BMW i3 Transmission Nightmare: Grinding and Limp Mode

Hey there! I actually dealt with very similar symptoms on my 2020 BMW i8 Hybrid last year. The grinding during shifts and power loss you're describing sounds exactly like what I experienced. Initially thought it wasn't serious, but it turned out to be a defective torque converter, your diagnosis might be spot on. Had mine fixed at the garage and they confirmed the torque converter lockup clutch was failing. The repair involved replacing the entire torque converter assembly. It was quite a serious job as they had to drop the transmission to access it. The symptoms you're describing, limp mode, warning lights, and rough shifts, are classic signs of converter failure. Your mileage is pretty similar to what mine was when it happened. Don't wait too long to get it fixed though, driving with a failing converter can cause more damage to other transmission components. Worth mentioning, after the repair, the transmission felt better than new. No more grinding, smooth shifts, and power delivery was perfect again. Hope this helps.

Thanks for sharing your experience! This definitely sounds like what I'm dealing with. Really puts my mind at ease knowing someone else had the same issue and got it sorted. Mine's doing exactly what yours did. Quick question, do you remember roughly how much the whole repair set you back? Also, has everything been running smoothly since the fix, or have you noticed any other issues pop up? Just trying to get an idea of what I'm in for. Really appreciate the help!

Hey again! Glad I could help ease your mind! Yeah, I definitely remember the costs since it was quite a hit to the wallet, ended up being 2120 € for the whole repair job. But honestly, it was worth every penny because the car's been running like a dream ever since. After they fixed the torque converter lockup clutch, it's like I got a completely different car. The transmission shifts are buttery smooth now, no more grinding sounds, and the power delivery is spot on. Haven't had a single issue pop up since the repair, and it's been over a year now. The warning lights haven't come back either, which is always a good sign! Just makes me wish I'd gotten it sorted sooner rather than driving around worried about it. The mechanic did a great job, and the car feels even better than when I first got it. Trust me, once you get it fixed, you'll forget all about the hassle it caused. Let me know how it goes when you get yours fixed!

Thanks so much for all the info! You were absolutely right, I bit the bullet and took it to a new mechanic yesterday. Turns out it was exactly what you said, the torque converter was shot. Cost me around 2000 for the full repair, pretty much what you paid. what a difference! Took it for a test drive after picking it up today, and it's like driving a completely different car. No more grinding, shifts are smooth as silk, and the power's back to normal. Such a relief not seeing those warning lights anymore! Funny story, while I was at the mechanic's, they showed me the old torque converter they pulled out. Thing was completely worn out, looked like it had been through a war! The mechanic said I was lucky I brought it in when I did, could've caused some serious damage if I'd kept driving it like that. Really glad I asked for advice here. You saved me from going back to that sketchy mechanic and probably saved me some money in the long run too. Thanks again for sharing your experience, definitely helped me make the right call!