BMW i3 Hybrid: Noisy Exhaust & Flap Control Issues?

Hey there! I've got some experience with cars, and this sounds very familiar. I had a similar issue with my 2017 BMW i5 Hybrid last winter. The symptoms were pretty much identical to what you're describing. I took it to my trusted workshop and they diagnosed a defective exhaust flap actuator. They had to replace it completely, which set me back about 190 Euro. The whole thing took about 2-3 hours to fix, but it was worth it. The loud noise disappeared completely, and everything's been working smoothly since then. Before I share more specific details about the repair process, could you tell me if you're getting any specific error codes? Also, when exactly does the noise get worse, only during cold starts, or during normal driving too? This would help determine if you're dealing with the exact same issue I had. I also know the i8 has a similar system, so others with that model might chime in with their experiences too.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm getting the error code P2261, and yes, the noise is most noticeable during cold starts but also persists during normal driving, though less intense. My i3 just hit 79271 km and had its last service about 3 months ago, where everything seemed fine. Your description matches what I'm experiencing perfectly. That price point seems reasonable, I was worried it might be something more serious (and expensive!). Good to know it's a relatively quick fix too. Did you need to book in advance for the repair, or were they able to handle it as a walk-in? Also, did you notice any fuel efficiency changes after the repair?

Hey again! Yeah, that P2261 code is exactly what I had with my i5. Mine was around 82,000 km when it happened, so pretty similar mileage to yours. It's interesting how these issues tend to pop up around the same time. For my repair, I actually had to book in advance, they needed to order the actuator part. I waited about 4-5 days, but it might be different now. I wouldn't recommend going as a walk-in for this specific issue because they'll likely need to order the part anyway. And yes! I did notice a difference in fuel efficiency after the repair. Before fixing it, I was burning through fuel a bit faster than usual, probably because the exhaust system wasn't operating at optimal efficiency. After the repair, my fuel consumption went back to normal. Plus, the engine runs so much smoother now, especially during those chilly morning starts. Just one heads up, make sure they check the wiring harness connected to the actuator too. In my case, they found some minor wear on the wires and fixed that while they were at it. Didn't cost much extra but probably prevented future issues. Let me know how it goes when you get it fixed!

Thanks so much for all that detailed info! This is super helpful. Your advice about checking the wiring harness is particularly good, I'll definitely mention that when I book the appointment. After hearing about your experience, I'm feeling much more confident about getting this sorted. I'll give my regular workshop a call tomorrow to schedule the repair and ask about parts availability. Better to get it fixed soon before winter really kicks in and those cold starts become more frequent. Good to know about the fuel efficiency improvement too, I've actually noticed my fuel consumption has gone up lately, so hopefully fixing this will sort that out as well. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and all these helpful details. I'll probably book it in for next week and hopefully get back to normal soon! Thanks again for the guidance, it's been really reassuring to hear from someone who's been through the same thing!