MUST HAVE BMW i3 Mods/Coding (BimmerCode)
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When BMW designed the i3, they have included many different options that are not visible to the user. That's a pretty standard option, but it went even further on the BMW i3 as they have locked out some key features in the US version of the car. In this video, I show you how to unlock the full potential of the car using the BimmerCode app and a VEEPEAK OBD2 adapter. Coding in the Range Extender menu which allows you to turn on the REx manually and run at any time you want (under 75% charge). I will also show you how to remove the fuel tank limitation and allow for 0.5 gallon more fuel. One of my other favorite features has been the coding of the larger screen and adding the correct resolution. I also really liked the auto-folding mirrors when locking and unlocking the car and the ability to see tire pressure and temperature when driving! Why would they hide that!? I have also removed the disclaimer messages and enabled different driving modes (sport, sport+ etc.)
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00:00 Introduction
00:27 How to Get Started
01:31 Increase Electronically Limited Fuel Capacity
02:03 Range Extender Menu
03:27 Screen Upgrade
04:02 Auto-Folding Mirrors
04:22 Tire Temperature and Pressure
04:43 Warning Messages Disabled
05:15 Heated Seat Temp
05:54 Sport Mode/Driving Modes
07:18 Key Fob Button Programming
08:33 More Cool Coding Options
10:10 Thanks for watching
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For keeping the car cool or heated after you get out, when you turn off the car, you will see an option on the display, where you can tell it to keep the climate running, you just have to check the box with the dial control by the arm rest.
Exactly, it took me a long time to figure this out. It's just pressing the 1 button before exiting the car
I was really upset that i couldn't unlock the gas capacity of my '18 .... LOL... went onto the forum and found out it comes "unlocked" from the factory.... Now on to the other codes... Thank you 😅🙏👍 (this is my 3rd BMW i3❤)
I have most of these settings changes already, but did not know that I could disable the warnings on the center display... I need to do that! Thanks for the tip.
Thanks for your i3 series. You have motivated me to look after my own car more, especially as the BMW i3 officially goes out of production in June 2022.
remember to activate self-destruct feature on your bmw i3 today 🤣🤣
You have some very through videos! I’m looking to maybe get one of these vehicles - my biggest concern is the AC Compressor issue. There are some good values out there with a 2017 but I’m concerned since I live in AZ. Thanks! Excellent videos - thumbs up!!
Nice! I need to unlock my heated seat temp.
In uk. You can turn range extender on an off manually. Also tyre pressure visible an temps.
wow I never knew you can do all of this with the car. Can you make a video about coding you would recommend on the BMW z4??
Buddy your videos are really useful and i enjoy all of them. Did you ever experience the key fob not working after replacing the 12v battery?
How to keep car running when exiting car.....use a seat belt extender. The car will still think you are buckled in and will not turn off when exiting threw drivers door. Since it is extender you still have use of seat belt for safety when driving and have this bonus feature of car not turning off when exiting if so desired. Thank u for all the great info on the i3. Love the 3 I have!!!!
There’s a button for that . 😊
@@kojoefante What button?
I'm going to try the sport mode!
many thanks for the information video..
Very helpful. Thanks!
Nice tips. Thank you. Engine-off when door opened is really annoying. Sometimes while parking I need to open the door and see how close I am to obstacles but car stops instantly. Annoying.
I bought my i3s new in December 2020 I almost straight away coded most of the things in your video plus.. set Sport as the default mode, enabled rear daytime running lights to on, changed the seat belt bongs to the Rolls Royce chimes, enabled bip and bip bip when locking unlocking, adjusted the wiper delay timings. Interestingly I found that the alarm sounder was set to off also the vehicle tracking so turned both these on.
@@AdamA63 no I didn’t know it had a sports + so I didn’t look for it.
Thank you for taking the time to answer. I think the range extender is the way to go - not sure why not more EVs have them as help with range anxiety. I was looking at tge Chevy 2022 Bolt - I feel the ride may not be a nice as the i3
I love the idea of the REx just because it gives so much flexibility. Not everyone lives in a big city with tons of chargers or can charge at home daily. Also, i3 should have a much nicer interior compared to a Bolt. At least the Volt I've been in wasn't nearly as nice.
Great information, thank you !! a couple of months ago I saw your video on how to do the coding step by step, I can not find it any more, please help me out, thanks !!
One trick to exit the car without it turning off is to buckle the seatbelt behind you. It's a little tricky/annoying but works. This is also a good trick to keep the REX going if you need to stop for gas and to not lose the target hold SOC percentage.
See my comment above to Charles Peters. :)
I use a seat belt extender and leave it plugged in always(might be called a seatbelt bypass buckle) un buckle my seat belt from the added buckle
@@vanringquist3939 that’s a really good idea
You can keep it running while you add gas?
