Software for BMW I3 (I01)

[thePeter]

Hello

I have never owned a BMW before, but I am thinking about buying an I3 (BEV, 120Ah).
My previous experience with car software is mainly Mercedes, for which I know that if I need:

• programming, I use: Xentry, DTS Monaco, Vediamo

• parts catalogue, I use: EPC

• repair procedures, torque values, etc, I use: WIS/ASRA

Can someone please tell me what is the equivalent software for the BMW I3?

I found some mobile apps too: mi3, BimmerCode, OBDeleven - are any more noteworthy?

Lastly, I have a VXDIAG VCX se device, licenced for Mercedes. Can I buy an extra licence for BMW, and use it for diagnostics?

Many thanks!

 

[Scichick]

My understanding is that BMW is REALLY not interested in non-dealership people having access to the computer tech. I tried to find some kind of database to familiarize myself as a non-specialist owner (something like a Chilton manual from olden days) and I couldn’t find any resources that weren’t restricted to dealers.

Check this thread:

https://www.mybmwi3.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5444

https://bmwtechinfo.bmwgroup.com/#/login

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/

 

[thePeter]

Actually, BMW are happy to give you all the info that you need, and at an affordable price: https://aos.bmwgroup.com/web/oss/pricing

I just started using ISTA 4.39.20 and I found all the disassembly procedures, diagrams, and technical documents that I needed to work on my i3. It's super easy and convenient, one application for diagnostic and technical reference.

For parts numbers, I use realoem. My local BMW dealership has been very helpful with providing part numbers and pricing, and all the parts that I ordered through them arrived very quickly. Unless it's a performance upgrade, I will always use genuine BMW parts, and will never cut costs using 3rd party compatible parts.

Next, I will look into E-SYS.

 

[frictioncircle]

Actually, BMW are happy to give you all the info that you need, and at an affordable price: https://aos.bmwgroup.com/web/oss/pricing

Hello thePeter – welcome to the board and thanks for the link to AOS, I hadn't heard of that service before!

I wonder, with right-to-repair gaining traction in the US, if that will ultimately force BMW to stop charging for access to that information... we can hope?

Regarding realoem.com, I love that site and it has been SO helpful over the years but BMW cut them off from document access a few years back. When you are on the landing page where you ID your car / enter a VIN, notice that the date of the catalog (upper right on the page) is December 2019.

Scrolling through the list of cars I see some model year 2020 BMWs made it in before the cutoff but i3 data stops at 2019, unfortunately.