BMW i5 Charging at Enel X Way

BMW i5 eDrive40 Charger Won't Start: Fix Guide Now

You have connected your BMW i5 to a charger, but the session will not start. The charger sits idle, iDrive shows nothing, or you get an error message. This is one of the most reported problems at public chargers, and the fix is usually simple.

Symptoms

• The charger screen stays on 'connect vehicle' after plugging in the CCS2 cable
• iDrive does not show any charging activity
• The charge port LED on the i5 does not illuminate
• An error code appears on the charger display
• The connector does not lock into the charge port

What to Do

1. 1

   Make sure the i5 is unlocked

   The charge port only opens and accepts a connector when the car is unlocked. Use the key fob or My BMW app to unlock if needed.

2. 2

   Seat the connector firmly

   Push the CCS2 or Type 2 plug straight into the port until it clicks and locks. The charging port is on the rear right of the i5. Do not twist or angle the connector.

3. 3

   Complete authentication at the charger

   Tap your RFID card, start the session in the charging app, or pay via contactless. The charger needs authorization before it sends power to your i5.

4. 4

   Check iDrive for scheduling conflicts

   Open iDrive and navigate to Charging, then Charging Settings. If a departure time or scheduled window is active, switch to 'Charge Immediately' to override it.

5. 5

   Unplug and reconnect

   Remove the connector, wait 15 seconds, then plug in again. This forces a new handshake between the i5 and the charger, which resolves many communication issues.

6. 6

   Move to another charger

   If nothing works, the charger is likely faulty. Try another stall or station. Report the broken charger through the network app so others are warned.

BMW i5 Charging Payment Failed: Solutions That Work

Your BMW i5 is plugged in and ready, but the charger will not accept your payment. Whether it is an RFID card that gets no response, an app that throws an error, or a declined bank card, this stops you from charging. Here is how to get past it quickly.

Symptoms

• Charger shows 'authentication failed' or 'payment error'
• RFID card tap produces no response on the charger
• Charging app fails to start the session with a payment error
• Contactless bank card is declined at the charger terminal
• Session starts but immediately cancels with a billing error

What to Do

1. 1

   Switch to a different payment method

   Try another RFID card, a different charging app, or contactless bank card. Having at least two options means one failure does not strand you.

2. 2

   Verify your account status

   Open the charging app and check your payment method, balance, and subscription status. Fix any issues before retrying.

3. 3

   Check which networks this charger accepts

   Look for network logos on the charger unit. If your provider is not listed, you need ad-hoc payment or a different provider.

4. 4

   Scan the QR code for ad-hoc payment

   Most modern European chargers have a QR code. Scan it with your phone to open a web-based payment page. You can pay with any credit or debit card, no app needed.

5. 5

   Cancel and restart the session

   If the payment seemed to process but charging did not start, cancel the session in the app and try again. A fresh authorization attempt often works.

6. 6

   Call the network's support number

   The charger should display a support phone number. The operator can sometimes authorize sessions remotely or troubleshoot billing issues in real time.

BMW i5 eDrive40 Charging Too Slow: Causes and Fixes

Your BMW i5 eDrive40 can charge at up to 205kW on a DC fast charger, which is impressive for a 400V car. But if you are seeing far lower numbers on the iDrive display, something is limiting the power. Most causes are easy to identify and fix.

Symptoms

• DC charging power shown in iDrive is well below 205kW
• Charging takes much longer than expected for the 81.2kWh battery
• Speed drops drastically above 50% state of charge
• AC charging is stuck at 11kW even at a 22kW station
• iDrive displays a battery temperature warning or conditioning message

What to Do

1. 1

   Check current power in iDrive

   Open the charging screen on iDrive to see the live kW figure, battery temperature, and estimated completion time. This tells you immediately whether the car or the charger is the limiting factor.

2. 2

   Precondition the battery before arriving

   Enter the charging station as a destination in iDrive navigation. The i5 will automatically warm (or cool) the battery to optimal charging temperature while you drive. This can double your initial charging speed in winter.

3. 3

   Choose a high-power charger

   Use the BMW app or a charger map to find stations rated at 200kW or above. Ionity, Fastned, and some Shell Recharge stations offer 300kW+ chargers that let the i5 reach its peak.

4. 4

   Avoid power-sharing stalls

   At charger parks with paired stalls (A1/A2, B1/B2), choose a pair where the other stall is empty. This gives your i5 the full charger output.

5. 5

   Charge in the optimal range

   Plan your stops to arrive between 5% and 15% and leave at 80%. This keeps you in the fastest part of the i5's charging curve and minimizes time per kWh added.

6. 6

   Install software updates

   BMW pushes OTA updates that can improve charging performance. Check iDrive under Settings, then Software Update, and install any pending updates.

Old Enel X account not working after rebrand to Enel X Way

Enel rebranded its charging network from Enel X to Enel X Way. If you had an Enel X account, it may not work in the new Enel X Way app without migration.

Symptoms

• Login credentials from the old Enel X app are rejected in Enel X Way
• The old Enel X app still works but shows outdated station information
• You have the Enel X Way app but your payment methods and history did not transfer
• Password reset emails reference 'Enel X' instead of 'Enel X Way'

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Download the Enel X Way app (not the old Enel X app)

   The old Enel X app is being phased out. Search for 'Enel X Way' specifically in the App Store or Google Play. The icon and name are different from the legacy app.

