BMW i3 Warning Lights: Oil Sensor Emergency Mode Alert

I had a similar issue with my 2016 BMW i8 Hybrid last summer. The emergency mode and warning lights triggered just like yours, and the diagnostic also pointed to the oil temp sensor. Turned out the wiring harness connecting to the sensor was damaged, causing intermittent false readings. Initially thought it was the sensor itself, but during inspection, my mechanic found that some of the connector pins were corroded, and the protective sleeve had worn through, exposing the wires. This wasn't a major mechanical problem, but it definitely needed fixing as these false readings can potentially lead to engine damage if ignored. In my case, they replaced the wiring harness and the connector, and did a full system diagnostic to ensure everything was communicating properly. The repair was straightforward, took about 3 hours. Been running perfectly since then. Given your mileage, it's worth getting this checked soon. These sensors are pretty reliable, so when they act up, it's usually the connection rather than the sensor itself that's the problem.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful as it sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with. Been a bit worried about it, but your explanation makes sense about the wiring being the likely culprit rather than the sensor itself. Would you mind sharing what the repair ended up costing you? Also, have you had any similar electrical gremlins pop up since getting it fixed?

Hey there! Happy to give you an update. After taking it to a mechanic (a different one from my usual), they confirmed it was exactly what I suspected, a faulty engine oil temperature sensor, but specifically the cable connection that was causing the problem. Got it sorted for 95 Euro, which was actually less than I originally paid. They fixed the plugs and connections, and honestly, it's been running like a dream since then. To answer your other question, nope, haven't had a single electrical gremlin show up since the repair. My i8's been performing perfectly, and those annoying warning lights haven't made another appearance. Sometimes these luxury hybrids can be a bit finicky with their sensors, but once you get the connection issues sorted out properly, they're pretty solid. Just for peace of mind, I've kept an eye on all the readings through the dashboard display, and everything's stayed spot on. If you're dealing with similar symptoms, I'd say go ahead and get it checked, it's definitely worth fixing sooner rather than later, and it shouldn't break the bank.

Thanks for the detailed follow-up! You were spot on, I took your advice and found a new mechanic who specializes in hybrid vehicles. Turned out to be the same issue with the wiring connection. The repair was quick and actually cheaper than I expected, around 85 Euro. They showed me the corroded connector and explained everything clearly, which was a refreshing change from my previous mechanic. Car's been running perfectly for the past week, no warning lights or emergency mode issues. Such a relief it wasn't anything major! Really glad I reached out here, saved me a lot of worry and potentially expensive repairs if I'd left it unchecked. I'll definitely keep a closer eye on the electrical connections during future services. Makes me feel much better about these hybrid systems now that I understand what was going on. Thanks again for sharing your experience, it really helped me make the right decision!