[WidowMaker03TX]

Hey Guys,

I tried doing a quick search but couldn't find answer. I saw the transmission icon early yesterday but it went away on the next restart. Today, I tried starting the car and it would not start. The Instrument cluster mentions all of the systems are not working properly and car can not charge properly. The Control displayed attempted to come on. The BMW logo flashed for a couple of seconds then died.

None of the lights work outside of the instrument cluster and the main car battery is at 53%.

Are these systems of a bad auxiliary battery or worst?

[mhjla]

Check the 12v battery. The 12v is responsible to engage the relay for 48v battery to run the electric motor.

Dealer has to program the new 12v battery.

Hope this helps.

[WidowMaker03TX]

mhjla,

Thanks.
The tower did a quick 12V battery check before hauling my i3 to the dealership. The 12V battery was dead and the positive terminal was loose. He tightened the terminal and all the lights started working after charging it but the car still wouldn't start.
The dealer checked my car about three weeks ago and I let the service rep know what happened. I will see tomorrow.

[WidowMaker03TX]

Car is back at home. It was the 12V battery.

[WidowMaker03TX]

I forgot, the price tag for a new battery was ~$462. That included the part, labor, and taxes.

[BL 5]

Originally Posted by WidowMaker03TX

I forgot, the price tag for a new battery was ~$462. That included the part, labor, and taxes.

Yikes, sounds about right. After reading this I went ahead and ordered one from Remy Battery for my 2015 REx. I don't have any symptoms yet, but I know it's a matter of time

[vreihen16]

The average lifetime of the 12V accessory battery seems to be 3-4 years, so it is probably not a bad idea to have a spare on the shelf for 2015 models at this point.

As soon as your car starts throwing weird codes or acting strange, change the 12V battery and find someone to re-code for the new battery afterwards.....

[WidowMaker03TX]

Originally Posted by vreihen16

The average lifetime of the 12V accessory battery seems to be 3-4 years, so it is probably not a bad idea to have a spare on the shelf for 2015 models at this point.

As soon as your car starts throwing weird codes or acting strange, change the 12V battery and find someone to re-code for the new battery afterwards.....

I had an Engine Faulty light popped on and off a few times the day before it quit.

[BL 5]

Originally Posted by vreihen16

As soon as your car starts throwing weird codes or acting strange, change the 12V battery and find someone to re-code for the new battery afterwards.....

Although I do suggest coding the car for new battery, I’ve learned a couple things.

1. Per a BMW tech, recoding the battery in an i3 only resets the (12V battery) replacement date in the car. Meaning when BMW scans the car, this new date shows up. Most BMW’s will alter the alternators output over time to extend a 12V’s battery life, not the case in an i3.
2. The battery recoding can be accomplished with BimmerLink app, which is $32

I’m sure there’s other reasons to code a replacement battery, but doesn’t have to be done at a shop or dealer.