BMW i4 Seat Belt Handover System Failure Solutions

Hi there! I've got some experience with EVs, though I wouldn't call myself an expert. I actually had a super similar issue with my 2018 BMW iX3 (also own an i3). The belt handover system completely failed on me last year. Super annoying when you're trying to get going! My workshop diagnosed it as a faulty belt bringer unit, apparently, these can wear out over time. Got it replaced and it set me back about 455 Euro, but it's been working perfectly since then. Before you commit to any repairs, could you share: Have you noticed any warning lights? Does it make any unusual sounds when you start the car? Did it stop working suddenly or gradually? This info would help me understand if you're dealing with the same problem I had. These systems are pretty similar across BMW's electric range, so I might be able to offer more specific advice.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My i4 is still pretty fresh with 57247 KM and just had its service last month. In my case, there aren't any warning lights, but it does make a weird clicking sound when starting up. It stopped working quite abruptly, was fine one evening and completely dead the next morning. This is really helpful info about the belt bringer unit, I've been worried it might be something more serious. Will definitely get this checked out before it causes any bigger issues. Planning to book it in next week. At least the repair cost you mentioned gives me a rough idea of what to expect!

Hey again! That clicking sound you mentioned is really interesting, that's exactly what mine was doing before it completely gave up! Since we last chatted about this, I actually learned more about these belt handover systems. In my case (and it sounds very similar to yours), that clicking noise was definitely the belt bringer unit struggling. Mine started doing that about a week before it completely failed. Since you mentioned yours is relatively fresh at 57K km, it's a bit unusual, but these things can happen, my mechanic told me sometimes they just fail earlier than expected. After getting mine fixed, I discovered that regular lubrication of the mechanism could've prevented the early failure. The workshop now does this during my regular service, and I haven't had any issues since the replacement. Quick tip, when you take it in, ask them to check the wiring harness too. Sometimes the issue isn't just the belt bringer unit itself, but also the connections. In my case, they found some slight wear on the wiring while doing the replacement, and fixed that while they were at it. Let me know how it goes when you get it checked out, really curious if it turns out to be the same issue as mine!

Thanks so much for the detailed follow-up! That's super reassuring to hear that the clicking sound matches your experience. I'll definitely ask about both the wiring harness and that maintenance tip about regular lubrication, can't believe that wasn't mentioned during my service last month! Going to call my mechanic right now actually, instead of waiting till next week. Better to get this sorted before it completely fails like yours did. Really appreciate you sharing all this info, it's exactly what I needed to know about these belt systems. I was stressing about potential repair costs, but 455 Euro isn't as bad as I feared. I'll definitely keep you posted about what they find. Fingers crossed it's just the belt bringer unit and nothing more complex. Thanks again for all your help, it's great to hear from someone who's already been through this exact issue!