BMW i3 Hybrid Won't Start: Cold Weather Starting Issues

Hi Alex! I experienced similar issues with my 2018 BMW i8 Hybrid last winter. The symptoms you're describing match what I encountered, inconsistent starts and cold weather struggles. Initially thought it was the engine control unit, but it turned out to be corroded battery terminals with loose connections. During my garage visit, the technician found significant corrosion build-up at the battery connections. The battery itself was fine, but the cables weren't making proper contact. The terminals needed thorough cleaning, and they had to replace the connecting cables. The work wasn't too complex, but it was crucial to fix it as poor connections can cause various electronic glitches in hybrid systems. It's definitely worth getting a second opinion from a certified hybrid specialist. While my issue wasn't major, leaving it unfixed could have damaged other electrical components. Make sure whoever checks it has proper hybrid certification, these systems are quite different from conventional cars.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Really helpful to know about the battery terminal issue, that's actually quite reassuring compared to what I was fearing. Would you mind sharing roughly how much you ended up paying for the fix? Also curious if you've had any similar problems pop up since then? I'll definitely look into getting it checked by a hybrid specialist. Better to get it sorted properly than risk bigger issues down the line.

Good news, I got the issue sorted out! Just like I suspected, it was those pesky battery connections causing all the trouble. Had it fixed at a certified hybrid specialist and the total came to 155 € for cleaning and replacing the cable connections. Not too bad considering I was worried it might be something much more serious! The best part? Since getting it fixed, my i8's been running like a dream. No more engine control malfunctions or starting issues, even during those chilly mornings. It's been about eight months now, and I haven't had a single problem pop up. Honestly, it was worth every penny just for the peace of mind. You're absolutely right about getting it checked by a proper hybrid specialist. These cars are pretty sophisticated, and it really makes a difference when someone knows what they're doing with the hybrid systems. Let me know how it goes with yours!

Just wanted to give you an update! Finally got my i3 checked out by a certified hybrid specialist. You were spot on about getting a proper expert, what a difference! The mechanic found similar issues to what you described, but also noticed a worn-out starter motor that needed replacing. Total bill came to about 400 bucks, a bit more than yours because of the starter, but still way better than what I was expecting for a hybrid repair. Car's running perfectly now, starts like a charm even in cold weather. Really glad I asked for advice here. You saved me from spending way more at my regular mechanic who probably would've just guessed at the problem. Thanks again for sharing your experience, definitely helped point me in the right direction!