2. 2

   Try logging in with your existing Enel X credentials

   Some accounts were automatically migrated. Try your old email and password in the Enel X Way app first. If it works, your history and payment methods should transfer.

3. 3

   Reset your password if login fails

   Use the 'Forgot password' option in the Enel X Way app. The migration may have reset your credentials. Enter the same email you used for Enel X.

4. 4

   Create a new Enel X Way account if migration fails

   If your old account cannot be recovered, create a new account in the Enel X Way app. You will lose your charging history but can start fresh with a working account.

5. 5

   Contact support for billing continuity

   If you had a subscription or prepaid balance on Enel X, contact Enel X Way support to have it transferred. Do not assume it carried over automatically.

Contactless payment terminal hard to reach

At some Enel X Way stations, the contactless payment terminal is positioned awkwardly, too high, at a strange angle, or behind a panel that is not obvious. This makes tapping your card difficult.

Symptoms

• You cannot find the contactless reader on the charger
• The reader is positioned above head height or behind a flap
• Your card tap does not register because the angle is wrong
• The contactless symbol is visible but the reader does not seem to respond

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Look for the contactless symbol on all sides of the charger

   Enel X Way chargers place the payment terminal in different positions depending on the hardware model. Check the front, sides, and any panels or flaps on the charger cabinet.

2. 2

   Hold your card flat against the reader for 3 to 5 seconds

   The reader may be recessed or behind a thick panel. A quick tap might not register. Hold your card steady and flat against the symbol area.

3. 3

   Try your phone's digital wallet

   If the reader is hard to reach with a physical card, try Apple Pay or Google Pay on your phone. The NFC range on a phone can be slightly better at odd angles.

4. 4

   Use the Enel X Way app instead

   If the contactless terminal is genuinely inaccessible or not responding, start the session through the Enel X Way app. The app bypasses the physical reader entirely.

Charger placed in tight parking spots

Some Enel X Way stations are installed in existing parking structures or small lots where the charging spots are narrow. Maneuvering a larger EV into position and accessing the cable can be difficult.

Symptoms

• Charging spot is too narrow to open your car door fully
• Cable does not reach your vehicle's charging port because of the parking angle
• Other parked cars block access to the charger
• You have to reverse in at a specific angle to make the cable reach

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Check your vehicle's charging port location

   Before pulling in, note which side your charging port is on (front left, rear right, etc.) and position your car so the port faces the charger. This avoids stretching the cable across the car.

2. 2

   Try reversing in if the port is at the rear

   If your charging port is at the rear of the vehicle, reversing into the spot often gives you a shorter cable run and more room to connect.

3. 3

   Check adjacent spots before plugging in

   If two chargers are side by side and one has more room, use the more accessible one even if it means a slightly longer walk.

4. 4

   Leave your car door ajar while connecting

   Plug in the cable, then close your door and start the session from inside or via the app. You do not need to stand next to the charger for the entire session.

Power fluctuations or reduced charging speed

Some Enel X Way locations experience power fluctuations, especially during peak grid demand. Your charging speed may drop unexpectedly or fluctuate throughout the session.

Symptoms

• Charging speed starts high but drops significantly after a few minutes
• Speed fluctuates between 50 and 200 kW without stabilizing
• The charger delivers well below its advertised maximum
• Speed is lower in the evening than during daytime at the same station

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Check your battery level and temperature

   Most speed drops are caused by your vehicle, not the charger. Above 60 to 80% state of charge, your vehicle reduces its charging speed to protect the battery. Cold batteries also charge more slowly.

2. 2

   Check if other chargers at the station are in use

   Some Enel X Way stations share a power connection. If multiple chargers are active, the available power is split. Try charging when fewer vehicles are plugged in.

3. 3

   Try a different time of day

   Grid demand peaks in the early evening. If you notice slower speeds at certain hours, try charging during off-peak times (late evening or early morning) when the grid is less loaded.

4. 4

   Try a different charger unit

   An individual charger may have a hardware limitation. Another unit at the same station might deliver higher power.

5. 5

   Report persistent low speeds

   If a station consistently delivers far below its rated power, report it in the Enel X Way app. This helps their maintenance team investigate whether it is a hardware or grid supply issue.

App shows incorrect real-time availability

The Enel X Way app sometimes displays charger availability that does not match reality. You arrive expecting a free charger and find it occupied, or the app shows a charger as faulted when it actually works.

Symptoms

• App shows 'Available' but the charger is occupied when you arrive
• App shows 'Out of order' but the charger works fine
• Availability status does not change even after refreshing
• You planned your route based on app availability and found no working chargers

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Refresh the station page and check timestamps

   Pull down to refresh the station detail view. If the status was last updated more than 10 minutes ago, it may be stale.

2. 2

   Try plugging in regardless of the app status

   If the charger looks physically operational (lights on, screen active, no maintenance stickers), try plugging in and starting a session. The app status may simply be lagging.

3. 3

   Cross-check with another app

   Open Chargemap, Google Maps, or another charging app that shows Enel X Way stations. A different data source might have more current availability information.

4. 4

   Always have a backup station identified

   Do not rely on a single station, especially for long trips. Identify 1 or 2 alternative stations nearby before setting out, in case availability data is wrong.