BMW i5 Charging at Iberdrola

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.

App defaults to Spanish

The Iberdrola app opens in Spanish regardless of your phone's language setting. Finding the language switch can be confusing if you do not read Spanish.

Symptoms

• All app text is in Spanish after installation
• Language setting is not obvious in the menus
• Error messages and charger instructions appear only in Spanish
• Switching your phone's language does not change the app

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Open the app settings and look for 'Idioma'

   'Idioma' means 'Language' in Spanish. It is usually under the profile or settings menu (gear icon). Tap it and select English or your preferred language.

2. 2

   Check the profile or account section

   Some versions of the Iberdrola app place the language selector inside the user profile rather than in general settings. Look for your name or account icon at the top of the screen.

3. 3

   Update the app to the latest version

   Iberdrola has been improving multi-language support. Older versions may not have your language available. Update from the App Store or Google Play.

4. 4

   Use a roaming app as a backup

   If the language barrier is too frustrating, roaming apps like Chargemap, Shell Recharge, or Electropass work at many Iberdrola stations and offer broader language support.

Contactless payment session timeout

After tapping your card on an Iberdrola charger, there is a short window to plug in the cable and start charging. If you take too long, the session times out and you need to tap again.

Symptoms

• You tapped your card but by the time you connected the cable, nothing happened
• Charger screen shows 'Session expired' or returns to the start screen
• You were charged a pre-authorization but no energy was delivered
• The charger seemed ready but then went back to idle

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Plug in the cable first, then tap your card

   At Iberdrola stations, connect the cable to your vehicle before tapping your contactless card. This gives the charger the best chance to start immediately after authentication.

2. 2

   Tap your card again and act quickly

   After the tap, you typically have 60 to 90 seconds to complete the connection. If you missed the window, tap again. The pre-authorization from the first attempt will be released.

3. 3

   Use the Iberdrola app instead

   The app does not have the same time pressure. You can connect the cable, open the app, select the charger, and start at your own pace.

4. 4

   Check your bank statement for ghost charges

   Failed contactless attempts may show a pre-authorization hold. These are not actual charges and typically release within 3 to 7 business days. Contact your bank if they persist.

Confusing signage at gas station locations

Some Iberdrola chargers are located at gas stations (Repsol, Cepsa, or others). The EV charging area may not be clearly separated from the fuel pumps, and signage can be confusing.

Symptoms

• You cannot find the EV chargers at the gas station
• GPS directs you to the fuel pumps instead of the charging area
• Signage points to 'carga' or 'recarga' but the direction is unclear
• The charging spots are behind the gas station building or in an overflow lot

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Look for the charging area separate from the fuel pumps

   EV chargers at gas stations are almost always in a dedicated area away from the fuel pumps. Look for tall charger cabinets (about 2 meters high) rather than fuel dispensers.

2. 2

   Drive past the fuel pump area

   The charging area is often behind the main building, in a side lot, or at the far end of the property. Drive through the station slowly and look for the Iberdrola or charging network signage.

3. 3

   Ask the gas station attendant

   If the station has staff, ask where the electric charging points are. In Spanish, 'Donde estan los cargadores electricos?' gets the point across.

4. 4

   Check the Iberdrola app for station photos

   The station detail page in the Iberdrola app sometimes includes photos or access instructions that help you find the chargers within a larger gas station complex.

Mix of slow and fast chargers at the same station

Some Iberdrola stations have both AC chargers (7 to 22 kW) and DC fast chargers (50 to 350 kW) next to each other. It is easy to plug into a slow charger by mistake if you are not paying attention.

Symptoms

• You expected fast charging but your dashboard shows only 7 or 22 kW
• The charger you plugged into looks smaller than the others at the station
• You used a Type 2 cable instead of a CCS2 connector
• The charging session is going to take hours instead of minutes

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Check the charger label for power output

   Iberdrola chargers display their rated power (e.g., 50 kW, 150 kW, 350 kW) on the unit. Look for this label before plugging in. AC chargers (7 to 22 kW) are typically smaller and have Type 2 sockets.

2. 2

   Use the CCS2 connector for fast charging

   The CCS2 connector is the large combined plug for DC fast charging. If you used the smaller Type 2 plug (round with pins), you are on AC and will charge slowly.

3. 3

   Check the Iberdrola app for charger details

   The app shows each charger unit's power level at a station. Before plugging in, confirm which unit is the high-power DC charger.

4. 4

   Unplug and move to the fast charger

   If you accidentally started an AC session, stop the session in the app, unplug, and move to the DC fast charger. You will not be charged a penalty for a short session.

Power delivery varies by time of day

Some Iberdrola stations deliver noticeably less power during peak grid hours (typically early evening). This is due to grid constraints, not a charger fault.

Symptoms

• Charging speed is significantly lower in the evening than the same station delivered in the morning
• Speed starts high but drops during peak hours even at low battery levels
• Other vehicles at the station also show reduced speeds at the same time
• The charger does not reach its rated power despite your vehicle supporting it

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Check your battery level first

   The most common reason for reduced charging speed is a battery above 60 to 80% state of charge. Your vehicle limits the charging rate at higher battery levels regardless of the charger's capability.

2. 2

   Try charging during off-peak hours

   If your schedule allows, charge during late evening (after 10 PM) or early morning. Grid demand is lower and the station can deliver its full rated power.

3. 3

   Check for power sharing between chargers

   If multiple chargers are in use at the same station, they may share a grid connection. Charging when fewer vehicles are plugged in can improve your speed.

4. 4

   Try a different station nearby

   Not all Iberdrola stations have the same grid connection. A station a few kilometers away may have a better power supply and deliver higher speeds during peak hours.

5. 5

   Accept the reduced speed if you are above 60%

   If your battery is above 60%, the speed reduction is mostly from your vehicle's battery management, not the grid. This is normal and protects your battery's long-term health.