BMW i3 AC Dead: Heat Sensor Nightmare

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2018 BMW i8 Hybrid last summer. The AC control unit completely died, no response, blank display, nothing working. Initially thought it was just a sensor, but turned out the entire climate control module was defective. Took it to my trusted BMW specialist and spent a full day there. They found that moisture had gotten into the control unit, causing internal corrosion on the circuit board. It was actually a serious issue since it affected the entire HVAC system, including the battery cooling system which is crucial for hybrid vehicles. They had to replace the complete control module unit, and it was definitely not a quick fix. The technician mentioned these failures are somewhat common in BMW hybrids from that generation when they reach higher mileage. My suggestion would be to get it checked by a certified BMW technician who specializes in hybrid systems. You don't want to risk damaging other components by delaying the repair, especially with the battery cooling being connected to the AC system.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That sounds pretty much like what I'm dealing with right now. Just curious, do you remember how much the whole repair set you back? And has everything been working smoothly since they fixed it? My main worry is spending a lot on the repair only to have other issues pop up later. The battery cooling part you mentioned has got me a bit concerned too.

Hey again! Just wanted to follow up since I went through similar headaches with my i8. I got the final fix done and I'm happy to report it's running perfectly now, no more AC drama! The temperature sensor in the heat exchanger was definitely causing problems, but that was actually a pretty straightforward fix. The real culprit ended up being the AC control unit itself, which set me back 980€ to replace. Not exactly pocket change, but honestly, it was worth every penny since everything's working like new now. Been about 8 months since the repair, and I haven't had a single problem with the climate control or battery cooling system. The car runs super smooth, and the AC blows nice and cold. Trust me, once you get it sorted, you'll feel so much better. These hybrid systems can be tricky, but when they're working right, they're amazing machines. Don't worry too much about future issues, my mechanic said once you replace these parts, they typically last for ages. Just make sure you get someone who really knows their way around BMW hybrids to do the work. Good luck with getting yours fixed!

Just wanted to update everyone, finally got my i3 fixed! After reading all your helpful advice, especially about the control unit issues, I decided to bite the bullet and take it to a certified hybrid specialist. Turns out my problem wasn't quite as expensive as I feared. The mechanic found that the main control board had some loose connections, and theyaged to repair it without needing a full replacement. They also fixed that temperature sensor issue while they were at it. The whole thing came to about 600 bucks, definitely better than I expected! The best part? My AC is running perfectly now, and the automatic climate control is working like a charm. The mechanic also did a thorough check of the battery cooling system, and everything's in great shape. Such a relief to have it all sorted! Really appreciate everyone's input, it helped me make the right decision instead of putting it off and potentially causing more damage. Now I can finally enjoy driving my i3 again without sweating bullets (literally)!