[DKR]

I asked ChatGPT: Do BMW i4s have thermal management systems for batteries when the car is turned off? For example when parked under direct sunlight. It said (I hope this is correct): Yes, the BMW i4, including models like the i4 M50, is equipped with an advanced thermal management system for its battery, which operates even when the car is turned off. This system is designed to protect the battery from extreme temperatures, including heat from direct sunlight or freezing conditions, to maximize performance, longevity, and safety. Here's how it works: ### 1. Active Cooling and Heating: - The i4 has an active thermal management system that can cool or heat the battery as needed, using liquid cooling and heating mechanisms. When the car is parked, especially in hot conditions like direct sunlight, the system can activate to prevent the battery from overheating. - In hot weather, the system uses coolant circulated through the battery pack to absorb excess heat, which may be dissipated through radiators or activated by running cooling fans. ### 2. Operation When Parked: - The thermal management system can automatically engage even when the car is turned off to keep the battery within an optimal temperature range. - However, this process draws energy from the battery, so if the car is parked for an extended period in high heat, it may result in some energy loss, but it’s designed to be efficient and avoid excessive power drain. ### 3. Battery Protection in Hot Conditions: - Parking the car under direct sunlight can raise the cabin and battery temperatures, but the system will ensure the battery doesn't reach damaging levels by activating cooling measures. - BMW's battery management system is particularly designed to avoid high temperatures that could accelerate battery degradation. ### 4. Remote Monitoring and Preconditioning: - The BMW i4’s app (BMW ConnectedDrive) allows owners to monitor the car’s status remotely, including battery temperature. You can also use the app to precondition the car, cooling it down before driving or while it's charging, reducing strain on the battery when you start the journey. ### 5. Charging Scenarios: - When plugged into a charger (especially during Level 2 or DC fast charging), the thermal management system is even more active, as charging can generate significant heat. The system will manage this heat, and in extremely hot conditions, the car might even reduce the charging speed to prevent overheating. In summary, the BMW i4 has a thermal management system that works even when the vehicle is parked and turned off, helping to protect the battery from heat stress, especially in hot conditions like direct sunlight. This feature is crucial for maintaining the battery's long-term health and performance.

 

[i4.phil]

It auto-on yesterday while driving....

Then off or back to normal after a minute.

 

[bbgator]

The i4 has an active thermal management system that can cool or heat the battery as needed, using liquid cooling and heating mechanisms. When the car is parked, especially in hot conditions like direct sunlight, the system can activate to prevent the battery from overheating. - In hot weather, the system uses coolant circulated through the battery pack to absorb excess heat, which may be dissipated through radiators or activated by running cooling fans

ChatGPT is a scrapper of info on the internet. So some of this could come from the i4 is a BEV and it knows certain characteristics of behavior of most BEV. I do know that when I park next to a row of Tesla, their cooling system is making noise after 2-3 hours in the sun and the i4 is quiet. I've never heard the i4 cooling system kick on after the car has been sitting even in temperatures over 100F/38C while Tesla's usually start cooling around 90F. Summer is over in the northern hemisphere, it still is 90F/32C where I live but isn't extreme anymore. I'll definely check next summer on eFlow what the hottest the battery gets by just sitting in the sun. I've seen it at 98F/36C.

I've also seen after DCFC, the i4's battery will be hot on eFlow is around 130F. Fans will run like crazy until you lock the doors. About 3 minutes after you lock the doors, the fans always turn off. I wouldn't doubt the i4 has active cooling when it is off but if it does...it only runs during extreme heat. Elevated temperatures over 90F/32C are enough to accelerate degradation.

 

[i4m50Norway]

If you park your i4 for extended periods - Have you ever seen the SOC going down ?
I have not.
If SOC is not going down - the i4 does not use energy - so no cooling ?

 

[Variable430]

I fail to see how anyone who has driven or owned an EV can't find compelling reasons to own one. They're amazingly better than ICE vehicles in almost every way; and the ways they aren't are mostly a matter of infrastructure – which will eventually be a solved problem – not of EVs themselves.

I'm honestly wondering why someone who doesn't see a compelling reason to own an EV bought one in the first place.

Once range hits 400 miles and 800v becomes common place such that you can go 20-80 in 10-15 min that will be the sweet spot. Weight reduction thru higher density batteries will also help reduce costs.

 

[bbgator]

If you park your i4 for extended periods

I've never parked my i4 outside in the extreme heat for extended periods. My car is only in extreme heat during the day when I'm at work (9am to 7pm), the rest of the time it is in my garage. My garage is hot (26C/80F to 35C/95F), but not the same as baking in the summer sun. I often have to use my shirt to open the door because the door handles can get too hot to touch. And I've never monitored the SoC, but maybe next time I go on vacation. I've never left my car outside for any length of time without driving it. It would be interesting if someone is from Arizona and lives in an apartment if their SoC goes down while on vacation.

