2014 BMW I3 Problems

Sudden unintended deceleration on highway Complete loss of propulsion Thermal warning / overheating Date: May 11, 2026 Mileage: approximately 18,966+ Vehicle: 2014 BMW i3 REx, VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at 49 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal screeching sound and was leaning on the driver's side rear-end. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a rear-end inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown engine mount bracket recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 154,140.

The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at 49 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal screeching sound and was leaning on the driver's side rear-end. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a rear-end inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown engine mount bracket recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 154,140.

RANGE extender intermittintly doesnt start when electric is low cause dangerous loss of complete power . exacerbated by the fact that it becomes nearly impossible for two people to push in neutral on level ground .

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)

I am writing regarding an ongoing issue I am having with BMW North America and their dealerships concerning a faulty airbag in my 2014 BMW i3 electric vehicle (VIN #: [XXX] ). On multiple occasions in October 2023, BMW North America informed me that the "Driver Restraint System Malfunction" alert in my vehicle could be repaired under a Service Action extension (code SIB010818/DC3234908400) that covers airbag issues in vehicles under 10 years old and 100,000 miles. See pictures of the issue/alert on dash attached. However, when I brought my vehicle to two local BMW dealerships (in Rochester and Syracuse, NY), they either claimed the Service Action code did not exist or that I would need to pay a diagnostic fee of $250 AND $1,800 to fix the airbag and seatbelt issue out of pocket, despite BMW North America saying this should be covered. As a disabled person on a fixed income, I cannot afford to gamble hundreds of dollars on diagnostic fees when BMW North America has already provided the Service Action code that should cover the necessary airbag repair. This is not only a financial burden but a safety concern, as I am being forced to drive a vehicle with a known airbag defect. I am reaching out to request your help resolving this issue with BMW as this issue with my BMW i3 is VERY routine and all over the internet and the BMW i3 forums as BMW clearly failed its very basic duties in protecting USA consumers with this vehicle and its numerous issues. Airbags and seatbelts are NOT issues consumers should have to gamble with due to the failures of BMW in properly producing a vehicle that would avoid such serious problems as clearly prevalent to a lot of owners of this make and model. I look forward to your assistance in this urgent matter. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While driving through a parking lot at slow speeds on 6/24/2023 around 6:30 pm in Phoenix AZ, I noticed the steering felt very heavy and the car pulled hard to the left. While driving slowly down a driveway, I checked the air pressure data and found all 4 tires at recommended levels. I drove 15 miles to my home below the speed limit while wrestling with the steering wheel, thinking that the power to the steering system had somehow failed. Some quick online research upon my return revealed that this problem is not unusual, but can be resolved by turning the car off and then back on again. Following this procedure solved the issue, but leaves me with uncertainty as to when it may happen again.

The steering becomes sluggish, hard to turn back to center. Seems as though I had a flat front tire. This was not the case. I restarted car then no longer had the problem. This has happened twice. Once to my wife and then myself.

THE LEFT BRACKET FOR THE ELECTRIC ENGINE IS CRACKED AND THE DEALER WANTS SUBSTANTIALLY MORE FOR A REPLACEMENT ONE WHICH HAPPENS TO BE COMPLETELY REDESIGNED FROM A CHEAP PLASTIC PART WHICH EQUIPS MY CAR TO A MORE STUDY AND IMPROVED ONE FOR THE LATEST MODELS OF THE SAME MAKE. AS I DID SOME RESEARCH THE SAME ISSUE WAS SUBJECTED TO A FORMAL SAFETY RECALL IN EUROPE. HERE MY WARRANTY EXPIRED SO THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME A HEFTY FEE FOR WHAT IS BASICALLY A REPAIR TO A MANUFACTURER'S RECOGNIZED DESIGN FLAW. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AS MANY OWNERS OF THIS CAR WILL NOT REPAIR THIS ISSUE WHICH CAN BE FAILED TO BE IDENTIFIED OR WILL BALK AT THE PRICE TAG OF THE CHANGE. IF THE BRACKET FAILS THE WHOLE ENGINE AND DRIVESHAFT WILL DROP AND INTERFERE WITH REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF CONTROL. THE REPLACEMENT BRACKET IS ALUMINIUM VS THE ORIGINAL ONE IN PLASTIC SO THEY ARE TRYING TO QUICKLY SWEEP THIS DESIGN FLAW UNDER THE RUG. THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC CRASHES OF THIS TYPE OF CAR IN THE PAST DUE TO IT BUT CROSSING MY FINGERS IT DIDN'T HAPPEN. THE PICTURES I INCLUDE SHOW WHERE THE REPLACEMENT NEEDS TO HAPPEN. #3 IS WHERE THE CRACK IS AND I ALSO HAVE A VIDEO I CAN SUBMIT IF NEEDED.