I've found this to not be the case, the rex seems to have logic on it that says not only must door be closed, seatbelt buckled, OR brake pedal applied; the accelerator pedal or brake must have been pushed at least once since two of the first three criteria became met. So what I'm stuck doing after stopping is, apply brake, open door, position door latch back to closed so the car thinks door is closed, swap seatbelt buckle for fake seatbelt buckle/buckle real seatbelt behind me, remove foot from brake, sneak out of car. Then on return after fueling, sneak back in remembering not to pull door handle/latch open, apply brake, THEN close the door remembering again to open the door/latch first, then do whatever to apply seatbelt properly, and then you can take foot off brake. Keep head on a swivel for sketchy types that loiter at gas stations since during this time the door will be visibly open. Keep unlocked so if they do get the jump on you, hopefully they pull the handle, shutting the car down, with no way to restart if fob is on you.
Nice informative video. Do you know how to code the ASR which is the pedestrian warning the new cars the 2020s have the sound. I have a 2018 which is silent. Thank you.
On my I3, I have configured the video codec to play videos from usb while driving. Then of course the tire temperature The mode I have configured to remember the last value, so if I leave the car in eco+, it will start in eco+ the next time. But when I leave the car in comfort, it will start in comfort.
Hi. Ty for your videos. Can you please post the steps to code and activate the sports+ setting. The video goes kinda fast. I have the same set up.. ty!!
Could make a video how to change de H7 low beam bulb tu LED please
Could you please do a more detailed video on coding the Sport/Driving Modes? I did the Big Screen upgrade and your Bimmercode instructions were great, also did the LED main beam upgrade too - thanks for the discount. Love your channel!
What’s the LED beam upgrade ??
@@jermaineervin9474 Here's a link to the video - it's an easy and worthwhile upgrade. kzhead.info/sun/lth8oqiCp2h8pqM/bejne.html
Dude. I'm about to start taking my i3 Rex on longer trips!
Yes! I go on 120 mile trip in it every week!
@@SimpleCarGuy Wow! Coded mine yesterday and replaced the 12volt battery. Running great today.
@@briandavidofficialawesome
the car was designed to turn off when the door opens as a safety feature, if you noticed when you have the car on with your seatbelt on the car stays on when you open the door, so coding the car to not shut itself off is a possibility and something id like to see too
Hi, nice video. Is there any way to remove this bmw carillon sound every time we open the door ? Shutdown is boring, i agree with you, but this doungggg dounggg sound also.... I also search a way to reduce the auto fan speed, when in cold wheather i found the fan too quick and making too much vent noise. (even with 1st led on in auto mode) And putting manually is not a good idea because it takes too long to push air to heat.
My Harman/Kardon amp overheated and I wanted to replace it. I found a Mini Cooper Amp with same model number. Do I need to program it or do you think it will update when I install it? I have the the AutoPhix 7910 to update if needed. I made the purchase when I replaced my 12v Battery. Thanks!
I bought my 2018 i3 with range extender and I was told all models from late 2017 on have apple car play, but mine doesnt or its not activated. Would this be able to get it activated, or does that require advanced coding?
The car looks so much better than it did when you first got it! Congrats. Good coding advices, by the way. I did most of them. I would like to permanently keep the blue lighting interior that goes off when unlocking the doors at night. Right now, the interior lights turn white as soon as any door is opened. Do you know how to do it?
Thanks! I've been driving it daily, it just needs the paint fixed or wrapped, but I've been to busy! As far as the interior light, you know I haven't noticed that it goes white, so I'll look into it and get back to you if I find anything.
Hi any chance you found how to keep the blue lights on when you open the door ? @@SimpleCarGuy
How did you program your Remote to turn on Climate Control? And the Rearview Camera while driving?
This is great, the seats are too hot 🔥🥵. I turn it on and find myself turning it off in less than 2 minutes. Going back and forth makes for driving on highway harder because the steering is very responsive. Placement of the button causes me to swerve slightly each time I have to hit it
Hi! The current app does not show the purely electric kilometers/miles. Do you know how to access the kilometers/miles with Rex? Regards!
Thanks for your videos. Does Anyone know how to program the key fob to require a double press to open the rear hatch? I keep accidentally opening the hatch when the fob is in my pocket. REvans 2017 i3 Rex California USA
Have you run into drivetrain issues while charging. It only happen when the charging pass 65% charged. If you have please do a video on how to fix it?
Thanks!
Thanks for watching and supporting the channel!
