[Doenermann]

I have seen on another forum that quite a few people are using a dvdinmotion.com hack or patch to enable the hold function of the generator on their Rex's, followed my much discussion on legality and potential warranty issues. I have coded lots of things on e-series cars in the past without issues and don't forsee any problems here, but would this be the best solution to keep my charge at 10-15% at all times for the sake of preheating even when I was unable to plug it in? Is it not worth it? I have used 3 or 4 gallons of gas in almost 2000 miles, so I'm not planning on using this feature for anything other than pre-heating on those few occasions when i couldn't charge. I'm getting my KLE replaced next week so nothing until then anyways. Opionions welcome.

[jadnashuanh]

Unless the SOC is below 6%, the REx normally won't come on. With the coding change you are referring to, to activate it, you have to go to a menu option while running to engage it (and it can only be accessed if the SOC is 75% or less). So, I don't see how doing it would aid you in preconditioning much, if at all. Note also that while DVDINMOTION will (try to) provide a free update if their coding fails to work, some have said that trying it yourself may be really tough (at least initially until someone figures it out) because on the s/w update BMW provides after replacing the KLE (at least in the USA), they've removed all of the comments to make it really hard for the user to make any coding changes!

From a legality standpoint, BMW says that port is only for authorized users (BMW authorized, and that's not you!). No idea if they'd invalidate your warranty. On another note, BMW is getting a significant credit for each i3 it sells because of the way it is implemented. Changing that, and their knowledge that you did, would likely force them to reset it to the default, and could be grounds again, for voiding the warranty. That credit is in the order of many thousands of $$ per car - they would not want to lose that, so will likely be monitoring for that situation to remain in compliance with the Feds any time it comes in for service. In theory, they could monitor that from remote via the built-in cellular connection, but I don't think that they do. So, while on other vehicles, it may not be as big an issue to them, but with the Federal credits on the i3 (and i8), the rules may change.

[starrfyr]

Originally Posted by jadnashuanh

Unless the SOC is below 6%, the REx normally won't come on. With the coding change you are referring to, to activate it, you have to go to a menu option while running to engage it (and it can only be accessed if the SOC is 75% or less). So, I don't see how doing it would aid you in preconditioning much, if at all. Note also that while DVDINMOTION will (try to) provide a free update if their coding fails to work, some have said that trying it yourself may be really tough (at least initially until someone figures it out) because on the s/w update BMW provides after replacing the KLE (at least in the USA), they've removed all of the comments to make it really hard for the user to make any coding changes!

From a legality standpoint, BMW says that port is only for authorized users (BMW authorized, and that's not you!). No idea if they'd invalidate your warranty. On another note, BMW is getting a significant credit for each i3 it sells because of the way it is implemented. Changing that, and their knowledge that you did, would likely force them to reset it to the default, and could be grounds again, for voiding the warranty. That credit is in the order of many thousands of $$ per car - they would not want to lose that, so will likely be monitoring for that situation to remain in compliance with the Feds any time it comes in for service. In theory, they could monitor that from remote via the built-in cellular connection, but I don't think that they do. So, while on other vehicles, it may not be as big an issue to them, but with the Federal credits on the i3 (and i8), the rules may change.

BMW can designate any data bus as "authorized use only", but if I use it and don't damage it, even if I change the ECU's parameters, they can eat it. The Moss-Magnuson Act is specific regarding a voiding of warranty and this application doesn't, IMO, come close to allowing a void of any warranty.

Furthermore, even if BMW discovers my alteration they must still gain my consent to flash over it or they're liable for damages equal to the cost of modification. They received their favorable incentives from the Fed upon importation, what the end user does after purchase is no concern to them.

The Feds, specifically the EPA, don't prosecute individuals for modding, unless such a mod would remove EPA mandated emissions equipment. The way I see it, I can change the SoC parameters but I can't remove the 'cat' from the engine's exhaust.

[MalibuBimmer]

Starrfyr -- Can you please point me to the language in Magnuson-Moss (15 U.S.C. §§ 2301, et seq.) that provides that the warranty is not affected by manipulating the operating electronics of an automobile? I would very much appreciate it.

(It's "Magnuson-Moss" by the way, not "Moss-Magnuson.")

[MalibuBimmer]

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

Starrfyr -- Can you please point me to the language in Magnuson-Moss (15 U.S.C. §§ 2301, et seq.) that provides that the warranty is not affected by manipulating the operating electronics of an automobile? I would very much appreciate it.

(It's "Magnuson-Moss" by the way, not "Moss-Magnuson.")

Bueller? Bueller?

[Schm]

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

Starrfyr -- Can you please point me to the language in Magnuson-Moss (15 U.S.C. §§ 2301, et seq.) that provides that the warranty is not affected by manipulating the operating electronics of an automobile? I would very much appreciate it.

(It's "Magnuson-Moss" by the way, not "Moss-Magnuson.")

http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles...ne-maintenance

BUT, and it is explicitly stated in the FTC release, the manufacturer would have to prove that the aftermarket part in effect voided your warranty. You also might be able to seek remedy from the manufacturer of the 3rd party equipment manufacturer.

This is not to be taken as legal advice in any way, if you have any questions I recommend you contact your attorney. But, if you have any concerns, best advice is always to use caution or not do it at all. With how short warranties are nowadays, might be good idea to wait until after the period is over.

[MalibuBimmer]

I am an attorney. Since we don't know how BMW has mapped out the programming in the i3 REx I think it is foolish to mess with the electronics. As far as we know there could be a bogey in there that's triggered by a remap. And BMW's "proof" is entirely within its own capabilities.

