2020 i3 60k miles, First service visit cost estimate around $3,000, need advice please

[J LEE]

Hello,
I'm quite disappointed that first visit after warranty expiration, they're throwing this much amount of at me to service.

First of all, they ran a full inspection and sent us the report. there are two items came on (the pic attached). I understand break fluid after 4 yrs, service might be needed, I'm located in Los Angeles, wont name the exact BMW service location. I'm not really sure and I'm quite doubtful that this is all needed or maybe maybe ridiculous.

1.
Recommended service
$766.07
*Battery Replacement: Fault code : 0x801C12 Send Power-Down command dueto prevented sleeping
performed test plan , Performed energy diagnosis s, recommended replace 12 v battery
The battery, in conjunction with the alternator, supplies power for engine cranking and electrical power needed for the lights, stereo, and all other electrical components.

Question: Is this even reasonable cost? even considering LA, $800 battery replacement? for real?

2.
Recommended service
$906.46
Diagnostic: fault stored : -0x805516 AC charging, unlocking charging p
lug (Type 1): Continuous operation
Performed test plan : recommended replace central locking
drive high-voltage charging socket
Diagnostics when referred to in an automotive sense is the various testing done on the automobile to ensure safety and proper engine functioning. These tests are done with different sensors, computers and machines to establish a “cause and effect” relationship between what is working and what is not working with the automobile. The forms of diagnostics can range from brakes, to air conditioning, to suspension and many more.

Question: for 4 yrs, we never had a problem charging at home. Not even sure what this is? $1,000 for a socket replacement?

3. BRAKE FLUID EXCHANGE SERVICE. $327.95, PERFORM VEHICLE CHECK DUE $185.42 This looks reasonable since 1 and 2 are so much more.

4. We feel a bit less strong air conditioning, not cold, not blowing strong air, etc so we mentioned it to service advisor to check. Estimated were $490.


Any reply would be appreciated here. Thank you!

 

[kd7iwp]

Wow!!! That's a lot of money. My first i3s is shipping out to me later this week so I have yet to deal with costs of an EV. I can say that I've never taken cars to shops before as I am a self-wrenched, but wow, I can't imagine that cost for a 12 volt battery. I would look into doing that yourself. There is no shortage of youtube videos on this and I would imagine a battery is around $100-200.

 

[gt1]

My 2018 is still on the original battery. I would invest in the Bimmerlink app, clear the stored codes, and see if they pop up again.

 

[J LEE]

Thank you!!!

Wow!!! That's a lot of money. My first i3s is shipping out to me later this week so I have yet to deal with costs of an EV. I can say that I've never taken cars to shops before as I am a self-wrenched, but wow, I can't imagine that cost for a 12 volt battery. I would look into doing that yourself. There is no shortage of youtube videos on this and I would imagine a battery is around $100-200.

Watching tons tonight! Thank you.

 

[J LEE]

My 2018 is still on the original battery. I would invest in the Bimmerlink app, clear the stored codes, and see if they pop up again.

Got it! Will try ASAP! never heard of this app until today!

 

[mojo]

The battery, in conjunction with the alternator, supplies power for engine cranking and electrical power needed for the lights, stereo, and all other electrical components.

As experts and representatives of the company that manufactured your car, is it too much to expect that they understand how it works? There is no alternator on an i3, and the 12V battery is not used for engine cranking (there is no starter motor on an i3 REX).

It seems that the 12V battery is more expensive as a part from BMW in North America than most other places in the world, but even so the part should not be more than $200. $800 for the work is excessive. The same is true of the brake fluid. An independent garage should charge only half that, IMO. And I can't understand what their third item means either.

The aircon problem is a different matter though. If it is not functioning properly, that's something to worry about, because it is an integral part of the battery cooling system. It may make the car undriveable if it fails completely.

 

[macdaddybighorn]

Battery will be pretty easy, but read the process for doing it, you need to charge it before replacement and then you should code it after (bimmerlink or bimmercode should work).

A brake flush isn't that bad, I did that myself with a venturing vacuum device installed at the caliper (~$20 on Amazon), didn't even take my wheels off (but makes it much easier if you do). Just need an air compressor to use it, but there are different types of bleeders.

I had my AC recharged at an Indy shop and it was I think $150. It's definitely a good preventive item since a failed compressor will total your vehicle. Maybe look at that before the dealer. There is some conflicting/confusing info on the refrigerant so make sure they talk to the dealer about what to use.

 

[deniska1]

Hello,
I'm quite disappointed that first visit after warranty expiration, they're throwing this much amount of at me to service.

First of all, they ran a full inspection and sent us the report. there are two items came on (the pic attached). I understand break fluid after 4 yrs, service might be needed, I'm located in Los Angeles, wont name the exact BMW service location. I'm not really sure and I'm quite doubtful that this is all needed or maybe maybe ridiculous.

1.
Recommended service
$766.07
*Battery Replacement: Fault code : 0x801C12 Send Power-Down command dueto prevented sleeping
performed test plan , Performed energy diagnosis s, recommended replace 12 v battery
The battery, in conjunction with the alternator, supplies power for engine cranking and electrical power needed for the lights, stereo, and all other electrical components.

Question: Is this even reasonable cost? even considering LA, $800 battery replacement? for real?

