BMW iX1 Climate System Dead: Temperature Sensor Issue?

Hey there! I had almost identical issues with my 2020 BMW iX3 last winter. The symptoms matched yours exactly, climate control completely dead, no mirror heating, and temperature display showing nothing. Turned out it was more than just the temperature sensor. The main wiring harness connecting the HVAC control module had corroded connectors, and moisture had gotten into the plug assembly. The corrosion caused intermittent connection issues that affected all those systems. It wasn't a terribly complex fix, but it did require specialized diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the exact location of the fault. The mechanic had to replace a section of the harness and install new weatherproof connectors. Since then, everything's worked perfectly. I'd definitely recommend getting it checked soon, while it might seem just inconvenient now, leaving electrical issues unaddressed can lead to bigger problems down the line, especially in an EV.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. This definitely sounds like what's happening with my iX1! Good to know it might be the wiring harness rather than just a sensor, really helpful insight. Would you mind sharing how much you ended up paying for the repair? Also, just curious if you've had any other electrical gremlins pop up since getting it fixed? Cheers!

Hey there! Good news, I actually just got my iX3 back from the shop the other day! Wanted to update you since you asked about costs and follow-up issues. Turns out my case was much simpler than initially thought, it was actually just a faulty connection at the outside temperature sensor. The mechanic found a damaged cable and plug that were causing all those problems. Total bill came to 95 € for the repair, which was way less than I expected given all the symptoms. Since the fix, everything's been working perfectly, temperature display is spot on, climate control is responsive, and those pesky mirror heating issues are completely sorted. No other electrical problems have cropped up either, which is a relief. Your case might be different, but I'd definitely recommend getting it checked out. Even if it turns out to be the wiring harness like we initially thought, at least you'll know exactly what you're dealing with. Sometimes these electrical issues aren't as complicated (or expensive) as they first appear! Let me know how it goes when you get it looked at!

Just wanted to give you an update! Finally gathered the courage to take my car to a new mechanic yesterday. What a relief, turned out it wasn't as bad as I feared! Like your case, it was actually just a damaged sensor connection. The mechanic found some water damage that was causing all those crazy symptoms. Got it fixed for about 120 bucks, way cheaper than I expected! The best part? Everything's working perfectly now. The temperature display is back, climate control is responding, and those annoying frozen washer nozzles shouldn't be a problem anymore. Such a weight off my shoulders! Really appreciate you sharing your experience, it gave me the push I needed to get this sorted. Funny how we worry about these things being major issues when sometimes it's just a simple fix. Thanks again for all your help! Cheers!