Is Your BMW i3 Bricked? Here’s What Might Be Wrong (And How We Fixed It)
Owning a BMW i3 can be a joy, until a critical component fails. One of the most dreaded issues? A dead EME (Electronic Motor Electronics) module, which can render your i3 completely undrivable.
The Problem: A Failed EME Module
A 2015 BMW i3 recently arrived at our shop with a “bricked” condition — no gear selection, no power. Diagnostics revealed a defective EME, the brain of the electric motor.
- In the U.S., early-production i3 EMEs are covered by an extended warranty, but Canadian owners aren’t as lucky.
- A brand-new EME from BMW costs a staggering $10,500 + installation + programming, and it’s currently on backorder with no ETA.
This left us with two options:
- Send the EME for out-of-country repair (time-consuming).
- Install a used EME (hard to find—must be an exact match for year and REX-equipped models).
We opted for a known good used EME, but the repair didn’t end there…
The Diagnostic Rabbit Hole: A Deeper Motor Issue
After replacing the EME, new faults appeared. Further testing revealed:
- The electric motor position sensor wouldn’t initialize.
- Upon inspection, the sensor was badly scuffed and damaged.
- Worse yet, the sensor isn’t sold separately — only with a full motor replacement.
Digging deeper, we found the real culprit:
- The motor’s bearing had completely failed, causing excessive play.
- The loose rotor destroyed the position sensor, which likely fried the EME in the process.
The Solution: Precision Repairs Save the i3 from the Scrapyard
Without thorough diagnostics, this i3 could have been written off as scrap. Instead, we:
- Replaced the faulty EME with a used unit.
- Addressed the motor bearing failure to prevent future damage.
- Ensured all systems were properly re-calibrated.
The motor’s bearing had completely failed
Need Expert BMW i3 Repairs? We Specialize in Complex Fixes!
Electric BMWs demand specialized knowledge — especially when diagnosing cascading failures like this one. If your i3 is acting up, don’t wait until it’s bricked.
Contact us today for a detailed diagnostic and repair plan!
Phone: (1) 905.795.0419.
- Pro Tip: Always diagnose motor bearing noise early, it can save your EME!
- A myth – busting section: No, your i3 isn’t ‘totalled’ — we’ve revived worse.
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