Please. Is there any way to reset check engine light. I just spent 5k on new eme. Could it be the re code I did for rex menu that's causing check engine. Please help🙏🏿
Hello, the videos are very good. Where can I buy the BimmerCode app and a VEEPEAK OBD2 adapter? I have an I3 Rex 2018. Thanks
Hi! Thanks! There is a link in the description for the adapter and the app is free on the App Store on your phone. Then you pay $30 inside the app to enable coding.
Did it work for you? Bimmercode told me it won't unlock the gas capacity on the 2018 94 Ah battery - only the 60
Also Bimmercode is $50 now. 😕
I saw your video on lowering the car and adding spacers. Would adding spacers alone help the handling of the car?
I did both at the same time, so I haven't tested it myself. From what I've read and other people's experience, it definitely helps to widen the track. It should handle better on the highway, but not maybe not as much in corners etc.
@@SimpleCarGuy thanks! I really like your i3 videos. Keep up the good work!
If you disconnect the main battery pulling the connector under the hood.... Does the range extender could be still able to power the electric motor and be ok? Have you tested this possiblity? Or any software settings would do the trick? I wish someone could tell me about,
Can you do a video on how to add the sport mode? The video went quickly.
Agreed! I am nervous about doing anything in 'expert mode' unless the instructions are super clear - as they were with your excellent video on installing the 10.25 inch center display. Here, the steps go really fast, could you list them for us please.
I wanna enable the range extender but I'm worried it will void the warranty DX
I'm trying to plan a long distance trip and I have a question - on the code to enable the small engine to kick in when the battery reaches 75%. When it kicks in how long does it take to get the battery back to 100%? Say I'm on the highway at 75 mph will it run for 1/2 hour or if you can provide any info. Also much of the gas is consumed to get it back to 100%, will it use 1/4 of the gas capacity or more? Thank you for all your help.
It will never get to 100%. You are enabling a HOLD option, so it will ‘try’ to hold it at 75% charge. However, when going 75 mph, it will most likely still lose charge, just very slowly. I usually drive around 80mph on the highway and would lose about 5-10% battery charge over 40 miles. The generator doesn’t have enough power to keep it charged going that speed. This is also why this option is so important in my opinion, if you let it turn on normally at 6%, your speed will be limited to 55-65mph after a little bit while using the REx. Let me know if that makes sense!
@@SimpleCarGuy Thank you !!
Im not able to get my registration bc of the check engine light. Any help would be much appreciated 🙏🏿🌟
Rolce Royce sounds are better then standard. Also ScreenMirroring for Android. ECOPRO mode as Standard Mode.
I changed my inteo video to the alpina animation and seat belt alarm from bmw to rolls royce
The Rex gas tank change only effects 14-18 i3’s.
Not the 2018 if you have 94 Ah battery. Won't work according to Bimmercode. I wrote tech support
was hoping on doing a bit of a deeper dive into the system, already used the bimmer link and bimmer code app, and coded most everything i can from the app but wanted to get more done that isnt listed in the app, i downloaded all data from my bmw on my ssd and tried reading/editing with a backup of course would anyone know how to convert the binary thats in the system i just recently tried chat gpt and got this : "I'm sorry, but the text you've provided is in a binary format, and it doesn't appear to be something that can be directly translated into a readable format manually. It seems to be a non-human-readable serialization or binary data. To interpret or extract meaningful information from this data, you would need to use a specific software or tool that understands this format, if such a tool exists for it."
I have only just discovered that I can program the 8 'radio' switches for other things such as putting the range extender 'hold of charge' by pressing a nominated button and then it only needs the control button push and hey presto the computer does the rest, and take off Rex and return to battery charge .
Ooh how???
Long press when menu is positioned on the thing you want the button to toggle. This doesn't work on all items though, I've wanted to make a button push for the drl's but the closest I can get is to the lighting menu.
REX BMW i3 cars have a RPM signal coming from OBD plug - can you tell me if I can get that signal to work on my fully electric BMW i3s ? Thank you for your time.
Are you looking to see the motor RPMs?
@@SimpleCarGuy yes. In regards to a sound generator app.
Hi, i enabled sport mode (FesHasMode 4), and my car have less power in sport mode !!!
Hi - can I ask 1) what year is your i3 and model 2) how tall are you and are you comfortable in the i3 - my wife thinks it’s too small but I think it’s cool 3) What color is your i3 Thanks
Hi! It’s a 2016 i3 REx. I’m 5’10 and it’s very comfortable. My buddy who’s 6’4 fits great in the front seat as well. There is tons of space for front passengers. It’s small on the outside, but roomy on the inside. The color on mine is Fluid Black. Good luck!
Exactly, very spacious. and you can fold down the back seats to make basically a station wagon for Costco runs or carrying a large dog.