 

[Sleepfairy1962]

Has anybody considered just replacing the battery in their I4 when it finally gets to the point of discharging so much and finally biting the dust? I love my car although range continues to be an issue and I would assume in the next 5 to 10 years that a battery should get a lot cheaper to replace than buying a brand new luxury vehicle especially when maybe you could get another 10 years out of it?

 

[i4m50Norway]

Yes, I plan to do that in 2042 or 2047?

 

[rollermonkey]

I'm sure that at least one other person is that paranoid about battery degradation, but it isn't me. For reasons both pessemism and actuarial, I don't think that I will live that long.

 

[i4eD40]

Yes in maybe 10 year or more.

 

[J_P]

Moderator:

@Sleepfairy1962, search is your friend. Please search for the information you want before starting a new discussion.

There is an existing discussion with exactly the same title. We prefer people to follow up in existing discussions so that all the information is kept in one place.

I have merged your post with the existing discussion.

 

[bbgator]

would assume in the next 5 to 10 years that a battery should get a lot cheaper to replace than buying a brand new luxury vehicle especially when maybe you could get another 10 years out of it?

I hear this a lot from new Engineers. They buy a new car and plan on keeping it forever. At 10-15 years, they usually are buying a new car. On ICE cars, you can always put in a JDM, rebuilt, or reman engine way cheaper than a new car. But once your car becomes 12 years old, everything looks dated and you want a new car. Also every repair costs more than the car is worth, not that that matters, but feels like it should. You're also 12 years older and have more disposable money and you want something different. The engine is only one component and usually not the reason I buy a new car, but the excuse because you say to yourself that you're afraid of some future repair. Your car is also a status symbol. Something engineers say they don't care about but everyone deep down wants others to look at them as accomplished and accomplished people usually have at least 1 nice car. After it is uncouth to show off your bank account but perfectly fine to show off your new car. And that is why I drive a BMW.

 

[Sleepfairy1962]

I hear this a lot from new Engineers. They buy a new car and plan on keeping it forever. At 10-15 years, they usually are buying a new car. On ICE cars, you can always put in a JDM, rebuilt, or reman engine way cheaper than a new car. But once your car becomes 12 years old, everything looks dated and you want a new car. Also every repair costs more than the car is worth, not that that matters, but feels like it should. You're also 12 years older and have more disposable money and you want something different. The engine is only one component and usually not the reason I buy a new car, but the excuse because you say to yourself that you're afraid of some future repair. Your car is also a status symbol. Something engineers say they don't care about but everyone deep down wants others to look at them as accomplished and accomplished people usually have at least 1 nice car. After it is uncouth to show off your bank account but perfectly fine to show off your new car. And that is why I drive a BMW.

I'm not sure how a ICE is relevant to my question of an all electric vehicle?

 

[bbgator]

I'm not sure how a ICE is relevant to my question of an all electric vehicle?

I don't see any difference except a battery will be more expensive than a new to you ICE engine. Same logic applies. High chance you will want something different in 12 years and willing funds to buy it. Batteries will never be free. Prices will come down on new battery packs but that doesn't mean a battery to fit an old BMW will be cheap.

 

[J_P]

Your car is also a status symbol. Something engineers say they don't care about but everyone deep down wants others to look at them as accomplished and accomplished people usually have at least 1 nice car. After it is uncouth to show off your bank account but perfectly fine to show off your new car. And that is why I drive a BMW.

It's one view.

 

[LJK]

I'm (hopefully) not anywhere near the need to have the battery replaced on my 2023 i4, but has anyone done so, and if so, how expensive was it to replace the battery?

All of BMW's electrics are still under warranty. Right?

 

[renaud]

All of BMW's electrics are still under warranty. Right?

Probably not the first batches of i3

 

[ToitjieC]

I don't see any difference except a battery will be more expensive than a new to you ICE engine. Same logic applies. High chance you will want something different in 12 years and willing funds to buy it. Batteries will never be free. Prices will come down on new battery packs but that doesn't mean a battery to fit an old BMW will be cheap.

I wonder whether larger capacity replacement batteries will become available as the battery technology improves. A larger range would be convenient on my i4M50.

 

[ToitjieC]

I'm sure that at least one other person is that paranoid about battery degradation, but it isn't me. For reasons both pessemism and actuarial, I don't think that I will live that long.

At 81 years old, I am pretty certain my i4M50 will outlive me.

 

[renaud]

I wonder whether larger capacity replacement batteries will become available as the battery technology improves. A larger range would be convenient on my i4M50.

Maybe, but that might be in 20 years, who knows...