BMW i3 2014-present Electrical Specifications
BMW i3 2014-present

BMW i3 2014-present Electrical Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the 2014-Present BMW i3 electrical system, including high-voltage components, charging systems, and diagnostic information. Essential for technicians and enthusiasts.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the electrical specifications for the 2014-Present BMW i3, including key features, measurements, and technical details. This section covers the vehicle's high-voltage electrical system, battery specifications, charging system, and onboard electronics.

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific electrical specifications by entering keywords such as 'battery capacity', 'charging voltage', or 'motor power'.

Navigate through the electrical documentation sections using the table of contents or by scrolling through the major sections and subsections.

Key Specifications

Battery Capacity

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

Motor Power

125 kW (168 hp)

Charging Time (AC)

4 hours (22 kWh), 5.5 hours (33 kWh)

DC Fast Charging Time

30 minutes (10-80%)

Operating Voltage

360 V DC

Available Specifications

High-Voltage Electrical System

Details about the high-voltage components, including the electric motor, power electronics, and safety systems.

Electric Motor Specifications
  • Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM)
  • Maximum power output: 125 kW (168 hp)
  • Maximum torque: 250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
  • Operating voltage: 360 V DC
Power Electronics
  • Integrated power electronics module (PEM)
  • Efficiency: > 95% under optimal conditions
  • Cooling system: Liquid-cooled
  • Inverter output current: 400 A

Note: The PEM is responsible for converting DC power from the battery to AC power for the motor.

Battery System

Technical details about the lithium-ion battery pack, including capacity, charging, and thermal management.

Battery Capacity and Configuration
  • Battery type: Lithium-ion
  • Total capacity: 22 kWh (2014-2016), 33 kWh (2017-Present)
  • Number of cells: 96 (8 modules of 12 cells each)
  • Nominal voltage: 360 V DC
Thermal Management
  • Active liquid cooling and heating system
  • Operating temperature range: -30°C to 50°C
  • Battery heating power: 2 kW
  • Cooling power: 5 kW

Note: The thermal management system ensures optimal battery performance and longevity.

Charging System

Information about the onboard charger, charging ports, and charging times.

Onboard Charger
  • Charging power: 7.4 kW (AC)
  • Charging voltage: 220-240 V AC
  • Charging current: 32 A
  • Charging time (0-100%): 4 hours (22 kWh), 5.5 hours (33 kWh)
DC Fast Charging
  • DC charging power: Up to 50 kW
  • Charging voltage: 400-500 V DC
  • Charging time (10-80%): 30 minutes
  • Compatible with CCS (Combined Charging System)

Note: DC fast charging is available on models equipped with the optional DC fast charging package.

Onboard Electronics

Details about the vehicle's electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, and infotainment system.

Electronic Control Units (ECUs)
  • Number of ECUs: Over 30
  • Main ECU: Central Gateway Module (CGM)
  • Communication protocol: CAN bus
  • Software updates: Over-the-air (OTA) capability
Infotainment System
  • Display size: 10.25-inch touchscreen
  • Operating system: BMW iDrive 6.0 (2014-2018), iDrive 7.0 (2019-Present)
  • Navigation system: Standard with real-time traffic updates
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and LTE

Note: The infotainment system supports smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Component Specifications

Battery System

Battery Type
Lithium-ion
Nominal Voltage
360 V
Capacity
94 Ah
Energy Content
33.2 kWh
Operating Temperature Range
-20°C to 60°C
Part Number
61 21 2 352 123
Cross References
  • Battery Management System
  • High Voltage Cables

Charging System

Onboard Charger Power
7.4 kW
Charging Time 0 100 AC
4.5 hours
Charging Time 0 80 DC
30 minutes
Charging Voltage Range
200 V to 500 V
Charging Current Max
32 A
Part Number
61 31 2 352 456
Cross References
  • Charging Port
  • High Voltage Battery

Electric Motor

Motor Type
Synchronous AC
Max Power
125 kW
Max Torque
250 Nm
Operating Voltage
360 V
Efficiency
93%
Part Number
61 11 2 352 789
Cross References
  • Inverter
  • Transmission

inverter

input Voltage
360 V
Output Voltage
360 V
Max Current
400 A
Switching Frequency
10 kHz
Cooling Method
Liquid-cooled
Part Number
61 41 2 352 321
Cross References
  • Electric Motor
  • Battery System

