BMW i3 Hybrid Whistling: Bad Temp Sensor Warning

Hey there. I actually had something similar happen with my 2020 BMW i8 Hybrid at around 180K km. The symptoms you're describing sound very familiar, I experienced the same reduced power and those distinctive noises. Mine turned out to be more than just the charge air temp sensor. The main issue was a loose connection in the wiring harness that connects to the sensor, which was causing intermittent signals. The mechanic had to replace the entire wiring section and recalibrate the sensor. It was pretty serious since it affected the engine management system and could've led to more damage if left unchecked. A proper diagnosis is crucial here, when I initially got it checked, they first suspected just the sensor, but further testing revealed the wiring issue. Make sure they do a complete diagnostic check, not just rely on the scanner code. The hissing noise in particular can indicate either a boost leak or an electrical issue with the charging system. Hope this helps with your garage visit. Don't put it off too long, these symptoms usually don't fix themselves.

Hey, thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful to know about the wiring harness issue. I'm planning to take it in next week. Would you mind sharing how much the repair ended up costing you? Also curious if you've had any other problems pop up since getting it fixed? My i3 isn't getting any younger, so I'm trying to stay ahead of potential issues.

Hey again! Just wanted to update you on my situation since you asked. Took my i8 to the shop and thankfully it wasn't as bad as my previous experience. They found the issue was just a faulty cable connection to the charge air temp sensor, much simpler than my earlier wiring harness problem. Only cost me 95 € to fix, which was a huge relief compared to what I was expecting! Since getting it sorted, the car's been running perfectly, no more weird noises or power issues. The check engine light cleared up right away and hasn't come back. Honestly, after they fixed that connection, it feels like I got my sporty i8 back! As for other issues, nothing major has popped up in the last few months. Just keeping up with regular maintenance seems to be doing the trick. But you're right about staying ahead of problems, these hybrids can be tricky when they get older. I'd definitely recommend getting any warning signs checked out early before they turn into bigger headaches. Are you still planning to take yours in next week? Let me know how it goes!

Thanks for the update! Just got back from the mechanic today and wanted to share how it went. Unlike your smooth repair experience, mine turned into a bit of an adventure. The mechanic found that along with the sensor issue, there was also a small crack in the intercooler that was causing those whistling sounds. The repair bill hit my wallet harder than I'd hoped, ended up around 450 for parts and labor. But honestly, the car feels completely different now. The power's back to normal, all those weird noises are gone, and the engine light finally cleared up. The mechanic also gave the hybrid system a thorough check and said everything else looks solid. I'm actually really glad I didn't put this off any longer. The mechanic mentioned that driving with that cracked intercooler could've caused more expensive problems down the line. I'm just relieved to have my reliable i3 back to its old self. Thanks again for all your help and advice. It definitely made me feel more confident about dealing with the situation!