[jplev]

I have the Tesla app on my phone because of my Powerwall 2 batteries. I noticed the app updated yesterday, so I started to go through the various options. One of which is to Charge Your Other EV. So I dove in there to find the BMW i4 was one of the vehicles in their list to choose from. One of the questions it asks is if you have an adapter (I do not have an NACS adapter yet). I believe the answer to this is basically a filter whether you need a MagicDock or not. The app says I just scan the code on the side of the charger and begin charging. I charge at home normally on Level 2 charger, but would like to get this worked out for when I travel.

So my question is if anyone here has successfully charged at a public Tesla charging station? If so, did it work well or were there issues? Also, what adapter is best (I called BMW Genius Hotline and they do not recommend any particular brand/model)? I see Lectron sells one for $200, seems like they might be the best one in terms of quality vs some cheap ones on Amazon (which I doubt I want to risk using).

[Lorne_k2]

I didn't think BMW had access to the Tesla network for a while yet, but I downloaded the Tesla app and did like you. I added the i4 to my profile and chose the option that I did not have a NACS adapter. The app then did show Tesla superchargers with the magic dock, but none were very close. But it did seem that once you added payment details to the app charging should work on the Tesla network.

If true that really is amazing. In the FAQ section on the Tesla app it did say the NACS adapter must be provided by your car's manufacturer, but I don't think we've gotten any indication when BMW will be providing them, and at what cost.

I did see that Rivian is providing their customers the adapter at N/C, but I would be surprised if BMW did the same. But we can hope.

[LVBMW]

Any EV can charge at a magic dock (the adaptor is built into the charger). No one can charge at any other Tesla charging station until their manufacturer has approval to do so, and the electronic setup is in place (probably 2025 for BMW).

[m3legacy]

Originally Posted by LVBMW

Any EV can charge at a magic dock (the adaptor is built into the charger). No one can charge at any other Tesla charging station until their manufacturer has approval to do so, and the electronic setup is in place (probably 2025 for BMW).

OK now, no need to start another thread.

I have a USED '24 i4 M50 and am trying to sort this out.

As of 1/16/25 BMW has not yet "connected" with Tesla and it now appears the marriage will happen later in 2025 (rather than earlier).

So what, if any option, is available to use a Tesla Supercharger at ANY location ? OR a "Magic Dock" location ? Buy a CCS adapter (I assume) and ?

I believe I have to go to a BMW dealer to have "Plug and Play" software added to my car.

OR, is that functionality (P&P) ONLY for new BMW purchases and ONLY for those i4s bought NEW during the FREE promotion ?

I, as others here, have set up the Tesla app with my details, including a payment credit card.

So, IF I buy a CCS adapter BEFORE BMW offers one (free ?), or the 2 of them "connect" officially, can I go to any Tesla Supercharger and use it ?

And Tesla will just charge my card ? Or can that ONLY happen once BMW & Tesla signs (whatever) later this year ?

TIA

[note46]

Originally Posted by m3legacy

OK now, no need to start another thread.

I have a USED '24 i4 M50 and am trying to sort this out.

As of 1/16/25 BMW has not yet "connected" with Tesla and it now appears the marriage will happen later in 2025 (rather than earlier).

So what, if any option, is available to use a Tesla Supercharger at ANY location ? Currently cannot charge at ANY location OR a "Magic Dock" location ? Yes any Magic Dock only currently Buy a CCS adapter (I assume) and ? currently wont do you any good

I believe I have to go to a BMW dealer to have "Plug and Play" software added to my car.

OR, is that functionality (P&P) ONLY for new BMW purchases and ONLY for those i4s bought NEW during the FREE promotion ?P&P for idrive 8.5. idrive 8.0 cars can't do it

I, as others here, have set up the Tesla app with my details, including a payment credit card.

So, IF I buy a CCS adapter BEFORE BMW offers one (free ?), or the 2 of them "connect" officially, can I go to any Tesla Supercharger and use it ? currently, no

And Tesla will just charge my card ? Or can that ONLY happen once BMW & Tesla signs (whatever) later this year ?

TIA

answers in bold

The "good" news is that teslas page shows BMW access as coming soon: https://www.tesla.com/NACS

Bad news is that the order is in alphabetical order and we still don't have an actual date as to when BMWs will actually get access.

[jpuffmasterpuffpuffpuff69]

So the 8.0 get bimmerutility, and the 8.5 get superchargers?

[note46]

Originally Posted by jpuffmasterpuffpuffpuff69

So the 8.0 get bimmerutility, and the 8.5 get superchargers?

No, 8.5 get plug and charge. You don't need plug and charge to charge at the supercharger.

Right now only magic dock stations work, but once BMW is added to the list of supported vehicles, you can activate the supercharger using the Tesla app (with an adapter) regardless of idrive version.

[Haywood]

Just to confirm. You can still charge at a non-super charger Tesla charger with a NACS adapter?

[therealm3]

Originally Posted by Haywood

Just to confirm. You can still charge at a non-super charger Tesla charger with a NACS adapter?

If you are referring to the L2 “destination” chargers, then yes. All you need is an adapter. I use a Lectron one at my in-laws house.

[LVBMW]

Originally Posted by m3legacy

OK now, no need to start another thread.

I have a USED '24 i4 M50 and am trying to sort this out.

As of 1/16/25 BMW has not yet "connected" with Tesla and it now appears the marriage will happen later in 2025 (rather than earlier).

So what, if any option, is available to use a Tesla Supercharger at ANY location ? OR a "Magic Dock" location ? Buy a CCS adapter (I assume) and ?

I believe I have to go to a BMW dealer to have "Plug and Play" software added to my car.

OR, is that functionality (P&P) ONLY for new BMW purchases and ONLY for those i4s bought NEW during the FREE promotion ?

I, as others here, have set up the Tesla app with my details, including a payment credit card.

So, IF I buy a CCS adapter BEFORE BMW offers one (free ?), or the 2 of them "connect" officially, can I go to any Tesla Supercharger and use it ?

And Tesla will just charge my card ? Or can that ONLY happen once BMW & Tesla signs (whatever) later this year ?

TIA

Right now you can only use "magic dock" superchargers, and you don't need an adaptor for these (it's built into the magic dock).

If you have a 2024 i4, you can enable plug and charge with a dealer visit:

https://www.bmwusa.com/modals/plug-and-charge.html

As of right now, plug and charge only makes charging easier at public charging stations like EA and (newly announced) some Shell Recharge stations.