BMW 5 Series Hybrid: Multiple System Failures Mystery

Hey there! I've got some experience with cars (moderate level DIYer here) and had a super similar issue with my 2018 BMW 3 Series Hybrid last summer. The symptoms were almost identical, AC went completely dead and I got those annoying dashboard warnings. Took it to my trusted workshop and turns out the AC control unit was totally fried. They had to replace the entire unit, which set me back about 980 Euro. Not cheap, but it fixed all the problems instantly. The 5 Series and 3 Series share quite a few components, so this might be your issue too. Before you head to a workshop though, could you share: Any specific error codes you're getting? Did this start suddenly or gradually? Have you noticed any unusual noises from the AC system? This info would help confirm if you're dealing with the same problem I had. The repair was worth every cent though, haven't had any issues since then.

Just got back from the workshop with my 5 Series (199748 KM on the clock). Turns out my issue was different from yours, it was actually the main control module that was acting up, not the AC unit itself. The technician found corrosion on some of the connecting pins, which was causing all those weird symptoms. They cleaned the connections and resealed everything properly. Cost me way less than your repair, around 280 Euro for the service including diagnostic. Been driving for a few days now and everything's working perfectly. The speedometer's back to normal and the climate control is running like a charm. Definitely recommend checking the control module connections first before replacing any major components. Could save someone else a good chunk of money. Thanks for sharing your experience though, always good to know what other hybrid owners have gone through!

Hey again! I'm really glad you got it sorted out for way less than what I had to pay! Yeah, my 3 Series repair definitely hit the wallet harder, but I guess that's just how it goes sometimes, we all learn from these experiences, right? Funny enough, after reading about your corrosion issue, I remembered my mechanic actually mentioned checking the control module connections first before they went ahead with replacing my AC unit. But in my case, the connections were totally fine, the unit itself was the culprit. Think it might've been because I'd been pushing the car pretty hard in some rough weather conditions. Your post actually made me realize I should probably get my connections checked during my next service, better safe than sorry, especially with these hybrid systems being so sensitive. Mine's at about 175000 KM now, so probably due for a thorough once-over anyway. Really appreciate you coming back to share what worked for you. These BMW hybrids can be tricky beasts sometimes, and knowing what to check first could save other owners some serious cash. Keep us posted if you run into any other quirks!

Thanks for the follow-up! Yeah, these hybrids can definitely throw some curveballs at us. That's a good point about getting regular connection checks, might save you from bigger issues down the line. Especially since you're running a high mileage like me. I actually spoke with my technician about preventive maintenance, and he suggested cleaning the connections every 40,000 KM or so. Said it's particularly important for the hybrid systems since they've got more electronic components than regular cars. Might be worth asking your mechanic about that during your next service. And you're right about these cars being sensitive, guess that's the trade-off we make for all that hybrid tech! At least we've both got our issues sorted now. Thanks again for all the input, and good luck with that upcoming service check. Hope those connections turn out to be clean and corrosion-free!