2014 BMW I3 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Failure Complaint (#b0a3e7)

2014 BMW I3

• Date of Incident: Feb-23, 2024
• Date complaint filed: Mar-08, 2024
• Failed components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

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