It's cheaper for BMW to deny warranties than to fulfill them. Mess with the electronics and you play with fire.

[jadnashuanh]

FWIW, the user programmable functionality needed to make the indicated changes are done by changing the value of a software switch, not by changing the operational code. I still think it's a problem based on BMW's agreement to have the car operate in a certain manner and an end user changing that. There's millions of dollars involved between BMW and the US government based on the car running a certain way. If finding lots of end users changed that, it could get ugly. I'm not saying it will. I have a BEV because I had no good reason to buy a REx version. I bought it knowing the range issues and the impact of cold weather. I'm not planning on trying to increase its functionality. IMHO, you shouldn't buy or complain about how the REx works, as it was that way when you bought it - once all of the certifications and agreements with the government became solidified...they published the then current vehicle's capabilities and that happened before they were for actual sale.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

I am an attorney. Since we don't know how BMW has mapped out the programming in the i3 REx I think it is foolish to mess with the electronics. As far as we know there could be a bogey in there that's triggered by a remap. And BMW's "proof" is entirely within its own capabilities.

It's cheaper for BMW to deny warranties than to fulfill them. Mess with the electronics and you play with fire.

Not if you return the coding prior to service, counselor.

[BrokenVert]

The only programming I want for the REx is to be able to turn it on whenever I want to. If I have a 120 mile drive I would much rather run the genny on a low setting the whole time than have it kick in and run on a high setting for 40 minutes.

[MalibuBimmer]

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

Not if you return the coding prior to service, counselor.

And you know that BMW has no way of finding out. Good for you!

I'm amazed at the amount of underground knowledge of all BMW programming that some of you guys have. It's really stunning.

[ORIGIN M.]

It is not that stunning.

There is a way. Nothing underground about it.

Originally Posted by MalibuBimmer

And you know that BMW has no way of finding out. Good for you!

I'm amazed at the amount of underground knowledge of all BMW programming that some of you guys have. It's really stunning.

[LowOnCash]

I look at it this way if BMW does not want us messing with the coding then don't make it available through the USB port. As long as there is access without braking any seals or bands then they cannot void your warranty!

[Kiwi]

Originally Posted by Idleup

I look at it this way if BMW does not want us messing with the coding then don't make it available through the USB port. As long as there is access without braking any seals or bands then they cannot void your warranty!

You're dreaming BMW has the right and any other company to stop a warranty claim for missus. Just try and tell Apple you can change their codes and expect support.

I can understand why a lot of companies don't sell their products in America.

[LowOnCash]

sorry if they provide a USB connector then its your right as the owner to do as you please.

[MalibuBimmer]

Originally Posted by Idleup

sorry if they provide a USB connector then its your right as the owner to do as you please.

Right. BMW also provides a mechanism for opening the hood on the i8. It's a little difficult to do, but knock yourself out.

[Doenermann]

Just FYI: I just spoke with the i3 support team about an unrelated issue (my seat and back pain) and happened to mention the REx not quite keeping up on the highway in cold weather - and I was told there is a fix via software update for that, with a target launch date of sometime in march: The Rex will then start up at 12% (or slightly higher, they were unsure) instead of 6%, providing more battery range when operating on gas only and not enough electricity can be produced to keep up. This should reduce a number of issues, including problems related to driving up hills, highway speed in cold weather, etc.

It's not full control, but it may solve the main issue with the current 6% setting.

[LowOnCash]

12% is just as worthless as 6% they need to let us decide when to start the engine. Whats the big deal the UK car can be started anytime the SOC is below 75%.

[Kiwi]

Originally Posted by Doenermann

Just FYI: I just spoke with the i3 support team about an unrelated issue (my seat and back pain) and happened to mention the REx not quite keeping up on the highway in cold weather - and I was told there is a fix via software update for that, with a target launch date of sometime in march: The Rex will then start up at 12% (or slightly higher, they were unsure) instead of 6%, providing more battery range when operating on gas only and not enough electricity can be produced to keep up. This should reduce a number of issues, including problems related to driving up hills, highway speed in cold weather, etc.

It's not full control, but it may solve the main issue with the current 6% setting.

The back pain is what I found as well so they need to do something with those seats. They might be good for young drivers but it's the young who can buy the i3

[LowOnCash]

Originally Posted by Kiwi

The back pain is what I found as well so they need to do something with those seats. They might be good for young drivers but it's the young who can buy the i3

Hello - are you sure you just don't have a back problem and maybe the seats are OK - I sure ain't no teenager and I have no problem with the seats- there are thousands of these cars out there and I can't remember anyone complaining about the comfort.

[-c-]

Originally Posted by Kiwi

The back pain is what I found as well so they need to do something with those seats. They might be good for young drivers but it's the young who can buy the i3

Well I'm 35 and find the seats great!

Now their was a time when my Z4 seats were bothering me and found I had an underlying problem, had muscle tension that was putting pressure on my sciatic nerve that just my Z4 seats would bring out and after three weeks of having a masseuse work on my lower back, had tons of scar tissue and deep knots that I never knew I had, I never felt better after all was done!


Not saying you do have an underlying problem or having this done will make things better but it's amazing what some massage therapy does to the body!

[Kiwi]

You are young you guys and yes age does change the body. BMW to me has had good seats but find the i3 base seat has a slight to much angle to the back and you cannot change that angle to be move up flatter like you can on other BMW seats so it pulls the back around the bottom of the neck area.