I have a 2017 i3 and this video has been great for me but I can't seem to get the Range Extender menu to work like you mentioned. I was able to get the fuel limit lifted as you mention and it's "active". Then I went to Range Extender and set it to active and recoded but on my display when I go there the "hold state of charge" still says "funct not available see manual for possible reasons." Any idea why? Do I need to be in expert mode or something? Thanks.
Is your battery below 75%? The system only allows you to turn it on once it’s below 75% and if you have some fuel in the gas tank.
@@SimpleCarGuy ahhh...I haven't tried that yet. I'll do that next! Thanks for suggestion.
@@aamrgomez Yep! It should say 'not possible when charge above 75%' instead of 'consult owners manual'. : )
How do I unlock the sports mode...?
👌
All these options were available on our European model from the start.
I did most of these functions to my F10 550i 🤣 yeah that message when you start car was annoying
I'm experimenting on the Z4 and 335i now as well. Different generation, so options are different too!
@@SimpleCarGuy make sure you are hooked up to charger when doing this You go not want your car battery going low when coding You can brick your ECU
In my i3, I’m given a checkbox on the screen that allows me to activate the climate control when I turn off the car. I use it when I go into a store to keep the car cool. You don’t have that? I didn’t code to get that.
Yes, I have that too, but you have to turn off the car before it shows up. I'm used to leaving the car running and jumping out to get mail or w/e. I just wish it stayed on when I leave it on. The key programming for ventilation is useful when I forget and get out of the car, it's the same 'checkmark' that comes up on the screen.
I see from the picture that you have a glovebox that has a key lock. Mine keeps getting stuck, is there a way to fix this?
WD40😊
I'd like to reduce power and acceleration for a new / learner driver... is this possible?
EcoPro+ mode.
I live in California. Just bought a 2014 i3. What Bluetooth adapter to I need to make these changes?
I have linked the least expensive adapters that work really well in the description.
@@SimpleCarGuy thank you for the reply. I really appreciate it
Hi👋🏿 I have a 2014 i3. What do I need to purchase to do these coding options please?
Hi! Adapter I have linked in the description and the advanced license for the app (it’s in the app) once you download it for free.
Hi🙋🏿♂️Thank you for all the help and information. I see the 3 links in the description. I'm in the US. Should I buy the UK, DE or the 3rd Ob2 adapter you have listed? Also is there a bummer app I need on my phone or all I need is the ob2 adapter?
@@kishanetaylor6571 did u figure it out?
@@jermaineervin9474I did figure it out Thank you so much!
What year is your i3
It’s a 2016
You can hold ur brake whole open the door... Then the a/c will remain on
WARNING 5:54 When I enabled Sport + in my i3S, it resulted in bucking and hesitation from a stop. Had to revert my coding.
I believe if you exit the car from the passenger side your car and AC will stay on. Kind of a pain (especially if you actually have a passenger next to you) but it should work.
I haven't tried that and i guess that would work, but for me I want to use it when I have my dog in the car, so it wouldn't be very convenient. I'll make a video about it if I find a solution, hopefully someone suggests it here!
Someone suggested this in the comments, and it actually works. I do it too, where I buckle my seat belt behind me, while the car is on. This allows me to open the car and keep the car running. If I want to start the car and leave it running,
Would never pay 500 dollars for a screen that big, ever. Great video thanks for the information.
So I just added the extra modes and found them to be useless. You just select something different but they're still the same as Comfort...
I noticed more oomph in the first 1-2 seconds from dead start in Sport (but not in sport+).
@@SimpleCarGuy What year is yours? Mine's a 2015. Is there a way to remove "Sport+" but keep "Sport" only?
Funny. I cant see why I would do any of these changes. I have not in several years seen a reason to buy Bimmercode for my 2017 I3 EV
Sorry...check engine light for emissions
It helps if you understand German a little.
I've had to Google Translate a few things, but otherwise it's pretty well documented!
omg..look at the key mark on the hood lol
Yeah, this car was pretty rough when I got it.
I’m sure you know, but i3’s don’t have fog lights. They weren’t even an option.
Yes, you are right! Those are high beams in the bumper.
Mine does. Must be another difference between Euro and N American spec i3s.
@@clasqm I’d love to see a picture of them. I’d like to have them.
@@MYJ61 Turns out you were right. I knew I had a foglight button, but were rarely have fog here and I've never actually used it. Rear foglight only. Sorry if I misled anyone.
Car make yearrrrr? Jesus
There is an option to fix that exit car fix, tape down the switch on the door. its just triggering because the canbus system is telling the bcu that the interiour light switch has beeb triggered.
Door open sensor also triggers lowering the window a bit to avoid interference with the weatherstrip and trim. Probably makes it easier to close the door without fighting air pressure.
Id like it if it wasnt a bmw. barely mechnanically working. or Bring mechanic with brand is not the best.