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SI B61 35 14
General Electrical Systems

April 2015
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B61 35 14 dated March 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.
•

During vehicle charging with the doors locked, the charge port is also locked. However, now when
charging concludes, the charge port will be unlocked to allow for hospitality charging (charger sharing).

• 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.
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:

00 00 006

Refer to KSD2

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

Refer to KSD2

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

Refer to KSD2

Programming/encoding control unit
(s)

Refer to KSD2

Connect an approved battery
charger/power supply (indicated in
KSD2 as “Charging battery”) (“to
EME” for the i3)

Refer to KSD2

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

And:
61 25 910
And:
61 00 730
And:

61 21 528

Or:

61 21 529

Refer to KSD2 for the corresponding flat rate unit (FRU) allowances.
Vehicle Programming and Encoding
If a vehicle control module or component was working properly and/or had no related faults stored prior to
vehicle programming and it fails to program correctly and/or requires initialization, this additional work must
be claimed with separate labor operations under the defect code listed above; refer to KSD2.
Repairs to address control modules and/or components with pre-existing conditions are not eligible to be
claimed under the defect code listed in this bulletin.
[ Copyright ©2015 BMW of North America, Inc. ]

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