BMW iX3 Complete Lighting System Failure, Owners Share Tips

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2019 BMW iX, and I also own an i4. I'd say I have some experience working with EVs, though mostly basic maintenance stuff. My lighting system went crazy just like yours, lights had a mind of their own! Took it to my regular workshop and turned out it was a faulty connection in the main lighting control module. The cables had worked loose over time. Total repair cost was 95 Euro, mainly labor costs for diagnosing and fixing the connection. Could be something similar in your case, but to help better, could you share: Any specific error codes you're getting? When did the problem start? Does it happen all the time or intermittently? These details would help compare if it's the same issue I faced.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Mine's a 2021 iX3 with 57197 KM, and I've been dealing with this nightmare since my latest service two weeks ago. The error codes appear out of nowhere, usually early morning or when it's damp outside. I get "Check Control Message: External lighting system malfunction" followed by "Light control malfunction." What's really bugging me is that the low beam stays on even with the car locked, and I can't override it. I'm a bit hesitant about the workshop's potential cost, so hearing your repair was relatively straightforward gives me hope. Did your loose connection issue show similar symptoms with the low beam staying on permanently?

Hey again! Yeah, my iX had almost identical symptoms, especially that stubborn low beam staying on. The morning/damp weather connection is interesting because that's exactly when mine would act up too! Makes me even more confident it's similar to what I experienced. When my lights were stuck on, it was draining the battery like crazy. I actually had to disconnect the battery once to force the lights off, not ideal, but it worked as a temporary fix before I got it to the workshop. The error messages you're getting are spot-on with what I saw. Initially, I was also worried it might be the light switch itself (which would've been pricier), but those loose connections in the control module were causing all sorts of weird behavior. The moisture probably made it worse, that's why you're seeing it more in damp conditions. Looking back, I should've taken it in sooner. These electrical gremlins can sometimes lead to bigger issues if left unchecked. Since you mentioned yours started after a service, might be worth asking if they did any work near the lighting module, could've accidentally disturbed something. Want to know something funny? My mechanic said these kinds of connections getting loose is more common in EVs than people think, something about the different vibration patterns compared to regular cars.

That's super helpful! You've actually made me feel a lot better about this whole situation. The battery drain part really hits home, I noticed my car showing lower charge levels in the morning, and now it all makes sense. I think I'll stop putting this off and get it checked out this week. It's really interesting what you mentioned about the EV vibrations affecting connections. Never thought about that! And yeah, the timing after my service can't be a coincidence. I'll definitely bring that up when I take it in. Thanks for sharing all this, especially about the temporary battery disconnect trick, might need that as a backup plan! I'll update you once I get it sorted. Fingers crossed it's just those loose connections like in your case. The repair cost sounds way more reasonable than what I was imagining in my head. Really appreciate you taking the time to explain everything!