BMW i8 Climate Control Issues: Fix for Dead AC System?

Hey there! I had some experience with a similar issue on my 2012 BMW i3 (I also owned an ActiveE before). I'd say I have some basic experience working with hybrid cars, mostly learning through necessity! The symptoms you're describing sound really familiar. My AC was acting up exactly the same way last summer. After taking it to my regular workshop, they found it was just a loose connection in the ventilation control module's wiring. The cable had worked itself loose over time. Total repair was 95 Euro, mostly labor costs for diagnosing and fixing the connection. Before I can give more specific advice, could you share: Are you getting any specific error codes? Does the issue happen right when you start the car or after driving for a while? Have you noticed any unusual sounds when changing ventilation settings? I know these issues can be tricky with the i8's hybrid system, but knowing more details would help figure out if you're dealing with the same problem I had.

Thanks for the detailed response! My i8 just hit 15612 KM and had its latest service three weeks ago. When I change the ventilation settings, there's actually a faint clicking sound from the rear area. The error codes only pop up after driving for about 15-20 minutes. I know BMW hybrid systems can be complex, but this seems more mechanical than electrical to me. I'll definitely check those wiring connections you mentioned, could save me a hefty repair bill if it's just a loose cable. Really appreciate your insight based on your hybrid experience!

Hey again! Thanks for those extra details about your i8. You know, that clicking sound you mentioned really rings a bell, I had exactly the same thing with my i3 before the whole AC system started acting up! The fact that your error codes only show up after 15-20 minutes of driving is super interesting. In my case, that was actually a good sign because it meant the system was at least partially working. When mine had the loose connection issue, it would also take some time before things went haywire. But I've got to be honest, after hearing about that clicking sound, I'm not 100% sure it's just a wiring issue like mine was. That clicking from the rear could mean the flap actuator is struggling. My mechanic actually showed me how these flaps work when they had my car up on the lift, and they're supposed to move smoothly without any noise. Since you just had service done three weeks ago, maybe give them a call? They might have spotted something during the service that could be related. Plus, if anything they did might have contributed to this, they should sort it out. Keep me posted on what you find out, I'm really curious if it turns out to be similar to what I dealt with or something completely different. These hybrid cooling systems can be tricky beasts!

Really appreciate you taking the time to share all this info! You're right about calling the service center, just got off the phone with them actually. They mentioned they did notice the ventilation system was a bit sluggish during the last service but it passed their basic checks. Now I'm wondering if they might have missed something. The way you described the flap actuator makes total sense, especially with that clicking sound. I'm going to book it in next week and specifically ask them to check both the wiring connections and the flap actuator. Better to get it sorted before summer hits and I really need that AC working properly! Thanks again for sharing your hybrid experience, it's super helpful to hear from someone who knows these systems. I'll probably end up doing what you suggested and ask them to show me what's going on when they've got it up on the lift. Always good to learn more about these cars, even if it's because something's not working right!