2023-2024 BMW i4 Plug & Charge Function Fault TSB

BMW has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) SIB 61 03 25 to assist technicians in diagnosing and resolving various complaints related to the Plug & Charge function in specific electric vehicle models. This bulletin helps address instances where the BMW i4 Plug & Charge fault might occur, ensuring proper functionality for owners of models such as the 2023-2024 BMW i4 (G26 BEV), i5 (G60 BEV), i7 (G70 BEV), and iX (i20 BEV).

Symptoms of Plug & Charge Faults

Owners of affected BMW models may experience several issues with the Plug & Charge function. These complaints indicate a BMW i4 Plug & Charge fault and typically include:

• The "Plug & Charge menu does not appear in the vehicle, function not available".
• "Problems with the configuration, for example: Contracts cannot be installed".
• "Fault / problems when attempting charging with Plug & Charge".
• The "Plug & Charge contract disappeared".
• The "Plug & Charge payment method expired".
• A "Check Control message displayed" related to charging.
• "A fault code was displayed" during contract installation.
• "Push message to the 'My BMW' app not visible when there is a Plug & Charge fault" or "Push message not visible on smartphone".

Underlying Causes

Several factors can contribute to a BMW i4 Plug & Charge fault. These include:

• The vehicle may not support the Plug & Charge function, or the software I-level installed on the vehicle does not support it.
• The charging station itself may not support the Plug & Charge function.
• Issues with the contract not being sent by the provider, such as Electrify America or Shell Recharge.
• A main user switch in the MyBMW app causing contract deletion.
• Problems with the vehicle's Internet connection.
• Faults within the charging infrastructure or the charging station.
• Payment authentication issues, where the payment method is rejected, invalid, or expired.

Important Warnings for Owners

Owners should be aware of specific limitations and requirements concerning the Plug & Charge function:

• "Retrofit installation of Plug & Charge provisioning certificates on select G26, i20, G70 models cannot be performed via RSU." This means certain models cannot have the feature added via Remote Software Upgrade (RSU).
• BMW's TSARA support cannot verify the status of the credit card linked to the account, as the charging supplier is responsible for maintaining the payment token.
• TSARA also cannot verify the outcome of a failed charging station; owners would need to contact the charging supplier directly for these issues.
• "Credit cards can only be added and not edited in the app. If a credit card is expired, you will need to add a new card, and then delete the old card to validate the payment token in the system." This is a critical step for maintaining active charging services.
• "Even though charging is free of charge with the BMW charging plan (see charging plan information for your vehicle); having a current credit card on the MyBMW app is necessary to cover the possible idle charges when the car is not pulled out of the charging spot when charging has completed."

Diagnosis and Troubleshooting the BMW i4 Plug & Charge Fault

Diagnosing a BMW i4 Plug & Charge fault can be complex, involving various vehicle systems and third-party charging providers. Technicians are advised to submit a Connected Drive TSARA case to initiate the diagnostic process. The process involves verifying several aspects:

Initial Customer Dialogue and Vehicle Capability Check

Before contacting TSARA, it's crucial to clarify the customer's exact complaint regarding the Plug & Charge function. This includes confirming if the complaint is present, which specific fault occurred, if the latest software I-level is installed, and if the vehicle is capable of the function (referencing SI B61 31 23 for more information).

Activating Plug & Charge: Display and Technical Conditions

Technicians must determine if the Plug & Charge menu is displayed in the vehicle and if the function is turned on. They verify technical conditions such as the production date, model, current I-level software version, and whether vehicle certificates need updating. If the menu is present but grayed out or not selectable, a Headunit (HU) reset, updating Apps and Services, and verifying contract validity are recommended.

Addressing Authentication and Contract Issues

This step involves confirming if a Plug & Charge contract has been selected, downloaded, and activated. Technicians check for any displayed "Check Control message displayed" and investigate if the fault occurred once or multiple times, possibly linked to a specific charging station. They also determine when Plug & Charge last worked, if an RSU or I-level update influenced the function, and verify the customer's BMW ID and payment method status. If issues persist, the charging supplier (Electrify America or Shell Recharge) should verify the certificate, payment method, and payment token, using information about failed charging attempts.

Troubleshooting Configuration Problems

If a "download error displayed" occurred, technicians should check if a new download attempt was made. For contract display issues in the Plug & Charge menu, it's essential to ensure the BMW ID mapped to the charging account is the same as on the vehicle and set as the main user. Deleting or changing the main user can delete a Plug & Charge contract. Finally, verifying the vehicle's online status is important.

Common Error Solutions

BMW TSB SIB 61 03 25 provides specific solutions for common Plug & Charge issues:

• Plug & Charge submenu not displayed: This indicates the service was not loaded properly. Vehicles typically receive Plug & Charge over the air, and owners should consult FAQs about supported vehicles.
• No contracts visible: If contracts are unavailable, owners should create an Electrify America account in the MyBMW app and register for a complimentary charging plan if eligible.
• Plug & Charge not working at a charging station (authentication failure): If the first attempt failed, Plug & Charge might be suppressed. Use an alternative charging method temporarily; Plug & Charge reactivates after a new engine start/ignition cycle. Ensure the charging station supports Plug & Charge, a compatible contract is active, and the customer's payment method is valid and not expired. Persistent issues at all stations might point to a fault in the Combined Charging Unit (CCU) Level 3 DC charging.
• Plug & Charge fault at a wallbox: This is often due to wallbox misconfiguration. The wallbox installer or manufacturer should be contacted.
• Cannot change or select another contract: Switch off the engine, then try selecting the contract again.
• Contracts no longer function (authentication issue): Restart the vehicle and ensure connectivity. If the contract is still visible, contact the contract provider.
• Another user using the vehicle: Contracts must be authorized by the main user for other users.
• Main user change/deletion: Plug & Charge must be reactivated with the contract provider.
• Contract installation failed (fault code displayed): Verify the vehicle is online and connected. Repeat installation. If problems persist, involve TSARA support.

No Parts or Claim Information Required

BMW states that "No Parts are required" for the diagnostic and troubleshooting steps outlined in this bulletin. Additionally, "No Claim information is required" for this specific service action, SIB 61 03 25.

NHTSA ID: 11015537