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SI B61 35 14
General Electrical Systems

July 2015
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 35 14 dated May 2015.
designates changes to this revision
SUBJECT

Displayed Range Is Lower After Programming
MODEL

I01 (i3 and i3 REx)
SITUATION

After the vehicle is programmed with ISTA/P 3.53.3 (i-level I001-14-07-503), the displayed vehicle range in
the instrument cluster is lower than prior to the software update. The actual range that the vehicle is capable
of achieving on a full charge has not changed.
The difference between the displayed range and actual range is always conservative, yet this difference varies
based on driving profile. When driving primarily at highway speeds, the difference between displayed and
actual range is within a few percent of each other. When driving primarily with a low speed/city profile, the
gap may widen to as much as 20% or more.
Software improvements have been made to the range algorithm to improve its accuracy in all driving
scenarios. These updates are available with ISTA/P 3.55.0 (I-level I001-15-03-501). In addition, the following
enhancements are integrated into this new I-level:
• The state of charge (SOC) percentage is visible in the upper left corner of the Kombi. It has been added
to the board computer display in order for the customer to better manage the vehicle range.
• On vehicles from 3/2015 production, hospitality charging (charger sharing) has been added. This
feature will automatically unlock the charge port when the vehicle is fully charged and still plugged in.
This feature is not backwards-compatible to vehicles produced prior to 3/2015.
• REx only – if the SOC reaches 2.0% with the REx running, the message “Low Battery. Power
Reduction Possible.” will appear in the Kombi.
In addition to the range display, the customer may notice that the vehicle’s range has decreased as outside
temperatures have gotten colder. This is most noticeable in extreme cold climates, and when preconditioning
is not used. This situation does not indicate a problem and is independent of the range display algorithm.
CAUSE

The algorithm that determines the displayed range, was changed with the 14-07-503 software level. The result
of the changed algorithm is that the display is too conservative.
PROCEDURE

Only properly trained personnel, who have passed all applicable technical training courses, should
perform any maintenance or repairs on any Hybrid or Electric Vehicle. Work performed by
unqualified persons may result in severe injury or damage to the vehicle. Additional information may
be found in REP 61 00… Observe safety instructions when handling electric vehicles.
Program and code the entire vehicle using the latest version of ISTA/P (3.55.0 or higher). Target integration
level I001-15-03-501 or higher.
Note: ISTA/P will automatically reprogram and code all programmable control modules that do not have the
latest software.

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Always connect a BMW approved battery charger/power supply (SI B04 23 10).
For information on programming and coding with ISTA/P, refer to Centernet / Aftersales Portal / Service /
Workshop Technology / Vehicle Programming.
If the customer believes the actual range has degraded considerably and is prior to the release of the improved
software, submit a PuMA case entitled “i3 Range Display Accuracy” for further assistance.
BMW I CHARGEFOWARD PROJECT

BMW has identified “85” vehicles that may require a software update procedure to be performed as outlined
and in conjunction with this bulletin.
To assist you in identifying these vehicles, the DCSnet Warranty Vehicle Inquiry has been updated with the
“Vehicle Comment” shown below:
This vehicle is part of the “BMW i ChargeFoward” project. This vehicle’s integration
level may not be at “I001-15-03-502 or higher” as required, please program and code
this vehicle using the latest version of ISTA/P. This work is covered under the terms of
the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks or the
BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program. Please see SI B61 35 14. No repair is necessary if
the vehicle is already at or above the “noted” integration level.
A VIN list is also attached.
Note: The “BMW i ChargeForward” project VIN list includes three (3) vehicles that have an integration level
at “I001-15-03-501,” these vehicles also need to be programmed and coded if they are still currently at this i
Level.
WARRANTY INFORMATION

Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks or
the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program.
Defect Code:

62 11 31 18 00

Labor Operation:

Labor Allowance:

Description:

Refer to KSD2

Performing “vehicle
test” (with vehicle
diagnosis system –
checking faults)

Refer to KSD2

Recharging highvoltage battery unit (to
high-voltage charging
unit)

Refer to KSD2

Programming/encoding
control unit(s)

00 00 006

And:

61 25 910

And:
61 00 730
And:
61 21 528

Refer to KSD2

Connect an approved
battery charger/power

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supply (indicated in
KSD2 as “Charging
battery”)(“to EME” for
the i3)
Or:

61 21 529

Refer to KSD2

Connect an approved
battery charger/power
supply (indicated in
KSD2 as “Charging
battery to EME”)
(luggage compartment
service cap removed)

Refer to KSD2 for the corresponding flat rate unit (FRU) allowances.
Vehicle Programming and Encoding
If a control module was working properly and it fails to program correctly or requires initialization,
please claim this additional work with the applicable KSD2 labor operations under the defect code listed
above.
The diagnosis and repair of vehicles “arriving” with failed control modules or stored faults which will
cause the control modules to fail during programming, cannot be claimed under the defect code listed in this
bulletin.
Other Repairs
If other eligible and covered work is performed prior to programming and coding the vehicle, claim this
work with the applicable defect code and labor operations listed in KSD2.
ATTACHMENTS

View PDF attachment B613514_VIN_List.
[ Copyright ©2015 BMW of North America, Inc. ]

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