction.

Sustainable Materials:

Extensive use of recycled and sustainably sourced materials in the interior, such as natural fibers and reclaimed wood.

Electric Powertrain:

Advanced electric drivetrain offering instant torque and zero tailpipe emissions, with an optional 'Range Extender' (REX) model featuring a small petrol engine to generate electricity.

Owner Benefit:

Empowers owners to perform essential maintenance and repairs, reducing dealership costs and increasing vehicle uptime.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Years:

2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

Models Covered:

All BMW i3 models, including all engine types (BEV and REX), trim levels, and transmission configurations.

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era and complexity).

Manual Type:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

High-voltage battery system (design, testing, replacement), electric motor (service, diagnostics), power electronics, hybrid/range extender engine (if equipped - 647cc 2-cylinder petrol engine), charging system (AC/DC), thermal management.

Chassis:

Suspension (front/rear, components, alignment), steering system (electric power steering, components), braking system (regenerative braking, hydraulic braking, ABS, DSC), wheels and tires.

Electrical Electronics:

12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter (if REX), lighting (LED, adaptive), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, control modules (e.g., FEM, BDC), diagnostics of electronic systems, comfort electronics.

Body Interior:

Body structure (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic - CFRP), exterior panels (doors, hood, trunk), interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control (HVAC), safety restraints.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), testing procedures for various systems, component diagnostics, troubleshooting charts, wiring harness testing.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance checks, fluid level checks and top-offs, battery health checks, charging system checks, brake fluid replacement, cabin air filter replacement, 12V battery maintenance.

Repair:

Component removal and installation (e.g., electric motor, power electronics, battery modules, suspension components, steering rack, braking system components, interior trim, exterior panels), wiring harness repair, diagnostic tool usage.

Disassembly Assembly:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembling and reassembling all major vehicle systems and components.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic approaches to diagnose and resolve common and uncommon faults, including symptom-based troubleshooting.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, diagnostic parameter values, alignment specifications, electrical resistance values, voltage readings.

Depth:

Comprehensive (A-Z), covering everything from basic fluid checks and tire pressure adjustments to complex electrical system diagnostics, high-voltage battery servicing, and full drivetrain component replacement.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick access to information.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans with clear diagrams and photographs.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital download, printable)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital download, printable)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Electric motor

Motor Power:

125 kW (168 hp)

Motor Torque:

250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

Battery Type:

Lithium-ion

Battery Capacity:

60 Ah (approx. 22 kWh usable) for early models

Acceleration 0 60Mph:

Approx. 7.2 seconds (BEV)

Charging Modes:

AC charging (Type 2), DC fast charging (CCS Combo 2)

Engine Type Rex:

647 cc 2-cylinder petrol engine (generator)

Rex Power Output:

28 kW (38 hp)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Single-speed automatic transmission (direct drive)

Drive Configuration:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD)

Regenerative Braking:

Aggressive regenerative braking modes adjustable by the driver, contributing significantly to energy recapture.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3,999 mm (157.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,775 mm (69.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,598 mm (63.0 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,570 mm (101.2 in)

Cargo Volume Rear:

Approx. 260 liters (9.2 cu ft)

Curb Weight Bev:

Approx. 1,315 kg (2,899 lbs)

Curb Weight Rex:

Approx. 1,410 kg (3,109 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Achieved 5-star safety rating from NHTSA for overall safety in early configurations.

IIHS Rating:

Achieved 'Top Safety Pick' or similar ratings from IIHS.

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS).

Braking Systems:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, curtain airbags.

Structure:

Advanced CFRP passenger cell for enhanced occupant protection and structural rigidity.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

iDrive System (likely with BMW ConnectedDrive features)

Display:

Central Control Display (often 6.5-inch or 8.8-inch).

Features:

Navigation, radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB interface, optional Apple CarPlay.

Features:

Optional Parking Assistant, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Warning with City Braking function, Lane Departure Warning.

Bmw Connecteddrive:

Remote services (e.g., pre-conditioning the cabin), concierge services, over-the-air map updates (depending on spec).

Battery Management System:

Sophisticated BMS monitors battery health, temperature, and state of charge for optimal performance and longevity. Manual covers diagnostic checks.

🔧 Maintenance

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage. Manual provides procedure for bleeding and refilling.

Cabin Air Filter:

Typically every 12,000 miles or 12 months. Manual details replacement procedure.

12V Battery:

Check condition and voltage annually. Manual details testing and replacement.

High Voltage Battery Maintenance:

No user-serviceable parts, but manual details diagnostic checks and thermal management system maintenance.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or equivalent.

Coolant Type:

BMW Advanced Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (typically propylene glycol based, blue color).

Early Battery Degradation:

Some early models experienced faster than expected battery degradation, though battery management systems were refined.

HVAC Issues:

Occasional reports of HVAC blower motor failures or climate control module issues. Manual covers diagnostics.

Range Extender Engine Maintenance:

The small 2-cylinder engine requires regular maintenance as per its service schedule (oil changes, filter replacements). Manual covers these procedures.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Electric Vision:

BMW's 'Project i' initiative led to the development of the i3 as a forward-thinking electric vehicle, focusing on sustainability and urban mobility.

Initial Launch:

First introduced in 2013 as a 2014 model year vehicle, marking BMW's first series-production battery-electric vehicle.

Range Extender Introduction:

The Range Extender (REX) version, featuring the small petrol engine, was offered to address range anxiety for longer journeys.

Manufacturing Location:

Produced at the BMW facility in Leipzig, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

World Green Car Award:

Winner of the World Green Car of the Year award in 2015.

Design Awards:

Received numerous design awards for its innovative and futuristic styling.

Safety Certifications:

Certified by various automotive safety bodies worldwide, reflecting its robust safety structure and systems.