BMW i4 GPS & Navigation Issues, Common Fixes Needed

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2021 BMW iX3 last summer. The symptoms were exactly the same as what you're describing. After trying basic stuff like resetting the system, I took it to my workshop. Turned out the GPS antenna was faulty, apparently it's not super uncommon in these models. The repair was pretty straightforward, but I needed a certified workshop to handle it since it's all integrated with the car's computer system. Cost me around 200 Euro for the whole fix, including the new antenna and labor. Worth every penny though, nav system's been working perfectly since then. Before I share more details, what trim level is your i4? And have you noticed if the issue gets worse in certain weather conditions? This could help pinpoint if it's the same problem I had. Also, have you checked if the BMW i4 M50 had any similar reported issues? Might be worth looking into that. Let me know these details and I'll try to help more!

I've got the same car with 135574 KM on the clock, and I faced almost identical GPS issues last month. After trying all the usual fixes, system resets, software updates, nothing worked. Finally took it to the workshop during my latest service, and guess what? They found the antenna connection had worked itself loose over time. They actually showed me how salt and dirt had built up around the connection point, way more common in electric vehicles than I thought. Quick clean, secure reconnection, and everything's been perfect since. Might be worth checking that before replacing the whole antenna unit. If you want, I can share some photos of what to look for. The fix only took about an hour, and it was way cheaper than a full antenna replacement.

Hey again! Thanks for sharing your experience. It's really helpful to hear about the loose connection issue you had. You know what's interesting? After my previous reply about the antenna replacement, I actually had another problem crop up recently with my iX3. Looking back, I probably should've checked the connection first before going for the full antenna replacement. Would've saved me some money! I'm wondering if the workshop even checked that when they did my repair. The symptoms were so similar to yours, slow calculations, GPS dropping out, the works. Since your fix worked so well, I've been telling other BMW owners in our club to check their antenna connections first. Makes total sense about the salt and dirt buildup too. These electric models seem to collect grime in the weirdest places, don't they? If you're offering to share those photos, I'd love to see them too. Could help me spot any early warning signs if the issue comes back. Maybe we could add them to the forum's tech guide? Would be super useful for other owners facing the same problem. By the way, how's your nav system holding up now? Any issues since the fix?

Thanks for the follow-up! The nav system's been working flawlessly since that fix, no more unusual dropouts or slow calculations. It's honestly like having a new system. Funny you mention the BMW club, I actually learned about checking the antenna connection from another member there before taking it to the workshop. I totally get what you mean about regretting the full antenna replacement. These new EVs are amazing, but sometimes the simplest solutions work best. I just checked my mileage today, and I've put another 5000 km on it since the fix without a single problem. I'll definitely send over those photos later today, they clearly show the buildup around the connection point. You're right about adding them to the tech guide; it could save others a lot of time and money. The grime build-up is pretty distinctive, and once you know what to look for, it's pretty obvious. Thanks for all your input on this. It's good to know I'm not the only one who's dealt with these quirks. I'll keep you posted if anything changes, but so far, so good!