BMW i3 Throttle Body Symptoms, Owner Seeking Help

Hey there! I had really similar issues with my 2017 BMW i8 Hybrid at around 125k km. The symptoms you're describing match exactly what I experienced, sluggish response, erratic idle, and limp mode. Initially thought it was the throttle body too. Took it to my regular garage where they diagnosed it properly, turned out to be a faulty accelerator pedal module. The electronic sensors inside were shot, causing all those symptoms. It was a serious issue that needed immediate attention since it affects both the electric and combustion motor response. The fix wasn't super complicated, but it required specific diagnostic equipment and coding to sync the new module with the car's systems. The whole repair took about half a day at the garage. My advice would be to get it checked at a shop that specializes in BMW hybrids, as they'll have the right diagnostic tools. These symptoms shouldn't be ignored, they can lead to bigger problems if left unchecked. Just wanted to share my experience, hope this helps with your decision.

Thanks so much for sharing that! Really helpful to know about the accelerator pedal module, that's definitely something I'll have the shop check out. Would you mind telling me how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? Also curious if you've had any other issues pop up since then with your i8?

Hey again! Great to hear back from you! Just to update you, since my last post, I actually got the issue fixed. Turns out I was right about the accelerator pedal module being the culprit. The repair set me back 265 € total, which included the parts and labor. Honestly, it was worth every penny because the car's running like a dream now. The mechanic found that the throttle valve was also acting up, but they got that sorted during the same visit. Since the repair (about 4 months ago now), my i8 has been performing beautifully, no more limp mode, smooth acceleration, and the idle is perfect. It's like driving a new car again! Haven't had any other issues pop up since then. The key was finding a shop that really knows their way around hybrid BMWs. They need that special diagnostic equipment to get everything properly coded and synced up. Tell you what, if you do get yours fixed, drop me a line and let me know how it goes. Always good to share experiences with these cars!

Thanks a lot for all the detailed info! I finally got my i3 sorted out yesterday. You wouldn't believe it, but it was exactly what you mentioned, the accelerator pedal module! The repair ended up being pretty straightforward once I found the right shop. The mechanic was super thorough and walked me through everything. Got hit with a slightly higher bill than yours though, had to replace both the module and a few connecting sensors. But honestly, it's such a relief to have the car running properly again. Took it for a test drive this morning and what a difference! No more jerky movements, the idle's steady, and the response is back to normal. The check engine light's finally off too. Feel kind of silly for putting it off for so long, but at least it's fixed now. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, it definitely helped me know what to expect and ask the right questions at the shop. I'll keep an eye on things and hopefully won't have any more issues pop up!