BMW X1 Electrical Chaos: Multiple System Failures Explained

Hey there! I have some experience working on cars and had a similar issue with my 2017 BMW X3. The symptoms were almost identical, unusual warning lights, electrical gremlins, and starting problems. Took it to my regular workshop last year, and it turned out my battery was on its last legs. The mechanic did a full diagnostic and found that the battery wasn't holding charge properly anymore, causing all those weird electrical issues. Ended up paying 290 Euro for a new battery and installation. Since then, everything's been working perfectly. The X1 and X3 share quite a few electrical components, so this could be your issue too. But before jumping to conclusions, could you share: How old is your current battery? Are these issues happening more when it's cold or after the car sits for a few days? Does the car always start, or do you sometimes get no response at all? Let me know these details and I might be able to help more!

Thanks for the reply! Actually, my X1 just hit 139494 KM and had its latest service about 2 months ago. The battery is still the original one from 2019, so that definitely could be the culprit. The issues seem worse when the car sits for a couple days, and I've noticed it's especially temperamental in the mornings. Sometimes it starts fine, but other times it takes a few attempts, and all those warning lights start flashing like a Christmas tree! Reading your experience, I'm definitely leaning towards getting the battery checked out first. Did you go with an OEM battery for your X3? I'm wondering if it's worth spending extra on the BMW-branded one or if an aftermarket option would work just as well.

Hey again! Yeah, seeing those details about your X1 definitely reminds me of what I went through with my X3. Same exact symptoms, the Christmas tree dashboard was quite a sight in the mornings! About your battery question, I actually went with an OEM battery from BMW. I know it was a bit pricier, but here's the thing: after dealing with all those electrical issues, I didn't want to take any chances. These modern BMWs have pretty sensitive electrical systems, and I'd read some horror stories about aftermarket batteries causing coding issues. In my case, the BMW battery has been solid for over a year now, no issues whatsoever. The technician mentioned that the original battery typically lasts about 4-5 years, so yours being from 2019 is definitely in the replacement zone. One thing I learned during this whole ordeal, if you do go ahead with the battery replacement, make sure wherever you get it done can properly code the new battery to the car. My cousin tried saving money by getting an aftermarket battery installed at a regular shop, and his X3 kept throwing fault codes until he finally got it properly coded at a BMW specialist. Trust me, once you get this sorted, all those unusual electrical gremlins should disappear. It's amazing how many problems a failing battery can cause in these cars!

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! You've honestly made me feel a lot better about this whole situation. I was worried it might be something way more serious (and expensive), but everything you've described matches my issues perfectly. Think I'll bite the bullet and go for the OEM battery, definitely don't want to deal with coding issues or more electrical problems down the line. Going to call my BMW specialist tomorrow and get this sorted. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, especially the tip about making sure they code the new battery properly. It's crazy how a single failing component can cause so many weird issues in these modern cars! Will update the thread once it's all fixed, but I've got a good feeling this is exactly what's been causing all my headaches.

Have a blw x1 2018 diesel...after already replacing multiple sensors from temperature particulate filter and sensor particulate.... keep coming in engine trouble also i keep hearing a valve opening and closing while driving ...what could this be

(Translated from Dutch)

Start by checking the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve. A malfunctioning EGR valve can cause engine trouble codes and unusual noises. It might be sticking or not functioning properly, leading to the issues you're experiencing. If you're not comfortable inspecting it yourself, I recommend having a mechanic take a look, as this can affect engine performance and emissions. Let me know how it goes or if you have any further questions!