BMW i3 2014-present

BMW i3 2014-present Drivetrain Specifications

Explore the detailed drivetrain specifications for the 2014-Present BMW i3, including electric motor performance, single-speed transmission, and battery integration. Ideal for technicians and enthusiasts.

Updated Oct 24, 2023

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the drivetrain specifications for the 2014-Present BMW i3, including key features, measurements, and technical details

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific drivetrain components or specifications by entering keywords such as 'electric motor', 'transmission', or 'battery'.

Navigate through the drivetrain documentation sections using the table of contents or by scrolling through the document. Each major section is labeled with a clear title and description.

Key Specifications

Motor Power

125 kW (168 hp)

Battery Capacity

33.2 kWh

Range

183-200 km (114-124 miles)

Charging Time (Level 2)

6-7 hours

Top Speed

150 km/h (93 mph)

Available Specifications

Electric Motor

Details about the electric motor used in the BMW i3, including performance metrics and technical specifications

Motor Type and Configuration

Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM)
Rear-wheel drive configuration
Maximum power output: 125 kW (168 hp)
Peak torque: 250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
Efficiency: Over 90% under optimal conditions

Performance Specifications

0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration: 7.3 seconds
Top speed: 150 km/h (93 mph)
Continuous power output: 75 kW (101 hp)
Regenerative braking system integrated
Note: Performance may vary based on battery charge and driving conditions

Note: The electric motor is designed for urban driving with instant torque delivery.

Transmission

Information about the single-speed transmission system in the BMW i3

Transmission Type

Single-speed automatic transmission
Fixed gear ratio: 9.665:1
Direct drive system for smooth power delivery
No traditional gearbox or clutch system
Designed for seamless acceleration and deceleration

Efficiency and Maintenance

No transmission fluid changes required
Minimal maintenance due to lack of moving parts
Energy-efficient design reduces power loss
Integrated cooling system for thermal management
Note: Transmission is sealed and requires no user intervention

Battery System

Technical details about the high-voltage lithium-ion battery system

Battery Specifications

Battery type: Lithium-ion
Nominal voltage: 360 V
Capacity: 22 kWh (2014-2016), 33.2 kWh (2017-Present)
Weight: Approximately 230 kg (507 lbs)
Cooling: Active liquid cooling system

Charging and Range

Range: 130-160 km (81-99 miles) for 22 kWh, 183-200 km (114-124 miles) for 33.2 kWh
Charging time (Level 2): 4-5 hours for 22 kWh, 6-7 hours for 33.2 kWh
DC fast charging: 80% charge in 30 minutes
Battery warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles
Note: Range and charging times vary based on driving conditions and charger type

Drivetrain Integration

Details about how the drivetrain components are integrated into the vehicle

Component Layout

Electric motor and transmission mounted on the rear axle
Battery pack located under the vehicle floor
Low center of gravity for improved handling
Weight distribution: 47% front, 53% rear
Note: Design optimized for urban mobility and efficiency

Thermal Management

Integrated cooling system for motor, battery, and electronics
Heat pump system for cabin heating and battery temperature control
Efficient energy recovery during braking
Note: Thermal management is critical for maintaining performance and battery life

Search Specifications

Search by specification name, value, or description

Component Specifications

Electric Motor

Type: Synchronous electric motor

Power Output: 170 hp (125 kW)

Torque: 184 lb-ft (250 Nm)

Max Rpm: 11400 rpm

Cooling System: Liquid-cooled

Part Number: 1234567890

Battery

Type: Lithium-ion

Capacity: 22 kWh (2014-2016), 33 kWh (2017-Present)

Voltage: 360 V

Range: 81 miles (2014-2016), 114 miles (2017-Present)

Charging Time: 4 hours (Level 2), 30 minutes (DC Fast Charge to 80%)

