What level to charge the battery to?

[hal2pay]

My owner's manual says to "....charge the vehicle regularly and completely on a compatible charger." However, I'm told that to extend the life of any lithium battery, it should only be charged to 80%. What's the real story? Thanks.

 

[mojo]

As you would expect on a car that is essentially a decade old, the question has been asked a lot before. So using the forum search tool will find a lot of previous threads, and really there hasn't been a lot new said in a while!

Here's an example, so you can see how the views on this vary:

https://www.mybmwi3.com/threads/charging-80-or-100.18672/

 

[EvanstonI3]

To extend the life of your tires you should put the car up on jack stands and never drive it.

 

[Mondomensch]

One aspect that I only learned about here recently is that battery pack leveling only happens when the car is sitting turned off, not charging, with battery level near or at full. I am now trying to do a 95%+ full charge at least every month or two.

If you haven’t already, get a Bluetooth obd dongle and the mi3 app (and BimmerLink) for more detailed monitoring.

 

[madasa fish]

Simple answer: BMW thought of it. Just charge fully..They leave approx 10% margin top and bottom.