At the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in September 2011, the BMW i3 was presented as the "car of the future". The press hailed it as Europe's first high-end rechargeable electric city car. The final version appeared in July 2013 and went on sale the following autumn.
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However, the high reliability of the i3 gear box does not prevent the occurrence of operating problems. In this guide by EDEN BOITE, you'll find all the tips you need to maintain and repair the gearbox on your BMW i3.
How does the BMW i3 gearbox work?
Since its launch in 2013, the BMW i3 has undergone several battery changes with the aim of improving its range. The latest BMW i3, the i3s, launched in 2017, is equipped with a 42.2 KW/h battery, enabling it to travel 305 km on a single charge.
Electric or rechargeable hybrid, this city car is equipped with a 1-speed automatic gearbox, also known as a "mono-ratio". This is a type of automatic transmission witha single gear ratio. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions, which have several gears (generally 4, 5, 6 or more), the BMW i3's electric gearbox does not have the ability to change gear.
The vehicle uses its 170 hp hybrid synchronous electric motor and an electronic control system to deliver 125 KW of power and the torque required for different driving modes, rather than shifting gears as a conventional transmission would.
How do I maintain the automatic gearbox on the BMW i3?
Contrary to popular belief, automatic gearboxes need regular maintenance and a number of precautions to limit the risk of breakdown.
Firstly, an oil change every 60,000 to 80,000 km is essential. Secondly, you should regularly check the transmission oil level. If it looks black or smells bad, you'll need to change it.
It's also important to use the right transmission oil for an automatic gearbox: consult your BMW i3 manual or ask a specialist to identify the right fluid to use.
Finally, here are a few tips on how to delay wear on a BMW i3 gearbox:
- Maintain the engine cooling system regularly;
- Make sure the vehicle is stationary before operating the gears;
- Warm up the engine for a few minutes before starting the car;
- Minimize pull-ups;
- Overhaul the automatic gearbox every year.
When to repair the gearbox on a BMW i3?
The transmission of your BMW i3 may show signs of failure due to wear. It's important to be able to identify them quickly to repair the fault and avoid the risk of an accident.
Among the symptoms of malfunction, automatic gearbox slippage means that the gearbox is unable to transfer engine power correctly to both wheels. The result is an engine that runs too fast, or a car that has difficulty starting. It may be due to a lack of oil pressure, worn clutch plates or an anomaly in the speed sensor.
On the other hand, a sudden or violent automatic gear change requires urgent inspection. Also, an electrical or mechanical malfunction can cause an automatic transmission to lock up.
Where can I find a reliable and inexpensive BMW i3 gearbox?
Depending on the diagnosis of the fault, your mechanic may feel that repairing the gearbox on your BMW i3 is not enough, and that your car needs a new transmission. He'll probably offer to include the price of a new automatic gearbox in his estimate. But before you accept his offer, you should know that you can reduce the bill by buying the product yourself.
To do this, find out themodel number of the transmission corresponding to your i3. Then search for it on our website. All types of BMW gearboxes are available at EDEN BOITES, with several delivery options. What's more, you can benefit from at least a 3-month warranty and a free online quotation. To ensure you have the best possible experience, we take back your old gear box and provide transport from your home!
