BMW iX1 Power Seats Frozen, Memory Function Dead

Hey there! I have some experience with EVs since I own a 2020 BMW iX3 (and previously had an i4). I actually faced a similar issue last year with my power seats. They completely stopped responding, just like yours. Turned out it was a loose connection in the wiring harness under the seat. My workshop found that one of the main cable connectors had worked itself loose over time, causing intermittent failures before stopping completely. The fix wasn't too complex, they had to reconnect and secure the cables properly, plus replace one damaged connector. Cost me 95 Euro and took about an hour to fix. Been working perfectly since then. Before I share more specific advice, could you tell me if you're getting any specific error codes or if there are any other electrical issues you've noticed? Also, does this happen with both front seats or just one side?

Thanks for sharing your story! Well, I just hit 162547 KM on mine, and my last service was about 2 months ago. My driver's seat is the only one affected, the passenger side works perfectly fine. Haven't noticed any other electrical gremlins, but the error message just says "Seat adjustment system malfunction" on the display. Good to know about the wiring harness issue you had, gives me hope it might be something similarly straightforward. Did your workshop mention how common this problem is with these models?

Hey again! Thanks for those extra details about your iX1. You know, hearing that it's just your driver's side makes me even more convinced it could be similar to what I experienced with my iX3. These seats get such a workout, especially on the driver's side, all that getting in and out really puts stress on those connections. The timing's interesting though, mine acted up around 140000 KM, so we're in a similar ballpark. My workshop guy actually mentioned they see this type of issue fairly regularly in BMWs with power seats, especially in the higher-mileage vehicles. Something about the constant movement eventually working those connectors loose. I think the fact that your passenger side is working perfectly is a really good sign, pretty much rules out any central control issues. I remember being worried it might be something major with the car's main electrical system, but turned out to be much simpler. Quick question, before it completely stopped working, did you notice any intermittent issues? Like sometimes working, sometimes not? That was my first clue something was up with the wiring rather than a more serious electronic fault.

Thanks for all that detailed info! That's really helpful about the common nature of these issues. Actually, now that you mention it, I did notice some weird behavior about a week before it completely died, the seat would sometimes work fine in the morning but act up later in the day. I thought I was imagining things at first! I've booked it in at my regular workshop for next week. I'll make sure to mention your experience with the wiring harness, sounds like it could save them some diagnostic time. Really hoping it's just a loose connection like yours was. The idea of a simple fix is way better than dealing with a complete seat control module replacement! It's great to hear from someone who's actually dealt with this. Was starting to worry I'd need to trade in my iX1, but this gives me hope it's just one of those typical wear-and-tear things. Will update once I get it checked out, might help someone else down the line dealing with the same problem.