BMW i5 Window Failure Leaves Owner in Electric Limbo

Hi there! I actually faced a similar issue with my 2021 BMW iX3 last season. The symptoms were identical, all windows stopped responding simultaneously, with error messages popping up. Turned out it wasn't the regulator in my case, but rather a defective main power window switch in the driver's door. The control module had failed due to a manufacturing defect. My mechanic had to replace the entire switch assembly and reprogram the window control module. The repair wasn't particularly complex, but it required specific diagnostic equipment to properly reset the system. The whole process took about 3 hours at the garage. It wasn't a severe mechanical issue, more of an electronic glitch that's somewhat common in modern EVs. Before heading to a shop, try resetting your window controls by holding the switches down for about 30 seconds, this sometimes resolves temporary glitches. If that doesn't work, you'll need professional diagnosis, as it could be either the switch assembly or the control module. Given that your i5 is quite new, this should be covered under warranty, so I'd suggest contacting your dealer first.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's super helpful. I had the exact same symptoms, and I'll definitely try that reset trick you mentioned before taking it to the shop. Would you mind telling me how much you ended up paying for the repair? Also, just curious, have you had any other electrical problems since they fixed it? I've heard mixed things about these modern EV window systems, so I'm trying to figure out if this might be a recurring thing.

Hey again! Glad to share an update on my window situation. Since my last post, I actually got it fixed, turned out it was indeed the faulty window regulator, just like you suspected. The mechanic sorted it out, and I ended up paying 200€ for the power window switch replacement. Not exactly cheap, but at least it wasn't as bad as I initially feared! The good news is that since the repair, everything's been working perfectly smooth. No more electrical gremlins or any other issues with the windows, they're all moving up and down like they should. I use them pretty regularly too, so I've definitely put them through their paces. I think these modern EV window systems are generally pretty reliable once they're properly fixed. Haven't had a single problem since the repair, which is really reassuring. My iX3's been running great otherwise too. Sometimes these electronic quirks just need a proper fix, and then they're good to go. Hope this helps with your decision-making! Feel free to ask if you need any other details about my experience with it.

Thanks everyone for all the great advice! Just wanted to update you all on what happened with my i5. Finally got it sorted at a new mechanic I found. The whole experience was actually way better than I expected. Tried that reset trick first, but no luck there. Took it to the shop and turns out the main control module was acting up, classic case of electronic gremlins! The mechanic was super thorough and knew exactly what they were doing. The diagnostic process was quick, and they had it fixed within a day. Cost me around 275 for the whole thing, parts and labor included. Not exactly pocket change, but definitely better than I was expecting after reading some horror stories online. They did a full system check while they were at it and everything else looked good. Windows are working perfectly now, smooth as butter! Really glad I didn't put this off any longer. No other electrical issues so far, and it's been about two weeks since the repair. Just wanted to share in case anyone else runs into something similar. Really appreciate all the help and advice!