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samuelstorm1

BMW i8 Sunblind Failure: Error Codes & Solutions Needed

Fault stored

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Sunblind gets stuck in one position

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Sunblind no longer retracts and extends

Hey all! Having trouble with my 2019 BMW i8's sunblind, it's completely stuck and won't respond to controls. Getting error codes too. Has anyone dealt with this issue before? Particularly interested in hearing what repairs were needed and how your service center fixed it. Any input would help me understand what I'm dealing with here. Thanks!

4 comment(s)


robinflame9

I have some experience working on hybrid cars and went through something similar with my 2017 BMW i3. The sunblind motor completely failed one day, totally unresponsive, just like yours. Took it to my regular workshop and they found the motor was burned out. They had to replace the entire motor assembly. The repair cost me around 330 Euro, but it's been working perfectly since then. These motors can fail due to various reasons, could be electrical issues or mechanical wear. Before I give more specific advice, can you tell me if you're getting any specific error codes? Also, do you hear any noise when trying to operate the sunblind? This could help identify if you're dealing with the same issue I had. I know the i8 has a different setup than my i3, but these systems are pretty similar across the BMW hybrid line. Let me know those details and I can share more about what to expect during the repair process.

samuelstorm1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience! My odometer's at 111812 KM and I just had my service last month. Yeah, when I try to operate the sunblind, there's actually a faint grinding noise, kind of like something's stuck. I'm getting error code P1150, which keeps popping up on the display. Really hoping I don't need a complete motor replacement like you did, but it's starting to sound like that might be the case. Did your grinding noise sound similar before the repair? Been super happy with my i8's performance otherwise, just this sunblind issue is driving me nuts.

robinflame9

Oh hey again! Yeah, that grinding noise you're describing sounds exactly like what I experienced with my i8 before getting it fixed. When I heard that sound, it was definitely the motor struggling, mine made this awful grinding/whirring noise before it completely gave up. The P1150 code you're getting is pretty much identical to what I dealt with. In my case, I initially hoped it was just something minor, maybe debris in the track or something, but nope, it turned out to be the motor after all. The grinding noise is usually a dead giveaway that the motor's on its way out. Since you mentioned your recent service, it's kind of unlucky timing. But these motors do tend to fail around the 100K mark, I was at about 108K when mine went. The good news is that once you get the motor replaced, it should work good as new. Quick tip though, while you're waiting to get it fixed, try not to keep pressing the controls when you hear that grinding. I made that mistake and probably made things worse by trying to force it. Learned that the hard way! Let me know how it goes with the repair. The i8's been such a great car otherwise, hasn't it? Despite this problem, I don't regret getting one at all.

samuelstorm1 (Author)

Thanks so much for the detailed response! That's really helpful to know about the 100K mark, makes me feel better that this isn't some unusual fluke. And thanks for the tip about not forcing the controls, I've definitely been guilty of repeatedly trying to make it work! I'll stop doing that right away. I've just booked it in for a checkup next week. You're absolutely right about the i8, even with this issue, I'm still completely in love with the car. The performance and handling are just incredible. I really appreciate you sharing your experience, gives me a much better idea of what I'm dealing with. I'll update the forum once I get it fixed in case anyone else runs into the same problem in the future. Thanks again for all your help!

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