WHEN THE DRIVETRAIN FAILURE LIGHT COMES ON, THE MOTOR FAILS, THEN LOCKS UP IN PARK. YOU CONNOT THEN PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD. EVEN THE TOWTRUCK NEEDS DOLLIES TO GET REAR WHEELS OFF THE GROUND. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WHILE STATIONARY, AND SEVERAL TIMES ON THE ROAD. IF I HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO ROLL TO SHOULDER, IT COULD HAVE CREATED AN ACCIDENT. THERE SHOULD BE A WAY TO GET TO ZNEUTRAL.

The carbon fiber roof is delaminating and a portion of it came off and hit the front windshield of another car, causing them to partially lose control of their vehicle almost causing an accident. This is a known issue BMW has not taken an action to resolve it. I’m afraid that a larger chunk may hit somebody’s car and cause a severe accident.

A large portion of the car's hood (carbon laminate?) has ripped off and is surely to continue to tear and fly off while driving.

Sudden unintended deceleration on highway Complete loss of propulsion Thermal warning / overheating Date: May 11, 2026 Mileage: approximately 18,966+ Vehicle: 2014 BMW i3 REx, VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I purchased my 2014 BMW i3 from Canada in 2019. It was imported from the U.S and still is registered in the U.S. I brought it into the BMW dealership in Vancouver BC shortly after to do a vehicle inspection. At that time, the dealer printed out a list of defect codes/recalls. It also said that they were done and marked "yes" completed. Fast forward to 2022, I bring my car into the same dealer and they said there is a recall not completed to replace the convenience charging electronics KLE and that they would fix for free. My car was not starting and we thought it could have caused the issue. They also noted at that time that the engine mount screws are now split and need to be replaced. I then discovered it was part of an open recall but when I asked about this, they said the recall closed in 2016 and I would now be responsible to replace this part for $3400+ even though it was a known defective BMW part. Upon further research, the initial part replaced was deemed not good enough and the part was upgraded to aluminum (it is currently a plastic mount bracket). I have tried requesting again for them to complete the recall work but they said they told me: " Yes, there was a recall but it was completed in 2016 in san fran by the looks of it. (<--I don't think it was actually completed) "I can't claim it since its done unfortunately... there is no way for me to claim this to you either as the repairs done more than 2 years ago and the car is out of warrant for 4 years. So BMW will just see it as just wear and tear. I tried to see of any ways I could assist you but there isn't a way for me to claim this with BMW" So my issue, and why I am writing you is that they claim the part has been completed but it has not, it is still the original bracket and screw mount. Plus they admitted they still needed to replace the charging electronics when this was apparently also marked as completed. I suspect someone lied about the recall work being done in San Francisco.

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.

Car had all warning light came on one day. We brought to a local dealer and they told me it was due to 12V battery was not charging. 1. I asked to a service rep if 12V battery could be issue w/o full diagnostic which they charged me extra. He said they needed to do it to figure out. 2. After replacing the battery, it still had error message. After a few days, I was told car needs software update to clear error message related 12V battery. I requested this should be repaired by BMW or their dealers without any cost to me, but rep told me it was not free. I don't simply understand why consumer is responsible for paying to repair software defect.

Sudden unintended deceleration on highway Complete loss of propulsion Thermal warning / overheating Date: May 11, 2026 Mileage: approximately 18,966+ Vehicle: 2014 BMW i3 REx, VIN [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at 49 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal screeching sound and was leaning on the driver's side rear-end. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a rear-end inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown engine mount bracket recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 154,140.

