BMW i4 Climate Control Failure, Need Help & Repair Tips

Hey there! I have some experience with EVs and went through something similar with my 2020 BMW iX3 (my second BMW after the i3). Had almost identical climate control problems, no response from rear controls and zero cooling. Turned out to be a loose connection in one of the main control unit cables. My workshop found that the plug connection to the climate control module was defective and needed to be replaced. The fix was pretty straightforward once they diagnosed it, took about 2 hours total and cost me 95 Euro. Been working perfectly since then. Before you head to the workshop though, could you share: When did the problem first start? Does the front climate control still work? Are you getting any specific error codes? This info would help determine if you're dealing with the same issue I had. The i4 and iX3 share quite a few components in their climate systems.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My issue started about two weeks ago, the front climate control still works but is pretty inconsistent. Just had my service at 193349 KM and everything was fine before that. Error code shows P0532, but it keeps disappearing and reappearing out of nowhere. I was hoping it'd be something simple like your cable issue, that repair cost sounds way better than what I was fearing! Appreciate the help. Will probably book it in with the service center and mention your cable solution. Still under warranty, so fingers crossed!

Hey again! Thanks for those details about your i4. You know what's interesting, my iX3 also started acting up right after a service appointment (around 180,000 km). When you mentioned that P0532 code, it definitely rings a bell because that's exactly what I was seeing too. Those unusual appearances of the code are super annoying, right? Just thinking about it, since your symptoms started after the service, I wonder if someone might have accidentally knocked something loose during the maintenance work. That's actually what happened in my case, they found that during a routine check, one of the techs had inadvertently disturbed the wiring harness. The good news is that since you're still under warranty, you won't have to pay anything. Plus, now that you know about the cable connection issue I had, you can point them in that direction. It'll save them some diagnostic time. My mechanic said these climate control problems are pretty common in the newer BMW EVs, especially after routine maintenance. Let me know how it goes when you get it checked out. I'm curious if it turns out to be the same issue as mine. Fingers crossed it's just that simple cable connection and nothing more serious!

Thanks for the follow-up! Just wanted to close the loop here since I got my i4 back from the service center yesterday. You were spot on, turns out it really was a wiring issue that got disturbed during my last service! The technician found a partially disconnected harness that was causing all the climate control chaos. Best part? They fixed it under warranty and even gave me a detailed report showing exactly what they found and fixed. The rear climate control is working perfectly now, and that annoying P0532 code hasn't shown up since. They also did a full system check to make sure nothing else was affected. Really grateful for your advice about mentioning the cable connection issue, definitely helped speed up the diagnostic process. They told me they've actually seen quite a few similar cases in newer EVs lately. Going to be extra careful to check everything after future service appointments! Thanks again for all your help. It's such a relief to have everything working properly again!