My car has a problem with the carbon fiber roof panel. In the sun, the clear epoxy of the roof is de laminating from the carbon fiber beneath it. This is a safety issue because as it delaminates the clear epoxy is no longer properly attached to the roof and may fly off and into other vehicles when traveling at highway speeds. This is a well documented issue with these cars on the reddit forum r/bmwi3.
Message saying driver restraint failure, air bags may not deploy properly. Random event, has been an issue with bmw i3 models.
I'm writing this in anticipation of my carbon-fiber roof failing, though it has not yet. It is showing standard early signs, consisting of blistering of the clear coat, which appears to be directly over the fiberglass composite roof surface proper. I keep it covered, and that probably has much to do with the blistering not advancing noticeably in recent times.
Ac compressor for the car battery system failed. There was a check engine light that was on steady, but not flashing. The electric range in the car reduced by 20 to 30% as a result of this fault. It was brought into the bmw dealership for inspection and they determined that was a short in the ac compressor and that the whole ac compressor system would need to be replaced; compressor, lines and radiatorx2 (battery radiator also needed). This was because this typical failure causes metal filings to enter the cooling system and it's not recommended to flush it out. There were no prior warnings or noise leading up to the problem. I'm concerned that there is a high risk that further driving the vehicle or charging it could cause a battery failure and cause it to catch on fire since there is no cooling. Normally a flashing engine light means to stop driving immediately, but there was no flashing light only a steady light. The bwm system check menu reported no issue with the car! The repair bill for this is about $8,400 and is rediculous. This seems to be a common problem when you start searching for it. Seems to also happen to the bmw i8 which shares the same compressor. Note that there are several revisions to the ac compressor part number which seems to suggest that they had to keep changing the part as production went on but did not notify affected cars that they could have a serious problem. This shouldn't be happening at 77k miles.
Airbag failed. Alert light went on. Had to be replaced.
Roof is bubbling, wrinkling, and looks like it is de-laminating
Carbon roof delaminating due to lack of uv protection. Parts of i3 roofs dethatching at highway speeds.
I am writing to bring to your attention a persistent issue i have been facing with my 2014 bmw i3, vin: [xxx]. Unfortunately, i have been experiencing an airbag and/or seatbelt alert problem identified as "driver restraint system malfunction" with the error code 930904 displayed on the dashboard. I have attached supporting documentation, including images and information from the bmw service bulletin, which clearly outlines that the error code 930904 is a known and routine problem for my specific vehicle model, thus a service bulletin was issued by bmw, as you can see attached from bmw’s website. It has come to my attention, through online forums and discussions within the bmw i3 community, that others have successfully resolved this issue under the terms of the service bulletin, but for some reason i keep getting the runaround. Regrettably, despite my efforts to address this matter with bmw usa on three separate occasions since october 2023, i have not received a satisfactory resolution. Instead, i have been redirected to bmw authorized dealerships, where i am faced with unjustifiable diagnostic fees and repair costs. It is perplexing to me that other members of the bmw community have had their issues resolved under the service bulletin at no cost, while i am being subjected to unnecessary expenses. To provide you with a clear overview: 1. The error code 930904 is documented in the bmw service bulletin for my 2014 bmw i3 rex. 2. Other bmw i3 owners have successfully had this issue resolved under warranty through the service bulletin. 3. Bmw usa and its authorized dealerships have been uncooperative in acknowledging and addressing this known issue. I visited my local bmw dealership in rochester, ny, on 10-10-23, only to be informed that they could not locate the referenced code and insisted on charging me a diagnostic fee and an additional $1,800 for the repair. Are you kidding me? Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6)
The roof of my car is delaminating. It's discoloring and developing bubbles. I looked online and found this is a common issue with the vehicle. I believe this may be a structural concern considering the cars body is composite and the roof contributes to the structural integrity of the vehicle. Not to mention the danger to others on the freeway from large chunks of roof blowing off and hitting vehicles. (not from my vehicle but from other complaints i've read)
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? There seems to be a series of faulty electrical/wiring issues happening with our 2017 bmw i3, most notably including the passenger seat/airbag registering system and control panel/console lighting. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? We are unsure how this issue impacts the passenger airbag system. Bmw was also not able to tell us whether the passenger airbag is impacted by the electrical issue. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A local bmw dealership inspected the issue. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The failure lights and error message were the first indication of a problem. This first happened in march 2021 when we starting receiving an error for the passenger seat sensor: “passenger restraint system: malfunction. Continue wearing safety belt. Consult the nearest service center. ” we took it to the dealership asking for coverage on the item and they said it would be $2,000-$3,000 out of pocket to fix. I filed a complaint with vsh@dot. Gov and bmw and have not heard back from either. Over the past 6 months, the console lighting has now started malfunctioning as well. Lights will flicker in and out while they are active. For example, the heated seat may be on level 3, but only the two end lights are illuminated. Sometimes the heated seat will be active with no lights illuminated at all. Sometimes the heated seats will turn on with no way to shut it off. The evolving electrical issues concern me considering this is an electric vehicle.