BMW
BMW hybrid and electric car service and repairs
We work on electrified BMWs, from the i3 to the plug-in hybrids in the 2, 3, 5 Series and X5. Each system has its quirks, especially in battery cooling, and some models have had major recalls.
Why take your BMW to a specialist
Electrified BMW cars aren’t repaired like a petrol car. Without the right equipment and high-voltage experience, the diagnosis stays half done.
- 01
i3: the battery is cooled by the air conditioning
On the BMW i3, the battery has no coolant circuit; it is cooled directly by the air-conditioning refrigerant. A faulty compressor or an empty system affects the battery too, not just comfort.
- 02
The 2020 plug-in hybrid recall
In 2020, BMW recalled about 26,700 plug-in hybrids, including the X5, i8, 330e and Mini Countryman, for contaminants in the battery cells that could cause a short circuit. We check whether your car was included and fixed.
- 03
Diagnostics across the whole electrified system
We read the codes from every control unit involved and measure the battery, inverter and charging. We separate a weak module from a flat 12 V battery, a connector or a software fault.
We test first, then suggest
What we do on BMW hybrids and EVs
We handle the systems we see most often on electrified cars, from the high-voltage battery to charging, brakes and maintenance.
Many BMW owners come to us after the range dropped, after a dashboard message or after a quote for a new battery. We test first and tell you what we confirmed.
- High-voltage battery diagnostics
- Testing every module and the battery’s condition
- The charging system, where relevant
- The 12 V battery and the DC-DC converter
- Regenerative and friction braking
- Battery and inverter cooling
- Maintenance: filters, fluids, tyres
- Software, where we have access for the make
BMW models we see often
Every model has its weak points. Here is what we know about the most common ones:
Electric
BMW i3 și i3 REx
We check the battery together with the air-conditioning system that cools it. The REx version also has a small petrol engine that only generates electricity.
Plug-in hybrid
225xe, 330e și 530e
We check the battery recalls, its condition and charging from the socket.
Plug-in hybrid
X5 xDrive40e și xDrive45e
A heavy plug-in SUV with a large battery. We check the 2020 recall, charging and the brakes, which work less because of energy recovery.
Electric
i4 și iX
Newer electric cars with plenty of software. We handle diagnostics, maintenance, brakes and the 12 V battery, and for programming that needs manufacturer access we tell you where to go.
When to bring your BMW in
It makes sense when range drops, charging fails, a warning message appears or another garage lacks the equipment for the electrified side.
Warning light or reduced power
The system is protecting itself. We check the battery, inverter and signals before any expensive part.
Less and less electric range
Battery wear, a weak module or a cooling problem reduces range. The test shows the cause.
Charging from the socket fails
The cause can be the cable, the port, the on-board charger or the station. We separate them by testing, not by replacing parts in turn.
The 12 V battery keeps going flat
Electrified cars charge the 12 V battery from the main battery, through the DC-DC converter. If it keeps going flat, we check the converter, not just the battery.
Frequently asked questions about BMW hybrids and EVs
Do you work on BMW hybrids and electric cars?+
Yes, on the common electrified BMW models. When you book, we confirm from the VIN what we can do on your car.
Can you check the battery’s condition?+
Yes. We test the battery before any replacement quote and tell you what we found and what options you have.
Is it cheaper than a dealer?+
Often, yes, because we repair only what is faulty rather than replacing whole assemblies. If the car is still under the manufacturer’s warranty or has an open recall, we tell you to go to a dealer first, where the fix is free.
How long does it take?+
It varies from case to case: it depends on the model, the fault and the parts. We give you an estimate after talking through the symptoms or after the diagnosis.
Find out what is wrong with your BMW
Book a check. We tell you the cause and whether the next step is the battery, the charging or maintenance.