Rex problems

[1jrod573]

I've had my 2016 i3 for 6 months and recently I have the dreaded "electric range only, drivetrain error" message. Before having this issue I noticed my steering felt very heavy like the power steering was going out. I did some research and replaced the 12v battery. The rex worked fine until the next day. Now I have the same problem. My rex will run in emissions mode no problem. However, it won't run to hold soc. I don't have a code reader, have not registered the battery bc the dealership is over 100 miles away. Any ideas?

 

[alohart]

Bad fuel pump relay. Inexpensive and you can replace it yourself.

 

[Anonymous]

Inexpensive and you can replace it yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkF5VvmlZCM

 

[JohnWasser]

Some of the power steering problems were fixed in software in late 2019. See these Service Information Bulletins:

SPORADIC REDUCTION OF STEERING ASSISTANCE
Service Information Bulletin 32 11 19
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10167995-9999.pdf

POWER-ASSISTED STEERING INTERMITTENTLY NOT AVAILABLE AT ENGINE START-UP
Service Information Bulletin 32 02 14
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/MC-10146954-9999.pdf

I find this site useful for service bulletins and recalls:
https://www.carcomplaints.com/BMW/i3/

 

[1jrod573]

Thank you for your reply! The power steering thing was a one time fluke. I located the relay. I'll attempt to replace it asap. I took it out and cleaned it a bit to see if it works. I'll update you asap. Thank you so much!

 

[1jrod573]

I replaced the relay and I still get the error. I haven't had a chance to clear the cel after replacing the relay if that makes a difference? Out of desperation I cleaned around the fuel cap to see if that may help. Still getting the error.

 

[jadnashuanh]

The CEL, may not clear itself for awhile, depending on exactly what the fault was. It may take 3-4 power/driving cycles. A BMW specific OBD-II reader should be able to clear it, and if the problem is still there, it will just come back.

 

[1jrod573]

Along with the error the rex won't hold state of charge. Although the last time it was driven the rex ran longer before the drivetrain error popped up and stopped the rex.

 

[alohart]

Until you read the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) using an OBD-II code reader, you'd be just guessing about the reason for the problem. You'd need a code reader with BMW-specific software because so many of an i3's DTC's are proprietary due to the i3 REx's uniqueness.

 

[1jrod573]

Any suggestions on a good obd2 reader?

 

[Anonymous]

Any suggestions on a good OBD2 reader?

http://www.foxwelltool.com/search/?q=BMW+scan+tool&DirID=

or

https://www.bimmerlink.app/
plus
UniCarScan UCSI-2000 Bluetooth (see bottom of bimmerlink page)

 

[1jrod573]

Thank you

 

[PBNB]

After nearly 2 years of ownership of our 2015 Rex. We finally had the power steering drop off on the way to work. It was a very strange feeling. I just turned off the car and restarted it, and the problem went away. No lights or other issues after that.

It is due for service so I will get the service advisor to look at installing the latest software update.

 

[jfran2]

It might have just been a bad unit, but I bought the Foxwelll scan tool and could not get it to work with my 2014 i3 Rex. Loaded Bimmerlink on an iPad with the Veepeak obd Bluetooth dongle, and it worked great. It will also allow you to register your battery. Good luck with the Rex issue. Keep us posted!

 

[JohnWasser]

Any suggestions on a good obd2 reader?

There is a list of known compatible readers at the bimmercode.app site:
https://bimmercode.app/adapters/

I have the "VEEPEAK OBDCheck BLE" from a previous car and it is supported.

 

[jadnashuanh]

FWIW, I have the Foxwell OBD tool and it works fine with my i3 (and my GT). Make sure you have the latest firmware in the thing, and, it does need to have the BMW extended codes option installed for full compatibility.