2.
Recommended service
$906.46
Diagnostic: fault stored : -0x805516 AC charging, unlocking charging p
lug (Type 1): Continuous operation
Performed test plan : recommended replace central locking
drive high-voltage charging socket
Diagnostics when referred to in an automotive sense is the various testing done on the automobile to ensure safety and proper engine functioning. These tests are done with different sensors, computers and machines to establish a “cause and effect” relationship between what is working and what is not working with the automobile. The forms of diagnostics can range from brakes, to air conditioning, to suspension and many more.

Question: for 4 yrs, we never had a problem charging at home. Not even sure what this is? $1,000 for a socket replacement?

3. BRAKE FLUID EXCHANGE SERVICE. $327.95, PERFORM VEHICLE CHECK DUE $185.42 This looks reasonable since 1 and 2 are so much more.

4. We feel a bit less strong air conditioning, not cold, not blowing strong air, etc so we mentioned it to service advisor to check. Estimated were $490.


Any reply would be appreciated here. Thank you!

I’m surprised people still get surprised with the dealership estimates. You need to keep in mind that your average dealership is nothing but a bunch of sc..bags under one roof that always try to rip you off. Also, not call names is beyond me because you essentially help them keep ripping people off…

 

[oldstumpybiker]

I think the Aircon & the Battery cooling systems are separate, at least that's what I have been told by a vehicle engineer. Happy to be corrected though if someone knows for sure!

 

[mojo]

I think the Aircon & the Battery cooling systems are separate, at least that's what I have been told by a vehicle engineer. Happy to be corrected though if someone knows for sure!

No - they are in effect the same system. There's a good diagram in BMW's North American i3 Training Manual which shows how it all fits together.

 

[kjivkov]

Regarding servicing of the AC - you need to go to a shop which has ISTA software, as the valves of the system should be opened before the procedure!!!

 

[Mondomensch]

Replacing the 12V battery is definitely a good idea given age of car. However, even my expensive Bay Area dealer charges “only” $550 installed. There’s registering with the ECU needed, but as others have said if you have time to have an exact replacement shipped to you you can install it yourself for $200-300 if you do the registration yourself.

 

[Mondomensch]

Re: charging port. The description sounds to me like an issue with a locking solenoid to either allow the flap to be opened or to secure the connector when attached. There have been posts on similar issues where re-calibration or minor adjustments fixed the issue. Perhaps check out Wisely Automotive’s excellent you tube videos? They are the go to i3 specialists based in the UK.

 

[Mondomensch]

Re: brake fluid and inspection. This just sounds like scheduled maintenance not yet done. Brake fluid is scheduled for replacement every two years and car “inspection” every 4 years iirc.

 

[Mondomensch]

Just a heads up on the battery and ac issues:

12V battery on i3 when it starts failing often throws many mysterious faults in all kinds of systems. When it fails the car totally stops functioning even if the HV battery has charge, so would likely have to be towed. That’s why I had my still-functioning 12V replaced at 4 years.

A rare but catastrophic failure of the ac Compressor can send metal shards into the battery cooling system and total the car. That’s why people are suggesting to pay attention to the ac, especially since it’s used all the time to regulate HV battery temperature. If refrigerant turns out to be low, recharging may be a temporary fix, but there’s a leak somewhere which will likely have to be dealt with properly eventually.

If the compressor does fail, there’s some chance it might be covered under the long term CARB emissions warranty as an essential part of the battery system.

 

[David F]

Wow!!! That's a lot of money. My first i3s is shipping out to me later this week so I have yet to deal with costs of an EV. I can say that I've never taken cars to shops before as I am a self-wrenched, but wow, I can't imagine that cost for a 12 volt battery. I would look into doing that yourself. There is no shortage of youtube videos on this and I would imagine a battery is around $100-200.

Well, I paid $187 for the battery including shipping and $240 labor (1 hour) from my local Indy. Only works on German cars. It isn’t hard to DIY either. Several videos on web. I can’t say about the rest.

 

[David F]

Well, I paid $187 for the battery including shipping and $240 labor (1 hour) from my local Indy. Only works on German cars. It isn’t hard to DIY either. Several videos on web. I can’t say about the rest.

 

[J LEE]

As experts and representatives of the company that manufactured your car, is it too much to expect that they understand how it works? There is no alternator on an i3, and the 12V battery is not used for engine cranking (there is no starter motor on an i3 REX).

It seems that the 12V battery is more expensive as a part from BMW in North America than most other places in the world, but even so the part should not be more than $200. $800 for the work is excessive. The same is true of the brake fluid. An independent garage should charge only half that, IMO. And I can't understand what their third item means either.

The aircon problem is a different matter though. If it is not functioning properly, that's something to worry about, because it is an integral part of the battery cooling system. It may make the car undriveable if it fails completely.

Thanks! Found a indy shop near by in Reseda, CA but the work was already completed by the time when my wifey dropped off the car so had to pay for break fluid and airfilter replacement....almost $800..what a ripoff...

 

[J LEE]

Well, I paid $187 for the battery including shipping and $240 labor (1 hour) from my local Indy. Only works on German cars. It isn’t hard to DIY either. Several videos on web. I can’t say about the rest.

Yup! I'm debating bc the battery is hard to find and shipping cost is very high. I found an indy shop near me around $400 for a battery work.

 

[J LEE]

Re: brake fluid and inspection. This just sounds like scheduled maintenance not yet done. Brake fluid is scheduled for replacement every two years and car “inspection” every 4 years iirc.

apparently wifey signed the workorder when the advisor quoted her ( I was not there) so it was already completed but still the cost is at least doubled at the dealership compare to an indy shop I found in Reseda, CA.