BMW Immobilizer Issue Causes Engine to Die Instantly

Hey there! I have some experience working on cars as a hobby. I had a similar issue with my 2019 BMW 1 Series diesel last year. The symptoms were exactly the same, engine cutting out and that annoying immobilizer light flashing. I took it to my regular workshop, and it turned out the key needed reprogramming. Something got messed up in the communication between the key and the car's computer. The fix was pretty straightforward, they reprogrammed the key, and it cost me 45 Euro. Car's been running perfectly since then. Before jumping to conclusions though, what's the exact error code you're getting? Also, did this start happening suddenly or gradually? Have you tried using your spare key?

Hey! Thanks for sharing your experience. My car has only done 8521 KM since I got it and had its latest service recently. I actually tried both keys but still having the same problem. The error code I'm getting is "EWS-2F" and it started quite suddenly, was perfectly fine one evening, then the next morning it just wouldn't stay running. Given that my car is fairly new, I'm really hoping it's just a programming issue like yours was. Did your mechanic mention any other potential causes I should look out for?

Hey again! Thanks for the additional info. Yeah, that EWS-2F code is exactly what I got with my BMW too. While my issue was fixed with key reprogramming, I actually learned there could be a few other causes when I was dealing with this. In my case, before going to the workshop, I initially thought it might be the key transponder ring (the thing around your ignition switch) because my mechanic mentioned it's another common cause. But since you've tried both keys and got the same result, I'd also consider checking the EWS control module itself. When my car had this issue, my mechanic explained that sometimes the module can get "confused" even in newer cars, especially after software updates or if there's been any recent electrical work done. Did you happen to have any electrical work or updates done during your recent service? I know it's frustrating, especially with such a new car, but these electronic gremlins can pop up regardless of mileage. My suggestion would be to get it checked by a BMW specialist who has experience with EWS systems. The diagnostic equipment they use can pinpoint whether it's just a programming issue or if there's actually a hardware problem. Let me know what you find out, I'm curious if it turns out to be the same issue as mine!

Thanks so much for all this detailed info! Actually, now that you mention it, they did do a software update during my last service about two weeks ago. That could definitely explain why this started happening out of nowhere. I've just booked an appointment with a BMW specialist for tomorrow morning, they seemed pretty familiar with the EWS-2F code when I mentioned it over the phone. Really hoping it's just a programming problem like yours was. It's such a relief to hear this is fairly common and usually fixable without major repairs. I'll definitely let you know what they find, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a simple key reprogramming job! Thanks again for walking me through your experience, it's made me feel a lot less worried about the whole situation.