BMW i3 Battery System Wreaking Dashboard Havoc

I had a similar situation with my 2018 BMW i8 Hybrid last winter. Started with flickering lights and warning signals, then progressed to starting issues. Turned out my primary 12V battery was failing, which triggered a cascade of electrical problems affecting the hybrid system communication. The main battery wasn't properly charging the 12V battery, causing the electrical system to malfunction. This led to errors in the hybrid management system. Initially, some mechanics misdiagnosed it as a hybrid battery issue, which would have been much more serious. Found a certified hybrid specialist who properly diagnosed it. Required replacing the 12V battery and recalibrating the battery management system. Also needed to update the hybrid control module software. It was a serious issue that could have damaged other electrical components if left unchecked. Your symptoms sound very similar to what I experienced. Would strongly recommend finding a certified BMW hybrid specialist rather than a general mechanic. These systems are quite complex and need specific diagnostic tools.

Thanks for sharing that, really helpful! I had the same thing happen with my i3, and it ended up being the battery issue too. The certified specialist sorted it for me, but I'm curious, do you remember roughly how much the repair set you back? Also, has everything been running smoothly since the fix, or have you noticed any other quirks?

Hey there! Yeah, super happy to help! After getting my i8 fixed, everything's been running like a dream. Since you asked about the costs, believe it or not, I got lucky and didn't have to pay anything! The issue was actually traced back to a previous repair that wasn't done quite right, so it was covered under that warranty. The engine start problem completely disappeared after they fixed it, and I haven't had a single electrical gremlin since then. It's such a relief when you find a mechanic who actually knows what they're doing with these hybrid systems, right? I mean, my car's been absolutely perfect for the past months, no more flickering lights, no warning signals, nothing. Just smooth sailing. It's funny how something that seems so major can end up being fixed without costing a penny when it's properly diagnosed as a consequential error. Have you noticed any improvements in your battery life since they fixed yours? I feel like my overall performance actually got better after they sorted everything out.

Oh wow, you got really lucky with that warranty coverage! I wasn't quite as fortunate, my repair cost me around €800, but honestly, it was worth every penny. The car's running perfectly now, and you're right about the improved performance. My battery life is noticeably better, and those annoying flickering lights are history. You know, this whole experience taught me a valuable lesson about these hybrid cars. After the repair, I had a good chat with the specialist who fixed it. He explained everything so clearly, turns out these electrical issues are pretty common in hybrids, but they're totally manageable if you catch them early. I'm just glad I didn't wait any longer to get it checked out. The best part? I finally found a mechanic I can trust. No more stressing about where to take my car when something goes wrong. Really appreciate your help in sharing your experience, it definitely made me feel better about getting this sorted!