BMW i8 Airbag Warning + Soft Top Issues: Help Needed

Hey there! I have some experience working on hybrids, and I had a similar issue with my 2017 BMW i3. My symptoms were pretty much identical, airbag warning light and error codes showing up. Took it to my workshop and turned out the control unit was defective. Not a fun discovery, as it set me back about 1000 Euro. The repair itself took about two days, but the peace of mind was worth it since we're talking about safety systems here. Before you dive into repairs though, could you share: Any specific error codes you're getting? When did these issues start? Have you noticed any other electrical oddities? By the way, if it helps, a with a BMW i4 also had control unit issues, but his symptoms were slightly different. Let me know these details, and I might be able to offer more specific advice from my experience.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Mine's got about 23305 KM on the clock and just had its service last month. Those symptoms you described with your i3 sound eerily similar to what I'm experiencing. The error code I'm getting is B7B53E, and the issues started right after a heavy rainstorm. Initially thought it might be moisture-related, but the warning lights have stuck around even during dry weather. Haven't noticed any other electrical quirks besides the soft top problem, but I'm definitely concerned about the airbag system. Really hoping it's not the control unit because, ouch, that price tag! Did your workshop mention any preventive measures to avoid this happening again? Would appreciate any insights you can share from your repair experience.

Hey again! that error code B7B53E sounds exactly like what I dealt with on my i3. The rain connection is interesting because my issues also started after some wet weather, but like yours, they didn't go away when things dried up. In my case, the workshop found that moisture had actually gotten into the control unit over time, causing corrosion on some connections. They explained that while the unit is supposed to be well-sealed, tiny cracks can develop over time. The repair I mentioned earlier included them adding extra weatherproofing around the new unit to prevent future issues. To be honest, I've had zero problems since the repair (going on 14 months now), but they did recommend checking the seals around electrical components during regular service. They also suggested keeping an eye on any unusual noises or warnings right after wet weather as an early warning sign. Given how similar your symptoms are, especially with that specific error code, I'd bet you're looking at the same issue I had. The good news is that once it's fixed properly, it should be sorted for good. Make sure whoever does the repair includes that extra weatherproofing though, it's definitely worth asking about! Let me know how it goes when you get it checked out. Really curious if it turns out to be the same problem!

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! This is exactly what I needed to hear. The moisture correlation makes perfect sense, and it's actually a relief to know there's a proven fix out there. I've already called my regular mechanic and booked it in for next week. Definitely going to mention the weatherproofing solution you talked about, that's a great tip I wouldn't have known to ask about. While it's not great news that I'm probably looking at a control unit replacement, at least I know what I'm walking into. Better to fix it properly now than worry about the airbag system not working when I actually need it. I'll make sure to keep an eye on those seals during future services too. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Think I'll skip taking the car out if any heavy rain is forecast until this is sorted! Will probably update the thread once I get it fixed in case anyone else runs into the same issue.