BMW i8 Dead Infotainment: MOST Bus Failure Alert

Hey there! I actually faced a similar MOST bus failure in my 2015 BMW i3 Hybrid last month. The symptoms were identical, complete infotainment blackout. Turned out the fiber optic ring was damaged, causing a communication breakdown between control modules. Had to get the MOST gateway module replaced because it was corrupted beyond repair. It's definitely a serious issue since it affects multiple vehicle systems, including audio, navigation, and even some driver assistance features. From my experience at the garage, they first had to run a complete diagnostic on all control units in the MOST network to pinpoint the exact failure point. The repair involved replacing the faulty module and reprogramming the system. The whole process took about two days. I'd strongly suggest going to a certified BMW dealership for this issue. These MOST bus problems require specialized diagnostic tools and expertise. Better not risk it with independent shops unless they specifically specialize in BMW electronics. Hope this helps with your decision!

Thanks for sharing your experience! This is super helpful, especially since I've been worried about taking it to unusual shops. It's good to know the fiber optic ring could be the culprit, makes total sense with the symptoms I'm seeing. Would you mind letting me know roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? Also, has everything been working perfectly since the fix, or have you noticed any other quirks popping up? Just want to make sure I'm prepared for what might come next.

Hey again! Great news, since my last post, I took my i3 to the certified dealer and they sorted out the MOST bus issue completely. The total repair came to 1000 € as they found a defective control unit that was causing all the trouble. I know it's not cheap, but honestly, it was worth every cent because everything's working perfectly now. The infotainment system, navigation, and all other features are running smoothly, no more blackouts or glitches at all. It's actually a relief to have the car back to its normal self. Haven't noticed any new quirks or issues since the repair, which is exactly what you want to hear, right? I totally understand your concern about the cost, but trust me, getting it fixed properly the first time around saves you from bigger headaches later. The dealer's diagnostic equipment really made the difference in pinpointing that faulty control unit. If you need any more specific details about the repair process, just let me know!

Just wanted to update everyone on my i8 situation. Finally got it fixed last week and wanted to share my experience. Took your advice and went to a certified dealer, you were spot on about needing specialized tools! Turns out my issue was also a faulty control unit, but the repair was a bit pricier at around 1,400 € because they had to replace some additional wiring. The whole thing took three days, but wow, what a difference! The infotainment system is working like new again, and they even found and fixed a small software glitch I hadn't even noticed before. Really glad I didn't try to save money by going to my regular mechanic. The dealer's team knew exactly what they were doing, and they even gave me a detailed breakdown of everything they checked and fixed. Thanks again for pushing me in the right direction, definitely saved me from potentially bigger problems down the road! Now I can finally enjoy my car's features again without any annoying blackouts. Sometimes paying more upfront really is the smarter choice.