openinverter forum

Hi all
I'm after advice
I'm converting a classic Mini (so no Can etc) using a BMW i3 and I'd like to know what recommendations you all have for the BMS.
Can I hack the i3 system or should I go for Orion or similar?
I'm also still undecided whether to cool the batteries or not, I live in the UK so don't get really high temperatures, I am not doing DC charging but may occasionally partake in spirited driving

From my experience, "spirited driving" does not require cooling as you only ever demand short power peaks (as opposed to track driving).

I would recommend hacking the existing BMW i3 system. Tom DeBree has a neat little unit called the SimpBMS that already talks CAN to the BMW i3 submodules. It's very similar to the openinverter ethos in that it uses the existing OEM hardware with it's own "Brain" and control circuitry. Considering that battery management is something you definitely don't want to get wrong, it's a good option I think.

Thanks for your help chaps

Another question regarding the Simp BMS system and the i3 modules.
It's well known that to improve longevity BMW had a charging buffer, could I increase my range by decreasing the buffer at the risk of reducing the longevity (not too worried as it will be an occasionally used car)

A charging buffer is merely a discharge and charge voltage limit. These are all adjustable in the SimpBMS configuration.

Have a look at the user manual for all the Varity of parameters that are freely adjustable, https://github.com/Tom-evnut/SimpBMS/bl ... 0V0.28.pdf

I really would like to know if there is just a way we can send a can signal to the main relay box to engage the entire Battery management system instead of use the simp to control the slave units on the individual battery modules.

Dala and crew are working on it as we speak and I think just recently cracked it. Check his GitHub