[shail2000]

I have read a lot of threads and I am getting mixed opinions on how the pre-conditioning works. After reading all the threads, I know that there are 3 types of preconditioning:

When at home:
1. Pre-condition to cool/warm the cabin (Also called Climatization)
2. Pre-condition to get the battery to an optimal temperature for the longest range

When on-route to a DC charging station:
1. Pre-condition to get the battery to an optimal temperature for the fastest charging time

That said, what I am confused about the how to enable the different pre-conditioning functions when at home. I have read that hitting the fan icon on the MyBMW app only enables climatization but not conditioning of the battery for departure. The only way to pre-condition both the cabin and battery for departure is to set a schedule time for departure. How true is this and does the fan button only enable climatization?

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by shail2000

I have read a lot of threads and I am getting mixed opinions on how the pre-conditioning works. After reading all the threads, I know that there are 3 types of preconditioning:

When at home:
1. Pre-condition to cool/warm the cabin (Also called Climatization)
2. Pre-condition to get the battery to an optimal temperature for the longest range

When on-route to a DC charging station:
1. Pre-condition to get the battery to an optimal temperature for the fastest charging time

That said, what I am confused about the how to enable the different pre-conditioning functions when at home. I have read that hitting the fan icon on the MyBMW app only enables climatization but not conditioning of the battery for departure. The only way to pre-condition both the cabin and battery for departure is to set a schedule time for departure. How true is this and does the fan button only enable climatization?

Using the climate command via the app (fan icon) will only cool, warm or ventilate (the car decides which one is needed). Pushing the button 3x on the physical key fob (if in close range) does the same. These two pre-climate options will ONLY condition the cabin.

You must set a departure time via the app (or in the car, if you remember) if you want the battery and cabin preconditioned!

[RichardInCA]

I’m actually not clear if the departure time pre-conditions the battery rather than just sets cilimatization on a schedule. You can manually precondition the battery, but it seems that’s only really useful when going to do a DC fast charge. The exception is probably really cold climates, but I’ve only found battery preconditioning in the context of DC charging.

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

I’m actually not clear if the departure time pre-conditions the battery rather than just sets cilimatization on a schedule. You can manually precondition the battery, but it seems that’s only really useful when going to do a DC fast charge. The exception is probably really cold climates, but I’ve only found battery preconditioning in the context of DC charging.

According to BMW i Concierge, two BMW geniuses and our Service Dept...setting a departure time preconditions the battery.

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by RichardInCA

Great to hear!

Let's hope they are all right though But, I set a departure timer 2-3x a week when it's cold, and I can tell by range that the battery is warmed!

[RichardInCA]

Originally Posted by deutsch100

Let's hope they are all right though But, I set a departure timer 2-3x a week when it's cold, and I can tell by range that the battery is warmed!

Was going to edit but deleted instead - but the manual is entirely unclear about all of that. I always see the range drop a couple of miles when I precondition (manually activating) - but this happens almost instantly and does not seem to be accompanied by a routine change in SOC.

[Scrapula]

I never precondition, but it doesn’t really get cold here, often. It doesn’t matter for home charging. And for cabin temperature, it warms up to 70 degrees within minutes, even when it’s 40 degrees outside. It automatically turns on my seat heater and steering wheel heat when I start it up, regardless of asking Alexa to warm it up.

[deutsch100]

Originally Posted by Scrapula

I never precondition, but it doesn’t really get cold here, often. It doesn’t matter for home charging. And for cabin temperature, it warms up to 70 degrees within minutes, even when it’s 40 degrees outside. It automatically turns on my seat heater and steering wheel heat when I start it up, regardless of asking Alexa to warm it up.

My iX would self activate steering wheel heat, seat heat and the amazing (and missed in the i5) heated center arm rest and door arm rests.

My i5 M60 has never once self activated the steering or seat heating, when doing pre-climate. How does yours do this, what did you do in settings? Thanks.

[Scrapula]

Originally Posted by deutsch100

My iX would self activate steering wheel heat, seat heat and the amazing (and missed in the i5) heated center arm rest and door arm rests.

My i5 M60 has never once self activated the steering or seat heating, when doing pre-climate. How does yours do this, what did you do in settings? Thanks.

I don’t remember setting anything at all, turns it on when I get in, then turns it all off when it’s warm. I will have to look and see. I know one of the first things I did was go into climate and put heat more on my back than the seat cushion. It could be in there.

[Scrapula]

It is in climate control and then select individual settings.

[deutsch100]

Scrapula...Thank you!

[Trevor G]

The car pre-conditions the battery according to set departure times. Pre-conditioning in the app is for climate control. Setting a one time departure time in the app will pre-condition the battery also. The change in available miles is just temporary and adjusts back up once you start driving. Think of it like idling in a gas car. Your mpg goes down but you really are not using much gas. Once you start driving your mpg goes back up.