BMW i3 Transmission Emergency: Grinding & Warning Lights

Having some experience with hybrids, I faced something very similar with my 2018 BMW i8. The symptoms were nearly identical, warning lights, rough shifting, and that awful grinding noise. I also own a BMW X5, so I'm quite familiar with their hybrid systems. My trusted mechanic diagnosed a faulty cable connection to the transmission control module. It turned out some wires had worn out, causing incorrect signals. The fix was relatively straightforward, they replaced the damaged cables and checked all connecting points. Cost me 95 Euro, including labor. To help you better, could you share: Current mileage? When did these symptoms first appear? Any recent repairs or maintenance? Are there any specific driving conditions when it gets worse? Quick tip: Don't keep driving it in this condition, could cause more damage to the transmission.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My i3 has 57271 KM on the clock and just had its service last month. The symptoms actually started right after a long highway drive, and it's definitely getting worse during cold starts. The grinding noise is most noticeable when shifting from park to drive. Your cable issue possibility makes sense, I'm really hoping it's something relatively simple like that rather than a major transmission problem. The mechanic mentioned during my last service that everything looked good, so this came as a surprise. I've already scheduled an appointment to get it checked out tomorrow. You're absolutely right about not driving it further, I've parked it for now.

Hey again! Thanks for those extra details about your i3. After reading about your specific symptoms and timing, I'm actually thinking it might be different from my i8's cable issue now. The fact that it started after a long highway drive and gets worse during cold starts really caught my attention. You know what? In my previous BMWs (including my i8), transmission-related problems showing up after extended highway drives often pointed to transmission fluid issues. It could be low fluid levels or deteriorating fluid quality. The cold start problems you're mentioning especially make me think of this. I've definitely learned my lesson about jumping to conclusions with these hybrids, they can be tricky! While my case was a simple cable fix, your symptoms sound more like what my 's i3 experienced last year. Turned out he needed a transmission fluid flush and replacement, plus there was a small leak that needed fixing. Just a heads-up, when the mechanic checks it tomorrow, ask them to specifically look at the transmission fluid condition and level. Also, have them check for any small leaks around the transmission housing. It's usually cheaper to catch these things early. Let me know what they find, I'm really curious if it's similar to what my dealt with. These hybrid transmissions can be quite different from regular ones.

Thanks so much for the detailed follow-up! You've actually made me feel a bit better about the situation. I'd much prefer a transmission fluid issue over major mechanical problems. Your friend's experience with the i3 sounds really similar to what I'm experiencing. I've made a note about asking the mechanic to check the transmission fluid and look for leaks. The funny thing is, I did notice some small drops on my garage floor a few weeks ago but didn't think much of it at the time. Should have paid more attention to that! Really appreciate you taking the time to share both your i8 experience and your friend's i3 story, it's given me a much clearer picture of what to expect tomorrow. I'll definitely keep you posted about what they find. If it turns out to be just a fluid issue and some minor leaks like your friend's case, I'll be relieved. Thanks again for all the hybrid-specific insights, it's super helpful hearing from someone who really knows these cars!