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berndfuchs82

BMW i3 Radar Sensor Failures, Need Expert Help Fast

Hey car enthusiasts, having some serious concerns with my 2021 BMW i3 Hybrid (36k km). The radar sensor seems to be acting up, triggering multiple system failures and warning lights on the dash. Got error messages stored in the system too. Had a not-so-great experience with my previous mechanic, so I'm a bit hesitant about where to take it. Has anyone dealt with similar radar sensor issues on their i3? Would love to hear about your experiences and recommendations for reliable mechanics who really know their way around BMWs. Thanks in advance!

4 comment(s)

ottowilliams2

Had the same radar sensor problem with my 2018 BMW i8 Hybrid last month. The symptoms were identical, multiple system warnings and dashboard lights going crazy. The issue wasn't as serious as it initially seemed. When I took it to the garage, they found that the front radar sensor was covered with road grime and some hardened debris. The sensor's housing also had a minor misalignment from regular driving. The fix involved a thorough cleaning of the sensor area with specialized cleaning solutions, recalibration of the sensor system, and slight adjustment of the mounting bracket. The whole process took about two hours. After the service, all systems went back to normal. These sensors are pretty sensitive, but once properly cleaned and calibrated, they work reliably. Just make sure you get a certified BMW technician who has experience with hybrid systems and driver assistance technology. These aren't issues that regular mechanics can properly diagnose or fix.

berndfuchs82 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful to know it wasn't a major repair. I'm relieved to hear it was mainly just cleaning and recalibration. Would you mind sharing what the total cost was for the service? Also curious if you've had any other sensor issues pop up since the repair?

ottowilliams2

Hey again! Happy to help with more details about my i8 sensor fix. The total bill came to just 45 € for the cleaning and recalibration service, which was actually quite reasonable considering I was worried it might be something more serious! And great news, since getting it sorted at the mechanic, the radar sensor has been working perfectly. No more warning lights or system errors at all. It's actually a relief knowing it was just dirt buildup causing all that drama! The technician did mention it's worth keeping an eye on the sensor area and maybe giving it a gentle wipe during regular car washes to prevent the same issue from happening again. Honestly, it was worth every penny for the peace of mind. These high-tech systems can seem intimidating when they start acting up, but sometimes the fix is simpler than we expect. My i8 is running like a dream now with all the driver assistance features working as they should.

berndfuchs82 (Author)

Just got back from the mechanic and wow, you were absolutely right! Took your advice and found a certified BMW technician who knew exactly what they were doing. The radar sensor was completely caked with dirt and road grime, just like you described. The whole thing took about an hour and a half, and they charged me 40 € for cleaning and recalibration. What a relief it wasn't something more serious! The technician showed me exactly where the sensor was located and gave me some tips about keeping it clean. All the warning lights are gone now, and the car's running perfectly. Feeling a bit silly for getting so worried, but better safe than sorry with these high-tech systems. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction, you saved me from potentially spending way more at my old mechanic. Definitely keeping this technician's contact for future service. It's such a relief finding someone who really knows what they're doing with these hybrid systems!

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