BMW i3 Bluetooth & Media System Going Haywire

Had the exact same problem with my 2020 BMW i8 Hybrid last month. The symptoms match perfectly, Bluetooth dropping, media issues, and those annoying connection error messages. Took it to the shop, turned out the car's main control module needed a firmware update and recalibration. The head unit was essentially stuck in a loop trying to pair with old devices. They had to clear all paired devices, update the software, and do a complete reset of the iDrive system. It wasn't a major mechanical issue, but definitely needed a specialist with BMW-specific diagnostic tools to fix it. Regular mechanics typically can't access these systems properly. After the update, all connectivity functions went back to normal. If your symptoms are identical, you'll likely need the same fix. I'd suggest going to a certified BMW technician for this one, they'll have the right equipment to sort it out properly.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! That's really helpful as it sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with. Just wondering, do you remember roughly how much the fix set you back? Also, has everything been running smoothly since the update, or have you noticed any other quirks pop up? I'm trying to figure out if it's worth taking it to the BMW specialist straight away or if I should explore other options first.

Hey again! Glad I could help! Yeah, the fix worked like a charm, all those annoying connectivity problems completely disappeared after the BMW tech sorted it out. Got lucky actually, it only cost me 45 € to fix the incorrect device pairing issue, which was way less than I expected. Honestly thought it would be much more expensive given it's a BMW! Haven't had a single problem since then, no more dropped calls, Bluetooth works perfectly, and the media system's running smooth as butter. Really glad I went straight to the specialist rather than wasting time with other options. Those Function restrictions that were driving me crazy? All gone now. If you're on the fence about where to take it, I'd definitely recommend just heading straight to the BMW specialist. Sure, it might seem like overkill, but they know exactly what they're doing with these complex systems. Better to get it sorted properly the first time than mess around with trial and error, you know what I mean? Trust me, it's worth getting it done right, your i3 will feel like new again!

Thanks for all the advice! Just wanted to update you on what happened. Finally took it to a BMW specialist last week, and you were spot on! They found the same issue with the control module and did the firmware update. Actually got charged a bit more than you, around 80€, but honestly, it was worth every penny. The tech explained they had to clear out a bunch of old phone connections that were causing conflicts in the system. Funny how such a small thing can cause so much trouble! The best part? Everything's working perfectly now. No more unusual disconnections or error messages popping up when I'm trying to make calls. The whole infotainment system feels snappier too. Should've just gone to the specialist straight away instead of stressing about it. Really appreciate you pointing me in the right direction, saved me a lot of headache and potentially more expensive repairs down the line. Guess sometimes you just need to trust the experts who know these cars inside out!