BMW i8 ABS Warning: Traction and Acceleration Problems?

Hey there! I've got some experience with hybrid cars and had a similar issue with my 2015 BMW i3. I'm not a pro mechanic but I've dealt with my fair share of car troubles over the years. Last winter, my ABS light came on with really similar symptoms to what you're describing. After a few nerve-wracking days, I took it to my workshop and they diagnosed a faulty ABS control unit. They had to replace the entire unit which set me back about 1000 Euro, but it fixed the problem completely. Could you share more details about your i8? Like when did these symptoms first start, and have you noticed any other warning lights? Also, does it happen more when the car is cold or after it's been running for a while? Knowing these details could help pinpoint if we're dealing with the same issue. By the way, this seems to pop up occasionally in both the i3 and i8 models, though it's not super common.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Mine's hitting 123881 KM and had its last service about 3 months ago. The symptoms started pretty out of nowhere last week, no particular pattern with cold or warm running. Just the ABS light for now, no other warning lights. The jerky acceleration is really annoying though, especially since everything was butter-smooth before this. I'm hoping it's not the entire control unit that needs replacing, but your experience with the i3 makes me think I might be looking at a similar repair bill. Guess I'll have to bite the bullet and get it checked out properly.

Hey again! Thanks for those extra details about your i8. Yeah, those symptoms you're describing are eerily similar to what I experienced with my i3. The unusual onset and that jerky acceleration, it's like déjà vu! One thing I forgot to mention in my first reply, before I ended up replacing the control unit, my mechanic actually checked the wheel speed sensors first. They're usually a cheaper fix, but in my case, they weren't the culprit. Given your mileage (mine was around 115000 KM when it happened), it could honestly go either way. Something I learned during my ordeal, if you're getting the ABS light without any other warning lights, that's actually a bit of good news. When I first got the issue, I was really worried it might be something with the hybrid system, which would've been way more expensive. Quick tip, while you're waiting to get it checked out, try to drive a bit more cautiously, especially in wet conditions, since your ABS isn't functioning properly. I know it's a pain, but better safe than sorry. Let me know what your mechanic says when you get it checked out. I'm really curious if it turns out to be the same issue as mine!

Thanks so much for all the detailed advice! I've taken your suggestion seriously and booked it in for tomorrow morning at my regular workshop. You're absolutely right about being extra careful, I've been driving like there's egg shells under my pedals! Really hoping it's just those wheel speed sensors you mentioned and not the full control unit. It's such a relief to hear that the lack of other warning lights might be a good sign. I'll definitely keep you posted on what they find, would be interesting to see if our cars had the same gremlin. Thanks again for all the help, really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and tips. It's making me feel a bit less worried about the whole situation!