BMW i8 Electric Fan Failure Triggers Overheat Alerts

I had a similar issue with my 2019 BMW i3s hybrid last summer. The overheating and emergency mode symptoms matched exactly what you're describing. After inspection, it turned out the electric fan's wiring harness had deteriorated, causing intermittent connection failures. The connector pins were also corroded. The fix wasn't particularly complex, needed replacement of the wiring harness and cleaning of the connection points. However, it's something that should be addressed quickly as continuous overheating can lead to more serious engine damage. I'd consider it a moderate repair that requires proper diagnosis. What made the biggest difference was having them test the entire fan assembly with a diagnostic tool to confirm it was truly a connection issue and not the fan motor itself. Would definitely recommend getting that specific test done before any parts are replaced.

Hey, thanks for sharing your experience with the fan issue. This sounds pretty much like what I'm dealing with right now. Really helpful to know about the wiring harness and connector pins, I'll make sure to have those checked out specifically. Just wondering, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the repair? Also, has everything been running smoothly since the fix or have you noticed any other cooling-related problems? Would appreciate any extra insights.

Hey there! Just wanted to follow up on your questions. The repair ended up costing me 95€, it was just the cable and plug connection that needed fixing. Nothing too major, thankfully! Since getting it sorted at the mechanic's, everything's been running perfectly fine. The electric fan's working exactly as it should, and I haven't had a single overheating issue or emergency mode warning pop up. It's actually a huge relief not having to worry about it anymore. Honestly, looking back, I wish I'd gotten it checked sooner. The diagnostic test they did really helped pinpoint the exact problem, and it turned out to be a much simpler fix than I initially feared. My cooling system's been working like a charm ever since. If you're experiencing similar symptoms, I'd definitely recommend getting it looked at, it's worth fixing before it potentially causes any bigger problems.

Thanks for all the details! I bit the bullet and took it to a mechanic yesterday. You were right about getting it checked sooner rather than later. The diagnostic test showed it was indeed the wiring, just like your case. Got a good deal too, paid about the same as you did. The whole experience wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. The mechanic was actually pretty straightforward, showed me the corroded wiring, and explained everything clearly. Fixed it in a couple of hours, and my i8's running like a dream now. No more emergency mode warnings, and the temperature gauge is staying exactly where it should be. Really glad I asked here first, saved me from potentially getting overcharged or having unnecessary parts replaced. Thanks again for sharing your experience, it definitely helped me approach the situation with more confidence!

Hello everyone, I have a BMW M760e xDrive with 11000 km. Yesterday it received an update and since then the cooling fan of the right rear seat keeps running at high speed. I can't turn it off and I can't turn on the seat heating anymore. It keeps running even when the car is locked. What can I do about it? I still have to go to Germany today and the garages are closed for 3 days.

(Translated from Dutch)

Try performing a soft reset of the vehicle's electronic systems by disconnecting the car battery for about 10 minutes, then reconnecting it. This can sometimes resolve issues caused by software updates. If the problem persists, it might be best to contact BMW roadside assistance for further guidance, especially since the fan running continuously could drain your battery. Let me know if this helps or if you have any other questions!