THE LEFT BRACKET FOR THE ELECTRIC ENGINE IS CRACKED AND THE DEALER WANTS SUBSTANTIALLY MORE FOR A REPLACEMENT ONE WHICH HAPPENS TO BE COMPLETELY REDESIGNED FROM A CHEAP PLASTIC PART WHICH EQUIPS MY CAR TO A MORE STUDY AND IMPROVED ONE FOR THE LATEST MODELS OF THE SAME MAKE. AS I DID SOME RESEARCH THE SAME ISSUE WAS SUBJECTED TO A FORMAL SAFETY RECALL IN EUROPE. HERE MY WARRANTY EXPIRED SO THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME A HEFTY FEE FOR WHAT IS BASICALLY A REPAIR TO A MANUFACTURER'S RECOGNIZED DESIGN FLAW. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AS MANY OWNERS OF THIS CAR WILL NOT REPAIR THIS ISSUE WHICH CAN BE FAILED TO BE IDENTIFIED OR WILL BALK AT THE PRICE TAG OF THE CHANGE. IF THE BRACKET FAILS THE WHOLE ENGINE AND DRIVESHAFT WILL DROP AND INTERFERE WITH REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF CONTROL. THE REPLACEMENT BRACKET IS ALUMINIUM VS THE ORIGINAL ONE IN PLASTIC SO THEY ARE TRYING TO QUICKLY SWEEP THIS DESIGN FLAW UNDER THE RUG. THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC CRASHES OF THIS TYPE OF CAR IN THE PAST DUE TO IT BUT CROSSING MY FINGERS IT DIDN'T HAPPEN. THE PICTURES I INCLUDE SHOW WHERE THE REPLACEMENT NEEDS TO HAPPEN. #3 IS WHERE THE CRACK IS AND I ALSO HAVE A VIDEO I CAN SUBMIT IF NEEDED.

I am writing regarding an ongoing issue I am having with BMW North America and their dealerships concerning a faulty airbag in my 2014 BMW i3 electric vehicle (VIN #: [XXX] ). On multiple occasions in October 2023, BMW North America informed me that the "Driver Restraint System Malfunction" alert in my vehicle could be repaired under a Service Action extension (code SIB010818/DC3234908400) that covers airbag issues in vehicles under 10 years old and 100,000 miles. See pictures of the issue/alert on dash attached. However, when I brought my vehicle to two local BMW dealerships (in Rochester and Syracuse, NY), they either claimed the Service Action code did not exist or that I would need to pay a diagnostic fee of $250 AND $1,800 to fix the airbag and seatbelt issue out of pocket, despite BMW North America saying this should be covered. As a disabled person on a fixed income, I cannot afford to gamble hundreds of dollars on diagnostic fees when BMW North America has already provided the Service Action code that should cover the necessary airbag repair. This is not only a financial burden but a safety concern, as I am being forced to drive a vehicle with a known airbag defect. I am reaching out to request your help resolving this issue with BMW as this issue with my BMW i3 is VERY routine and all over the internet and the BMW i3 forums as BMW clearly failed its very basic duties in protecting USA consumers with this vehicle and its numerous issues. Airbags and seatbelts are NOT issues consumers should have to gamble with due to the failures of BMW in properly producing a vehicle that would avoid such serious problems as clearly prevalent to a lot of owners of this make and model. I look forward to your assistance in this urgent matter. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

THE WARNING MESSAGE (SHOWN IN THE PHOTO PROVIDED) APPEARED LAST NIGHT AROUND 8:00 PM.

I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME WITHOUT WARNING TO ME OR OTHER OWNERS OF SIMILAR VEHICLES PUTTING MY SAFETY AND OTHER'S SAFETY AT GREAT RISK. ON MAY 20, 2020, I WAS STOPPED ON A RED LIGHT AT NECKEL RD TO CROSS HIGHWAY 86 IN IMPERIAL CA. WHEN IT TURNED GREEN, I RELEASED THE BREAK PEDAL AND NORMALLY ACCELERATED. SUDDENLY MY VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY 86 AND PUT ITSELF IN THE PARK POSITION SHOWING "DRIVE TRAIN FAULT" ALARM. IT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CAR'S TRAFFIC AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO SHIFT IT TO NEUTRAL POSITION TO MOVE IT OUT OF THE WAY. WITH VEHICLES TRAFFIC MOVING AROUND ME, I TURN MY CAR OFF AND ON THREE TIMES, WITH ABOUT TEN SECONDS IN BETWEEN OFF AN ON, BEFORE THE ALARM WOULD RESET. ONCE THE ALARM CLEARED, I ABORTED MY SHORT TRIP AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT BACK HOME SAFELY BUT I AM CONCERN THIS MAY HAPPEN AGAIN AT ANY TIME AT HIGHER SPEEDS PUTTING MY SAFETY AND OTHERS' SAFETY AT RISK. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF OTHER HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR ISSUES / COMPLAINS WITH THIS VEHICLES AND WHAT IS BMW DOING ABOUT IT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. *TR

BMW ARE MANUFACTURING NEWER MODEL TIRES FOR THEIR I3 . THESE TIRES ARE VERY NARROW COMPARED TO OTHER CARS THAT GET EASILY WORN OUT . THE TIRE TREAD READINGS SHOW THAT THEY ARE BELOW SAFETY LEVEL, WITHIN 12K MILES OF DRIVING. THEY ARE VERY UNSTABLE AND CAN BE A RISK FACTOR WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROADS. *TR