BMW X1 Won't Start: Bad Ignition Switch or Something Else?

Hey there, fellow BMW owner here with a 2017 BMW X3 30i. Had almost identical issues last month, rough starts, unusual stalling, and inconsistent running. Everyone jumps to the ignition switch conclusion, but in my case, it turned out to be a combination of a failing fuel pump and some blown fuses in the main electrical circuit. Took my car to the dealership after my regular mechanic couldn't figure it out. The diagnostic showed the fuel pump wasn't maintaining proper pressure, and they found two blown fuses connected to the fuel delivery system. It was actually a serious issue that could've left me stranded anywhere. The fix wasn't too complex once they identified the real problem. They replaced the fuel pump, fuses, and did a full system check to ensure no other electrical components were damaged. Car's been running perfectly since then. Just a heads up, get it checked soon before you end up stuck somewhere. These symptoms usually don't fix themselves and tend to get worse over time.

Thanks so much for sharing that experience with your X3, really helpful! Mine's showing such similar symptoms, it's uncanny. Quick question, do you remember roughly how much the whole repair set you back? Also, has everything stayed smooth since the fix, or have you noticed any other quirks popping up? I might just follow your lead and head to the dealership instead of risking it with another unusual mechanic.

Hey again! Happy to update you on my X3 situation. Actually, I ended up being wrong about the fuel pump, turned out it really WAS the ignition switch after all! Sometimes even dealerships need a second look, right? Got it properly diagnosed and fixed at my local mechanic last week, and it's running like a dream now. The fuses were shot too, so they replaced those, that part was just 52 bucks. Since the fix, it's been starting up perfectly every time, no more of that rough running or unusual stalling. Such a relief! The car feels completely back to normal, like those problems never happened. Honestly, I'm kicking myself for not getting it checked out sooner. I know you're nervous about mechanics after your bad experience, but don't let the car go too long without getting it looked at. These kinds of issues usually just get worse (and more expensive) if you wait. If it helps, my mechanic was spot-on with diagnosing it this time around. Let me know how it goes if you get yours checked out!

Thanks for the follow-up! Actually, I bit the bullet and took my X1 to a mechanic yesterday. You won't believe it, but my story took quite a turn. The mechanic I found was actually super thorough, checked everything from the ignition to the fuel system. Turns out it was just a clogged fuel filter and some dirty spark plugs! The whole thing only cost me around 200 bucks, including labor. What a relief, I was honestly preparing myself for a much bigger hit to my wallet. The car's running perfectly now, starts right up every time. No more of that annoying stalling or rough running. Funny how we both had similar symptoms but different causes. Really glad I didn't just assume it was the ignition switch and jump to replacing expensive parts. Having a mechanic who actually takes the time to diagnose properly makes such a huge difference. Thanks again for all your help and for sharing your experience. It really gave me the push I needed to get it checked out before things got worse!