2015 BWM i3 Check Engine Light — Drivetrain: Stop Carefully & Drivetrain Malfunction: Continued Driving Is Possible. Consult Service Center.

[ezdesigns]

A week ago, I had the drivetrain error pop up with the check engine light as well. I’m new to the i3 scene. Bought a used 2015 from FL (I live in DC). I get about 52-82 miles with the 2 gallons and 47 miles of electric (fully charged). Assuming these are correct range for a 2015 i3 RWD with Range Extender?

When the drivetrain malfunction and check engine light came on, I had 2 full gallons but ran out of charge and the car completely stopped working (image 1). Error says “Drivetrain: Stop Carefully”. Didn’t seem to rely on gas. Had to tow the car home and charge the battery back up. Took it to a repair shop and here’s the codes (Images 2, 3, 4, and 5). They did some routine maintenance on the car by replacing hose, gaskets, and valve box. I got the car back after 2 days and I still have the same drivetrain issue. Check engine light on as well (Image 6). Error says “Drivetrain Malfunction: Continued Driving Is Possible. Consult Service Center.”

Any idea what the underlying issue is here? I’m seeing many different diagnostics for the drivetrain malfunction issue. Maybe including the repair shop report helps (Images 2 through 5 below).

Image 1: https://ibb.co/wQGV22q
Image 2: https://ibb.co/tmJKSBv
Image 3: https://ibb.co/xXSFbcT
Image 4: https://ibb.co/FbbvZtw
Image 5: https://ibb.co/rcXz1D5
Image 6: https://ibb.co/5vwdYyS

 

[alohart]

Your power gauge had all the propulsive power segments illuminated, so the BMS was still allowing the battery pack to provide full power. I don't know why you weren't able to continue driving although a clue is almost certainly in the stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's). A couple of DTC's suggest that the battery pack cooling system might not be working. If you turn on the A/C, does it produce cold air? Do you hear its compressor running (just in front of the rear driver-side wheel)?

The displayed charge level was very low (~3%) and the estimated range was nil, so the REx engine should have started. There might be a problem with the REx engine that prevented it from starting although I don't see any DTC's related to the REx engine itself.

These are just my observations and guesses. Someone more familiar with a REx should be able to provide better info.

 

[EvanstonI3]

The REX is supposed to come on at around 6-7.5% by default. But with a 9-10 year old car, the computer's idea of what that is may not coincide with reality. I've seen this with other owners where the REX won't come on where it used to when new. You should try to see if the REX will come on for "Emissions Mode" (I don't know how to enable that).

If it does come on, you should consider using an app called BIMMERCODE to code the REX to come on when you want at any point when the Battery is below 75% rather than the default of 6%.