BMW iX3 Windshield Heater Failure: Fix & Costs Guide

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2018 BMW i3s. The windshield heating problems you're describing sound exactly like what I experienced last winter. It turned out to be more serious than initially expected, the heating element control module had failed, and it was affecting the whole system. Took it to the garage after getting the same error code warnings. The diagnostic showed that water had gotten into the control unit, causing corrosion on the connections. They had to replace the entire control module and recalibrate the system. Not a quick fix, my car was in the shop for three days. The defect was causing excessive battery drain too, which I hadn't even noticed at first. Once fixed, there was a noticeable improvement in the overall electrical system performance. If you're getting error codes, definitely don't wait too long to get it checked. These electrical issues tend to get worse and can affect other systems. The problem won't fix itself, and you might end up with more extensive damage if left unchecked. Hope this helps with your decision-making.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the i3s! That sounds exactly like my issue. Good to know about the control module, definitely gives me something specific to look into. Quick question, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? Also, has everything been working smoothly since the fix? Just want to get an idea of what I might be in for. Thanks again for the detailed response. Really helpful!

Hey again! Glad I could help! After my last post, I actually went ahead and got my i3s fixed, and it's been working like a charm. The rear window heating that was giving me trouble is now perfect, no more issues there at all. The total bill came to 290 € for the battery problem, turns out it was heavily discharged and needed sorting. I know it's not cheap, but honestly, it was worth every penny. The car's running so much better now, and all the electrical systems are working exactly as they should. Since the repair, I haven't had a single problem, everything's been smooth sailing for several months now. The electrical system is working perfectly, and my battery performance is back to normal. Trust me, getting it fixed properly is definitely the way to go, even if it seems a bit pricey at first. If you're still on the fence about getting yours looked at, I'd say go for it. Better to sort it now than wait for more problems to develop. Let me know how you get on with yours!

Thanks for the follow-up! Actually, I bit the bullet and took my car to a new mechanic yesterday. You were right about getting it checked sooner rather than later. The mechanic found that water had seeped into the control unit, just like in your case. The repair was a bit more expensive than yours, around 450 for parts and labor. They had to replace the entire heating control module and do some rewiring. But honestly, after driving it today, I can say it was totally worth it. The windshield heating works perfectly now, and I noticed the car's overall electrical system seems more stable. Funny enough, they also found a small battery drain issue I hadn't noticed before. Fixed that too while they were at it. The whole thing took about a day and a half, but at least it's sorted now. Really appreciate your advice, it definitely helped me make the right call on this one. And you're right, better to fix these things early before they cause bigger problems!