[djc545]

Hi all

Had the 330e now for about 3 months and I charge it using the 3 pin using an outdoor extension lead, says it supports 13a. I don’t have a drive way so can’t get a dedicated charger installed.
I set the charge level up to max but it keeps reverting to 3a.
Because of this charging from empty is around a 6 hour task which considering I have an extension cable running over a public path (albeit covered with a rubber covering) I don’t see this as ideal.
Any ideas why this won’t hold the maximum level or any other settings I select?

Is the extension cable not up to it, or even the socket?

Any input appreciated

Thanks

[Burnzie’s BM]

Originally Posted by djc545

Hi all

Had the 330e now for about 3 months and I charge it using the 3 pin using an outdoor extension lead, says it supports 13a. I don’t have a drive way so can’t get a dedicated charger installed.
I set the charge level up to max but it keeps reverting to 3a.
Because of this charging from empty is around a 6 hour task which considering I have an extension cable running over a public path (albeit covered with a rubber covering) I don’t see this as ideal.
Any ideas why this won’t hold the maximum level or any other settings I select?

Is the extension cable not up to it, or even the socket?

Any input appreciated


Thanks

I’m sure I’ve read somewhere not to use an additional extension cables so this could be your issue.

[cwhitehe]

I’m having pretty much the same issue but I am not using an extension, just straight from the wall socket to the car. When charging it says 10A max so I set the car to 10A to match. For that charge it will work fine and maybe the next one will as well. But randomly it just switches back to 6A.

I’ve experimented setting it to 13A and max 16A, which works, the BMW correctly charges at the 10A it has detected it can cope with, but will eventually revert back to 6A in a charge or two’s time.

[ShereKhan]

I experimented with an extension lead, i had the default setting to 10A. I noticed the charger occasionally tripped out. If you need to use an extension lead use something rated at 16A or better. The cable needs to be 1.5mm thick or better. Also the plug needs to be a heavy duty rubber as things get pretty hot. If you cross a public highway obviousy you need to take care of trip hazards and also use a RCD device to protect anyone who has inquisitive teeth (I'm thinking cats/dogs/fox...)

[SwissTone]

Don't quote me but it could well be the car analysing the "quality" of the power feed. I.e. extension cables and standard of wiring etc it works out a safe charge amperage.

[Jim_330e]

Any extension cables that are 16A aren't 3 pin, that's the type of plu used on building sites etc with a transformer? Surely has to be 13A to be a 3-pin?

[Jim_330e]

Reckon this is what is needed if you don't have a proper wall charger:

https://www.toughleads.co.uk/collect...19514035961944

They also have some good info on charging an EV using an extension cable -

https://www.toughleads.co.uk/pages/s...ectric-vehicle

[ShereKhan]

Originally Posted by Jim_330e

Any extension cables that are 16A aren't 3 pin, that's the type of plu used on building sites etc with a transformer? Surely has to be 13A to be a 3-pin?

The cable can be rated for higher to have a constant 13A connection. You are quite right that 13A plug is max that can be achieved with 16A cable. Just means the cable will be less likely to get hot. Plug on the other hand is subjected to intense heat- hence why you need a rubber heavy duty plug.

[kevin755]

As stated in previous post I use an extension lead from tough leads and had no problems.

[TFP2000]

Rather than starting a new thread i thought i'd post here.

I've been getting an error message most mornings after doing a full charge at home on a 3.7kw charger.

The range is still fine on batter (between 40-46km)

I've sent a message to the dealer but just thought i'd stick it up here in case anyone has seen it before