MKH said:would you be able to get the parts from one of previously crashed i3 - Would that work?
Don't think parts are the problem. The AC system runs through the entire battery pack - as it cools it during charging. Labor is the issue - to replace the entire AC system, the car pretty much needs to be dismantled, and the battery pack completely disassembled. Would be a daunting task for even BMW engineers to do, let-alone an owner/diy.
Sure, but the problem is possibly not in the battery pack. i3Alan told us that the system:
1. There was a leak, and the dealer didn't correctly diagnose it.
2. Possibly the service tech overfilled the the refrigerant, or failed to add the lubricant etc that caused the compressor self destruction.
3. Basic system system design is a terrible failure.
So, if it isn't easy to have the BMW replace it cheap, it would be better to take the i3 to find a good airconditioner dealer, test the pressure AC inside the battery pack, and if it is sealed, then replace the second parts from a broken i3. Fix the leaks, and replace the compressor. That would be way cheaper than paying thousands from the BMW dealer, and saving the i3 from sent it to the dump.