Very Basic BMW I3 Drivetrain Error Diagnosis

[@ricardofariassantos]

Hi Shaun... I came across this video while looking for info about the intermittent problem I am facing lately. I have an i3 2014 and got the Drivetrain malfunction message twice in the last 4 months. The first time happened while waiting at the traffic light and the other just after parking. On both occasions, I noticed that there was one thing in common...I had used the REx that day before and since I don't use REx so much, I am sure the problem relates to it. I related the problem to BMW dealer on the annual service but they said all the codes were gone. How do you think I should address this situation? (I live in Brazil and in my city there are no electric car independent workshops yet). Regards

[@kerimkazan8680]

Hi i just comment but not ansver i change 12v battery but i had drivetrain error cant start car can u help me about pls

[@emeraldchio1109]

Are you a mechanical engineering major? You're a jack-of-all-trades.

[@ShaunDobbie]

No, I just work at amazon. Nobody wants skills, just meaningless bits of paper and the ability to pass non verbal reasoning tests.

[@emeraldchio1109]

What if...you put an ad on a decent website or somewhere, and you got to know the other person or family, and then do installation work, repair work, or whatever work you're skilled at for them for payment. I was talking about self-employment -> startup -> entrepreneurship on our other website and on my website. ☺️ It's your choice. I'm just sharing my thoughts.

[@ShaunDobbie]

@@emeraldchio1109 I help my friends out with little jobs but could be doing more. I maybe should do a linkedin profile also

[@mobilrz]

What's the software you're using there Shaun? Familiar with VCDS for Audi/Volkswagen/Skoda.

[@ShaunDobbie]

It's the BMW ista D system

[@mobilrz]

@@ShaunDobbie Thanks. Dealing with same issue on 15 plate REx. BMW prices are a joke. Their service technicians just throw parts at the problem.

[@thereturnofk]

Are you standing in water 💧???

[@PupGarment]

Hey Shaun, I am stuck between a rock and hard place. I was driving my I3 REX 2014 with 93k mikes down the road and got home. Turned car off and came back in hour later and the car would not come out of park. After a week and a new 12v battery the car was fine and all but the car would not come out of park. So I had it towed to BMW here in Atlanta GA and they are saying that it looks like it could be the battery and if they need to take each module apart it could cost me 5k each module and could go up to 30k. Now Im stuck on what to do. What do you think could be the common problems to make this happen? I was getting these code when I used my basic scan tool p0A9C, P0AC6, P0ACB, and P0AE9. Any info would be helpful on this before just giving up and having to sell the car back to bmw. Thanks

[@ShaunDobbie]

You will need to get ista running on a laptop and do a scan from there.

[@PupGarment]

@@ShaunDobbie do you recommend doing that before selling it to bmw

[@ShaunDobbie]

@@PupGarment Yes, because it might be a simple fix

[@johnnyzee383]

I have a 2015 rex...The car had 43000 kms when I got it and it now has 54000 in 3 months...twice now suddenly while driving, a warning came on and the rex died, saying only electric drive available check range...I shut it off straight away and the warning vanished and I was able to again use the rex. I am wondering if it the relays under the dash as I can hear them turn on and off as the motor is started and turned off...any ideas?

[@ShaunDobbie]

There is really no way to tell without plugging in a computer. The only other thing you can do is check the high voltage wiring for damage.

[@zcar4me]

Not sure if you've already resolved your problem, but I know the fuel pump relay is a very common problem for the REX turning off/not starting. I know it's a simple fix and can be had for like $30.

[@johnnyzee383]

@@zcar4me Thanks for the tip...I think thats correct..however I traded up for a 2017 with the bigger battery and so far no issues at all...

[@ricardofariassantos]

My i3 2014/15 presented a failure like this when I tried to use the REx these days. I have a picture with the error codes. Is there a way to show you? Basically it says: "125001 - combustion failure - cylinder 1" "125002 - combustion failure - cylinder 2"

[@vanlifeplanet6215]

@@ricardofariassantos sparc

[@TheCheesenChips]

I'm having a HV insulation fault via Bimmerlink and car will not charge via CCS, do u know what this could be?

[@ultiacrobatics]

Hi! I have the same thing as you. Did you get any progress on your diagnosis?

[@TheCheesenChips]

@@ultiacrobatics no still have the issue. It could be as easy as moisture in a connector or a problem with the SME or EME. An owner in Russia has removed all the HV connectors and blown them dry to remove the error. I am just waiting on dryer weather to give it a go.

[@ultiacrobatics]

@@TheCheesenChips​ Thanks so much for the response! I have had this problem appear at the beginning of winter here in Canada. I checked a few connectors but haven’t found moisture in the connectors. The 3 phase wire (in this video) on my car does look a bit damaged. The connectors seem themselves seem dry, but the metal casing on both ends of the cable are definitely corroded. I’m not sure whether it is enough to affect the internal HV part of the cable. I’m trying to find a way to confirm that this is the problematic wire before replacing. These HV cables aren’t cheap… I don’t want to be throwing parts at the problem

[@TheCheesenChips]

@@ultiacrobatics no don't throw parts at it as BMW parts are insanely expensive. I am just waiting till summer to try and dry out the cables and see if that solves the problem. Still charges fine on AC, a bit slow, but at least the car is usable.

[@TheCheesenChips]

@@ultiacrobatics Hi, the weirdest thing has just happened. I was on holiday in Turkey for a week. Just got back now. The car was parked at Manchester undercover car park and it must have dried out as the error is gone and it's charging on CCS I will monitor and keep u updated

[@DaveCorbey]

They are a great car until something needs repairing. I suspect that as they age, many will be scrapped well before their time because they will be uneconomical to maintain. I like my i3, but BMW were too clever by half.

[@ShaunDobbie]

Exactly, never get one with a range extender.

[@junkyardmonkie]

At least the batteries are almost 100% recyclable. The rest can be parts I guess.

[@6mdm]

@@ShaunDobbie what I saved in gas has more than paid for range extender issues. I don’t fear not finding a charge station at all. Highly recommend getting the range extender.

[@justice4g]

@@6mdm and if worse comes to worse, it will still work without the REX

[@ericmabanza2782]

Meditate

[@ShaunDobbie]

Meditation before doing repairs is always good.