Still reprogramming all i3's at the California VPC

[Sparky]

I've ready through many older threads regarding reprogramming the i3. Most were from the September timeframe. My car just got to the port Wednesday and is awaiting programming, it was built in mid October. Anyone know what issues are being addressed by programming?

 

[jadnashuanh]

Some vehicles, especially where it is hot out, have had issues with the KLE module (this is part of the built-in charging circuit on the vehicle). BMW identified a fix for this and is building new modules without that problem, but in the interim, if the vehicle does not have the new one in it (yet), to ensure it is reliable, they modify the charging logic to limit the maximum charging rate based on the battery and outside temperature. Where I live, it has been colder, and I have not noticed a decrease in the charging rate (i.e., it taking longer to recharge the vehicle), but some people have noticed it. There were some other minor tweaks to the software, but I don't remember the details - one aspect related to the reliability of the range to empty, but there could have been others.

Expect another software update sometime in early 2015. It's possible that these new vehicles are getting that update, but it's probably a bit early. Can't tell you, don't know.

It is my understanding that the software for the i3 is customized by VIN, and requires their equipment to be hooked up to the server in Germany. TO make an effective connection, it may be that they have to limit how many vehicles they can connect at once - internet connections aren't infinite, nor are the server responses. IT does take awhile to download all of the new modules of software, then verify no hiccups.

 

[Sparky]

Thanks for the explanation, but I would have thought that by October, the September updates would have been embedded at the factory.

 

[dculber]

oops

 

[dculber]

My car just got to the port Wednesday and is awaiting programming

how did you find out?

 

[Sparky]

My sales person told me they opened a work order at VPC, and a few hours later, the status on the Mybmw site switched to "finishing touches".

 

[Sparky]

Update! Just checked, my car has been assigned to Waggoner trucking, due at dealer thanksgiving!

Since mine arrived at vpc last Thursday and is already assigned to a trucker, this implies no software was updated (assuming they don't work on weekends).

 

[Jeffj]

I received the same update this morning. Mine has been assigned to the trucking company, targeted for arrival in CO on 11/29.

I don't have any visibility into what they have done at the VPC (or if its still happening), as the iConcierge could only tell me the above status. He did add that it may still be "in-process" at the VPC before its actually loaded onto a truck. Since its only 16 hours to Denver, I could see the truck not leaving until Friday and still making delivery on Sat.

 

[Sparky]

Well, I'm really disappointed. Apparently, I got some wrong or out of sync info. I checked with customer service this morning and now my car is delayed at VPC. I was told before that it is being updated with the new KLE, but apparently it will be delayed just like many others. My guess the delay is about two weeks.

 

[jadnashuanh]

Having it done prior to you picking it up is probably a good thing, but obviously, delays your enjoyment. Frustrating, I know, but compared to the wait most people elsewhere have for the vehicle, we have nothing to complain about - 3-6 months or more is not uncommon elsewhere.

 

[Gonville]

Frustrating, I know, but compared to the wait most people elsewhere have for the vehicle, we have nothing to complain about - 3-6 months or more is not uncommon elsewhere.

Agree - I am coming to the end of 8 months. Saturday is my born electric day!