BMW i3 Seat Heater Fails: Quick Shutoff Issue

Hey there! I had the exact same issue with my 2017 BMW i8 Hybrid last winter. The heating mat in the driver's seat was acting up, warming for a few seconds then cutting off completely. The diagnostic showed a broken heating element in the seat mat, not just a loose connection like I initially hoped. Had it fixed at the garage a couple months ago. The entire seat heating mat needed replacement, it's actually a common problem in these models when the heating elements fail. It wasn't a complex repair, but they had to remove the seat upholstery to access the heating mat. Took about 3-4 hours total. Not a serious mechanical issue, but definitely annoying during cold weather. Make sure whoever works on it has experience with BMW hybrid models, the seats have specific wiring configurations that need proper handling. Hope this helps with your decision.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, that's really helpful! Your problem sounds identical to what I'm dealing with. Good to know it was the heating mat itself rather than just wiring. Just wondering, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? Also, has everything been working smoothly since the fix, or have you noticed any other quirks with the seat heating? Cheers!

Hey there! Happy to give you an update! Yes, the repair cost me 390€ for fixing the heating mat, this included parts and labor. I'm really glad I got it sorted because it's been working perfectly since then. The seat heats up properly now and stays on as long as I need it, no more frustrating cut-offs! I know I mentioned in my first post that I had it done a couple months ago, and I've been using it regularly since then with zero issues. The mechanic did a great job, and it was definitely worth getting it fixed properly rather than trying any temporary solutions. Honestly, it was a bit pricey, but considering how much more comfortable driving is now with properly functioning seat heating, I'd say it was worth every cent. No other quirks or problems have shown up, it works just like it did when the car was new. Let me know if you need any other details!

Thanks for all the detailed info! After reading about your experience, I decided to bite the bullet and get it fixed. Found a mechanic who specializes in BMW hybrids and took my car in last week. You were spot on, it was indeed the heating mat that needed replacement. The repair cost was actually similar to what you paid, and I'm so relieved I went ahead with it. The seat heater's working perfectly now, no more of that annoying on-off business. The mechanic was great too, really knew what he was doing with these hybrid models. Funny how we had the exact same issue! Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It definitely helped me make the right decision instead of putting up with a faulty heater all this time. Thanks again for your help! Best regards