BMW i3 Climate Control System Complete Failure, Fix Help?

Hey there! I have some experience working on hybrids and had a similar issue with my 2016 BMW i8. The climate control system symptoms were nearly identical to what you're describing. I took it to my workshop and it turned out to be a loose connection in the wiring harness for the climate control unit. The mechanic found that some cables weren't properly connected, causing the system to malfunction. The repair was pretty straightforward, they fixed the connection and recalibrated the system. Cost me around 95 Euro and it's been working perfectly since then. Just to help you better, could you share if you're getting any specific error codes? Also, have you noticed any other electrical issues in your i3? The BMW i-series can be tricky with these electrical gremlins, but knowing more details would help pinpoint if you're dealing with the same issue I had. My shop mentioned this is fairly common in the i3 and i8 models from that generation. Let me know the details and I can share more specific info from my experience.

Thanks for sharing that! My i3 is still fairly low mileage at 28584 KM and just had its service last month. I'm actually getting error code E-546 on the display. Haven't noticed any other electrical issues, just the AC problem. It's good to hear your fix was relatively simple and inexpensive. I was worried it might be something major with the hybrid system. Will definitely get those connections checked out first before looking into sensor replacement. Did your shop mention how long the repair typically takes?

Hey again! Yeah, I totally remember when I had that exact same error code E-546 on my i8. The repair was super quick, took them about an hour and a half total. If it helps, while they were fixing my wiring issue, they mentioned these symptoms can also pop up if there's corrosion on the connectors, which is pretty common in these models. After they fixed mine, they actually showed me the connector, it had some slight corrosion building up which was causing intermittent connection issues. Since you mentioned yours is fairly low mileage like mine was, it's probably something similar rather than a full sensor failure. Just a heads up, make sure they check all the connections thoroughly while they're in there. In my case, they found a second connector that was starting to show early signs of the same issue, so they cleaned and secured both while they were at it. Didn't cost any extra and probably saved me another trip down the line. It's been about 18 months since my repair and haven't had a single climate control issue since. Given your symptoms are so similar to what I experienced, I'd bet you're looking at the same quick fix. Let me know how it goes when you get it checked out!

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! This is super helpful and definitely puts my mind at ease. I've just booked my i3 in for next week, and I made sure to mention the connector issue you experienced. It's great to know it's likely just a simple fix, really appreciate you sharing about that second connector they found too. I'll definitely ask them to check all the connections while they're working on it. You've saved me a lot of worry, I was thinking I might be facing some massive repair bill! Will definitely update the thread once I get it sorted. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience. It's so helpful having other BMW hybrid owners to compare notes with!