BMW X3 Clutch Switch Failure Disrupts Multiple Systems

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2018 BMW X1 last month. The symptoms you're describing match exactly what I experienced, car starting without clutch engagement, no cruise control, and wonky gear indicator. Took it to my trusted mechanic and it turned out the clutch pedal position sensor was totally shot. The wiring harness connecting to the switch had some corrosion and a loose connection. The fix involved replacing the sensor assembly and reconnecting the wiring properly. Not a major repair in terms of complexity, but it's crucial since it affects multiple safety systems. The whole thing took about 2 hours to diagnose and fix. My advice would be to get it checked soon since driving without proper cruise control and gear indication isn't ideal. Just make sure you find a mechanic who knows their way around BMW electronics, that's really important for these sensor-related issues.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful as it sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with. Good to know it wasn't some major complicated repair. Would you mind letting me know roughly how much you ended up paying for the fix? Also, has everything been working smoothly since the repair, or have you noticed any other quirks popping up? I'm trying to get a better idea of what to expect when I take it in.

Hey again! Just wanted to follow up about the costs. The repair turned out to be pretty straightforward, just 95 € to fix the cable and plug connection that was acting up. The mechanic found the bad clutch pedal switch was the culprit, just like we thought. Everything's been working perfectly since the fix, cruise control is back to normal, gear display is spot on, and the car won't start without pressing the clutch (which is how it should be). No other weird issues have popped up at all. Honestly, it was such a relief that it wasn't anything more serious. My mechanic said these switches can sometimes act up due to normal wear and tear, but once they're fixed properly, they usually stay that way. Really glad I got it sorted when I did. You should be back on track pretty quickly once you get yours fixed too!

Thanks for all the details! I actually just got back from the mechanic today. You were spot on, it was the clutch pedal switch causing all the trouble. My repair was a bit pricier since they had to replace the entire switch assembly, but at least it's all sorted now. The mechanic showed me the old switch and explained how it had worn out over time. They were really thorough and even ran a full diagnostic check afterward to make sure everything was working properly. Took about three hours total, but now my cruise control is back, the gear display is working perfectly, and the car actually needs the clutch to start again! Really appreciate everyone's help here. It definitely made me feel more confident about what needed fixing, and I knew what questions to ask at the shop. Seems like these switches are a common weak point, but at least it's a manageable repair.