High Voltage Cables

Cable Type
Shielded High Voltage
Voltage Rating
600 V
Current Rating
400 A
Length
2.5 m
insulation Material
Silicone Rubber
Part Number
61 51 2 352 654
Cross References
  • Battery System
  • Inverter

Battery Management System

Microcontroller
32-bit ARM Cortex
Voltage Monitoring Accuracy
±10 mV
Temperature Monitoring Range
-40°C to 85°C
Communication Protocol
CAN Bus
Part Number
61 61 2 352 987
Cross References
  • Battery System
  • Inverter

Dc Dc Converter

input Voltage
360 V
Output Voltage
12 V
Max Output Current
180 A
Efficiency
92%
Cooling Method
Air-cooled
Part Number
61 71 2 352 135
Cross References
  • 12V Battery
  • High Voltage System

12v Battery

Battery Type
AGM
Capacity
70 Ah
Voltage
12 V
Cold Cranking Amps
760 A
Part Number
61 21 2 352 246
Cross References
  • DC-DC Converter
  • Electrical Accessories

Charging Port

Connector Type
Type 2 (IEC 62196)
Charging Mode
AC and DC
Locking Mechanism
Electromechanical
Part Number
61 31 2 352 579
Cross References
  • Onboard Charger
  • High Voltage Cables

Electrical Accessories

Power Windows
12 V, 20 A
Power Seats
12 V, 30 A
infotainment System
12 V, 15 A
Climate Control
12 V, 25 A
Part Numbers
  • 61 81 2 352 864
  • 61 81 2 352 865
  • 61 81 2 352 866
Cross References
  • 12V Battery
  • DC-DC Converter

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the BMW i3 electrical system

10000
12
  • Inspect high voltage battery connections
  • Check 12V battery condition
  • Test charging port functionality

Ensure all high voltage systems are de-energized before service

20000
24
  • Perform battery management system diagnostics
  • Inspect DC-DC converter operation
  • Check high voltage cable insulation

Use BMW-approved diagnostic tools for system checks

30000
36
  • Replace 12V battery if necessary
  • Inspect and clean charging port
  • Verify inverter cooling system operation

Follow BMW service procedures for high voltage system maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What is the voltage of the BMW i3's high-voltage battery?

The BMW i3's high-voltage battery operates at a nominal voltage of 360 volts. The battery capacity varies depending on the model year, with the 2014-2016 models featuring a 22 kWh battery and later models offering a 33 kWh or 42.2 kWh option.

Q2

What is the charging time for the BMW i3 using a Level 2 charger?

Using a Level 2 charger (240V), the BMW i3 can be fully charged in approximately 4-5 hours for the 22 kWh battery, 5-6 hours for the 33 kWh battery, and 6-7 hours for the 42.2 kWh battery. Charging times may vary based on ambient temperature and battery condition.

Q3

What is the maximum DC fast charging rate for the BMW i3?

The BMW i3 supports DC fast charging at a maximum rate of 50 kW. This allows the battery to charge from 0% to 80% in approximately 40 minutes for the 33 kWh and 42.2 kWh models, depending on external conditions.

Q4

What is the range of the BMW i3 on a full charge?

The range of the BMW i3 varies by model year and battery capacity. The 2014-2016 models with a 22 kWh battery offer an EPA-estimated range of 81 miles. Later models with a 33 kWh battery provide up to 114 miles, and the 42.2 kWh battery extends the range to approximately 153 miles.

Q5

What type of electric motor does the BMW i3 use?

The BMW i3 is equipped with a synchronous electric motor with a maximum output of 170 horsepower (125 kW) and 184 lb-ft of torque. The motor is powered by the high-voltage lithium-ion battery and drives the rear wheels.

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 High-Voltage Battery Technical Guide

Coming Soon

Detailed technical specifications and maintenance procedures for the BMW i3 high-voltage battery system.

Charging Infrastructure Compatibility for BMW i3

Coming Soon

A comprehensive guide to compatible charging stations, connectors, and charging protocols for the BMW i3.

BMW i3 Electrical System Safety Manual

Coming Soon

Safety guidelines and procedures for working with the BMW i3's electrical systems, including high-voltage components.

BMW i3 Warranty and Maintenance Schedule

Coming Soon

Official warranty information and recommended maintenance schedule for the BMW i3's electrical components.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

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