BMW i3 Window Failure: Repair Costs and Solutions

I have a 2016 BMW i8 Hybrid and faced a similar issue last month. The master power window switch on the driver's side was completely dead, no response from any window controls. Initially thought it was the window regulator too, but turned out the switch module itself was defective. Took it to my garage and they diagnosed it as a faulty switch assembly. The technician mentioned these switches can fail due to internal circuit board issues or moisture damage. It wasn't a major repair, they replaced the entire switch panel unit and reprogrammed it to sync with the car's system. Not a complex job, took about two hours total. The windows have been working perfectly since then. If you're seeing an error code, definitely get it checked soon as it could potentially affect other electrical components if left unaddressed. Word of advice, make sure they check both the switch and the wiring harness connections before replacing any parts. Sometimes it's just loose connections causing these symptoms. Hope this helps with your decision.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's super helpful as it sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with. Glad to hear it wasn't as complex as it initially seemed. Could you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? Also, has everything been running smoothly since then, or have you noticed any other electrical quirks pop up? Always good to know what to watch out for with these things.

Hey there! Thanks for following up. Yeah, since my last reply I can confirm it's been running perfectly fine, all windows working like they should with no problems. The total repair came to 200 € which covered both the parts and labor. I'd say that's pretty reasonable considering it was a BMW dealership repair job. No other electrical issues have shown up since then, thank goodness! Having the faulty window regulator fixed really sorted everything out. It's been about six weeks now and the power windows are still working like new. The mechanic did a thorough job testing all the connections after the repair, which probably helped ensure there wouldn't be any recurring problems. Just to put your mind at ease, these kinds of electrical fixes are usually pretty straightforward once they identify the exact problem. The key is getting it diagnosed correctly the first time, which theyaged to do in my case. Hope this extra info helps with your decision!

Thanks for all that extra detail! I bit the bullet and took my i3 to a certified mechanic yesterday. Just like in your case, it turned out to be a faulty switch assembly. The whole repair was actually cheaper than I expected, came in at about 180 plus labor. The mechanic was really thorough and even showed me the worn-out parts. Got to say, I'm pretty relieved. The windows are working perfectly now, and the error code has disappeared completely. The entire repair only took about an hour and a half. The mechanic also did a quick check of the other electrical systems just to be safe, and everything else checked out fine. Really appreciate your advice, it definitely helped me feel more confident about getting this sorted. Sometimes these car issues seem way scarier than they actually are! Think I've found my new go-to mechanic too, which is a nice bonus.