Part Number: 0987654321

Transmission

Type: Single-speed automatic

Gear Ratio: 9.7:1

Oil Capacity: 1.5 liters

Oil Type: BMW ATF 3+

Part Number: 1122334455

Drive Type

Configuration: Rear-wheel drive

Differential: Fixed ratio

Axle Ratio: 9.7:1

Part Number: 5566778899

Regenerative Braking

Type: Electromechanical

Energy Recovery Rate: Up to 50 kW

Brake Pad Material: Ceramic

Part Number: 3344556677

Charging System

Type: Onboard charger

Power Output: 7.4 kW

input Voltage: 110-240 V

input Current: 32 A

Part Number: 7788990011

Thermal Management

Coolant Type: BMW Coolant

Coolant Capacity: 5.5 liters

Operating Temperature Range: -22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C)

Part Number: 2233445566

Suspension

Front: Type: MacPherson strut
Spring Rate: 200 N/mm
Shock ABSorber Type: Gas-filled

Rear: Type: Five-link
Spring Rate: 220 N/mm
Shock ABSorber Type: Gas-filled

Part Number: 4455667788

Steering

Type: Electric power steering

Turning Radius: 32.3 ft (9.8 m)

Assist Level: Variable

Part Number: 6677889900

Wheels And Tires

Wheel Size: 19 inches

Tire Size: 155/70 R19

Tire Pressure: 36 psi (front and rear)

Part Number: 8899001122

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules

10000 miles

12 months

Inspect brake system
Check tire pressure and condition
Inspect suspension components
Check battery coolant level

Follow BMW recommended service schedule

30000 miles

36 months

Replace cabin air filter
Inspect high-voltage battery system
Check and top off all fluids
Inspect drive belt

Perform comprehensive inspection

60000 miles

72 months

Replace brake fluid
Inspect and replace brake pads if necessary
Check and replace transmission fluid if necessary
Inspect electric motor and cooling system

Major service interval

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

What type of drivetrain does the 2014-Present BMW i3 use?

The BMW i3 features a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) electric drivetrain. It is powered by a synchronous electric motor mounted on the rear axle, delivering 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The motor is paired with a single-speed automatic transmission.

What is the range of the BMW i3's drivetrain on a single charge?

The range varies depending on the model year and battery configuration. The 2014-2016 models with a 22 kWh battery offer approximately 81 miles of range. Later models (2017-Present) with a 33 kWh battery provide up to 114 miles of range. The optional range extender (REx) adds a small gasoline engine to extend the range by approximately 80-100 miles.

How does the BMW i3's drivetrain handle regenerative braking?

The BMW i3 uses a highly efficient regenerative braking system that recovers kinetic energy during deceleration and braking. The system can recover up to 75% of the energy typically lost during braking, which is then fed back into the battery to extend range. The regenerative braking can be adjusted via the driving mode settings.

What is the top speed of the BMW i3's electric drivetrain?

The BMW i3 has a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h) due to its electric motor's power output and single-speed transmission. This speed is electronically limited to optimize efficiency and battery performance.

Can the BMW i3's drivetrain be serviced by non-BMW technicians?

While basic maintenance can be performed by qualified technicians, the BMW i3's electric drivetrain requires specialized knowledge and tools. BMW recommends servicing the drivetrain at authorized BMW service centers to ensure proper diagnostics, software updates, and adherence to warranty requirements.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

BMW i3 Drivetrain Technical Overview

Coming Soon

A detailed technical guide covering the electric motor, transmission, and regenerative braking system of the BMW i3.

BMW i3 Battery and Range Extender Manual

Coming Soon

Official documentation on the battery system, charging procedures, and range extender operation for the BMW i3.

BMW i3 Service and Maintenance Schedule

Coming Soon

A comprehensive guide to recommended service intervals and procedures for the BMW i3 drivetrain and related components.

BMW i3 Warranty and Repair Guidelines

Coming Soon

Information on warranty coverage, repair procedures, and the use of genuine BMW parts for the i3 drivetrain.

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