BMW i3 Heater Failure: Defrost & Foggy Window Problems

Hi there! I've got some experience with BMWs, having dealt with similar issues on my 2018 BMW i8 Hybrid (and previously owned a BMW X3). I had almost identical symptoms, foggy windows, weak heating, and those annoying error messages. Turned out it was indeed a faulty cable connection to the air distribution flap actuator. My workshop found that the connector was loose and slightly corroded. They cleaned the contacts, secured the connection properly, and recalibrated the system. Cost me 95 Euro and fixed the problem completely. But before jumping to conclusions, could you share: Does it happen right after starting the car or after driving for a while? Are you hearing any unusual clicking sounds from the dash? Have you noticed any specific weather conditions when it gets worse? This info would help confirm if you're dealing with the same issue I had.

Thanks for the detailed response! Just had my service about 3 weeks ago at 75980 KM, and yeah, the issues start pretty much right after starting the car. I can hear this faint clicking noise from behind the dashboard, especially when switching between different climate settings. It's definitely more noticeable on humid days, but honestly, it's becoming a constant headache now. I'm really hoping it's just a connector issue like you had. Good to know it was a relatively straightforward fix for you. Did you notice if the error messages disappeared immediately after the repair, or did it take a few drive cycles? I'm just trying to avoid multiple workshop visits if possible.

Hey again! Yeah, that clicking sound you're describing is exactly what I experienced, it's that tell-tale sign of the flap actuator struggling. Since you mentioned your recent service, I should point out that my issues actually started about a month after a routine service too. Makes me wonder if something got knocked loose during the service work. About the error messages, in my case, they cleared up after about 2-3 drive cycles. The workshop explained that the system needs a few complete cycles to relearn the flap positions after the repair. Just don't panic if they don't disappear immediately! One thing I didn't mention in my first response, I had been using the auto climate control setting a lot, and the technician suggested occasionally running the system manually through all its settings to help prevent the actuator from getting sticky. Been doing that once a week since the repair, and haven't had any issues for the past year. Given that your symptoms are so similar to what I experienced, right down to the timing after service, I'd bet you're dealing with the same connector problem. Just make sure to mention these specific symptoms to your workshop, especially that clicking noise and the timing after your service. It'll help them zero in on the issue faster. Let me know how it goes after you get it checked out!

Thanks so much for all the helpful info! This really puts my mind at ease. I'll definitely mention the clicking noise and post-service timing when I take it in. Good tip about manually cycling through the climate settings too, I've been relying heavily on auto mode, so that's probably not helped the situation. I've just booked it in for next week, and I'll make sure to run those drive cycles after the repair before getting worried about any lingering error messages. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, saved me a lot of stress wondering if this was going to be some major repair. I'll update once I get it sorted!