BMW 3 Hybrid Dies: Immobilizer System Malfunction Alert

Hey there! I have some experience working on cars and had a similar issue with my 2021 BMW 5 Series Hybrid (also had a 4 Series before). The symptoms you're describing sound exactly like what I dealt with. My key's programming got corrupted somehow, causing the immobilizer to act up. Had to take it to my workshop where they reprogrammed the key to sync properly with the car's system. Total cost was 45 Euro and took about an hour. Could you share your car's exact mileage and whether you've had any recent battery issues or electrical work done? Also, are you using the original key or a spare? This info would help confirm if we're dealing with the same problem. Just make sure to get it checked soon, driving with immobilizer issues can leave you stranded somewhere!

Thanks for sharing your experience! My BMW just hit 117707 KM and had its latest service two weeks ago. Actually, I'm using the original key, and hadn't noticed any battery issues before this started happening. Your situation sounds exactly like what I'm experiencing. Glad to hear it was a relatively quick fix. I'll try to book an appointment with my workshop to get the key reprogrammed. Really hoping it's just that and not something more serious!

Hey again! Thanks for those details. Yeah, after reading about your mileage and recent service, I'm even more convinced it's the same issue I had. Looking back at my case, the problem actually started right after a routine service too, weird coincidence, right? Just a heads up, when I took mine in, they initially thought it might be something more complex with the electrical system, but I insisted on checking the key programming first based on my research. Saved me from unnecessary diagnostics. One thing I learned from my experience, keep your spare key handy during this time. My car acted up twice while I was waiting for the workshop appointment, and the spare key actually worked better than the main one. If your workshop gives you any pushback about it being a key programming issue, tell them to check TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) related to immobilizer systems on our generation of BMWs. That's what helped my mechanic zero in on the problem quickly. Let me know how it goes! Really curious if it turns out to be the same fix as mine. These hybrid systems can be tricky sometimes, but usually, it's something fairly straightforward like this.

Thanks so much for all the detailed advice! I really appreciate you taking the time to share those specifics about the TSB and the spare key tip. I actually just found my spare key in the drawer, can't believe I didn't think of trying it! You're totally right about it possibly starting after the service, now that I think about it. The timing matches up perfectly. I've managed to book an appointment for tomorrow morning, and I've made notes of everything you mentioned. Will definitely bring up the TSB if they try suggesting more complex fixes. Really hoping it'll be as straightforward as your case was. The car's too new to be dealing with major issues anyway! Thanks again for all your help. It's such a relief knowing someone else dealt with the same thing and got it sorted without too much hassle. Will update you once it's fixed!