BMW iX3 Infotainment Total Failure, Causes and Fixes

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2020 BMW iX (also had a chance to drive the i4, lovely cars). I have some experience working on EVs, but nothing too advanced. The symptoms you described sound exactly like what I went through. My screen was dead, no audio, nothing. Initially thought it was the CAN-BUS system too, and the first workshop actually charged me 235 Euro to "fix" it, claiming bus damage. Turned out they were wrong. The real issue was much simpler, a faulty control module that needed a reset and software update. Got it sorted at another workshop where they properly diagnosed it. Before I can help more specifically, could you share: Have you had any recent software updates? Does your car show any warning lights? Have you tried disconnecting the battery for a reset? Let me know these details, and I might be able to point you in the right direction.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Currently at 182204 KM from my latest service. Had a similar suspicion about the CAN-BUS, but based on what you're saying, I might be overthinking it. Haven't had any software updates recently, and no warning lights showing up at all, which is why this sudden infotainment failure is so puzzling. I actually haven't tried disconnecting the battery yet, honestly wasn't sure if that was safe to do with an EV without messing something up. Would definitely prefer to avoid unnecessary workshop charges if it's something that simple. Would you mind sharing how long you kept the battery disconnected for that reset? I'm considering trying this before taking it to the dealer.

Hey again! Glad to help out further. Yeah, I totally understand your hesitation about the battery, I was nervous about it too with my iX. Since we have similar models, I can tell you it's actually safe to do, but there's a specific way to go about it. When I did mine, I disconnected it for about 30 minutes. Make sure the car is completely powered down first. The reset worked for me temporarily, but honestly, it came back after a few days. That's when I knew it wasn't just a simple glitch. With your mileage being at 182204 KM, it's probably worth mentioning that my issue started around the 175000 KM mark. These control modules can start acting up around this time, it's just one of those things with modern cars, especially EVs with all their complex systems. If you do try the battery disconnect and it doesn't solve it, don't waste time like I did trying other DIY fixes. Head straight to a dealer who knows these systems well. In my case, the module needed both a reset and reprogramming, it's not something you can do at home unfortunately. Let me know how the battery reset goes if you try it. Would be interested to hear if your experience matches mine!

Thanks so much for the detailed advice! Just tried the battery disconnect for 30 minutes like you suggested. The system actually came back on initially, got really excited! But then it started acting up again after about an hour of driving. The screen went black during a drive, though this time it flickered a bit before dying completely. You're right about not wasting time with more DIY attempts. Going to book it in with my dealer tomorrow, your experience has saved me from going down the rabbit hole of trying various fixes myself. Really helpful to know about that 175000 KM mark too, makes sense given my mileage. Will let you know how it goes at the dealer, hoping it's just the control module like in your case. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience in such detail. These modern EVs are amazing when they work, but dealing with their tech issues can be pretty stressful!