BMW i3 Alarm System Failure, Help With Anti-Theft Issues

Hey there! I've got some experience with hybrid vehicles, had a similar issue with my 2011 BMW i8. I know BMWs pretty well, done basic maintenance myself but leave the complex stuff to pros. The alarm problem you're describing sounds exactly like what I dealt with. My car's indicators weren't flashing when locking, and the interior sensors stopped working. Took it to my regular workshop, turned out it needed recoding of the alarm system. Cost me about 45 Euro to fix, mostly labor since no parts were needed. Before jumping to conclusions though, any specific error codes showing up? Does your key fob work normally otherwise? Have you noticed any other electrical issues? The i3 and i8 share similar security systems, so I might be able to help more with those details. Let me know!

Thanks for the detailed response! I've had my i3 since 157879 KM and just had it serviced last month. The key fob actually works fine for locking/unlocking, but yeah, the indicators don't flash and there's no beep when locking. Getting error code 392845 on the display. Haven't spotted any other electrical issues, but it's definitely annoying not having a working alarm system. Might try the recoding solution you mentioned since it sounds similar to my problem. Did you need to disconnect the battery before the recoding process?

Hey again! Good to hear back from you about your i3. You know, that's actually really interesting because my i8 had exactly the same symptoms, working key fob but no visual/audio confirmation when locking. And that error code you mentioned (392845), I got the same one! To answer your battery question, nope, I didn't have to disconnect the battery for the recoding process. The workshop just plugged their diagnostic tool straight in and did their magic. The whole process took maybe 30 minutes tops. They did mention though that sometimes they need to reset the system first, but in my case, it wasn't necessary. Since you mentioned you just had it serviced, it might be worth checking if anything got disconnected or reset during the service. Sometimes these quirks show up right after routine maintenance. In my case, it actually started acting up after I had the car detailed, turns out some water got into one of the sensors during the cleaning process. If you're planning to get it recoded, just make sure to find someone who's familiar with BMW's security systems. These hybrids can be a bit tricky, and you want someone who knows what they're doing. The fix has been holding up great for me, it's been about 8 months now with no issues. Let me know how it goes if you get it fixed! Always curious to hear if others have the same experience with their BMWs.

Thanks so much for all this info! Really good to know it's a relatively quick fix and that I won't need to mess with the battery. That's super helpful about the error code being the same too, makes me feel better that it's a known issue. My car actually did get a pressure wash during the last service, so what you mentioned about water getting into the sensors makes total sense. I've got a BMW specialist nearby who I trust, so I'll give them a call tomorrow and mention the recoding solution. The 30-minute fix time sounds way better than what I was imagining! I'll definitely keep you posted on how it goes. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, saved me a lot of worry about potentially needing major repairs. Seems like these hybrid security systems can be a bit sensitive, but at least it's fixable!