BMW X3 Cold Start Issues, Engine Control Problems?

I've got some experience working on cars and had a similar issue with my 2010 BMW X1 last winter. The symptoms were almost identical to what you're describing with your X3. My car would either not start at all or struggle really badly, especially on cold mornings. After taking it to my trusted workshop, turned out it was just loose battery cable connections causing poor electrical contact. The whole fix, including labor, cost me 155 Euro, much better than what I initially feared! The mechanic cleaned the terminals, replaced some corroded connectors, and made sure everything was properly tightened. Haven't had any issues since then. Before jumping to conclusions though, what's the battery age in your X3? Also, when you try to start it, do you hear any clicking sounds? These details would help me understand if you're facing the same problem I had.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Just had my last service 3 weeks ago at 182148 km and my issue seems different from yours. When I try to start the car, there's no clicking sound at all. The battery is relatively new, replaced it about 8 months ago. The engine actually turns over but runs really rough when it finally starts. Seems more like a fuel system or sensor issue rather than an electrical problem. Mine also shows the engine control malfunction light, which wasn't mentioned in your case. Did anyone else experience something similar?

Hey again! After reading your latest update, you're right, your issue does sound quite different from what I initially thought. When you mentioned the engine actually turns over and runs rough, plus that engine control light, it reminded me of what happened with my X1 about two years ago. I had a similar situation where the engine would turn over but run terribly, especially in cold weather. Turned out my fuel injectors were pretty gunked up, and one of them was actually failing. The engine control light was on because the computer was detecting irregular fuel spray patterns. In my case, the mechanic did a full fuel injection system cleaning and replaced two faulty injectors. The car's been running like a charm since then, even in cold weather. The whole job cost around 780 Euro, which wasn't cheap, but it completely solved the problem. Have you noticed any significant drop in fuel efficiency lately? Or maybe a slight vibration when idling? These were other symptoms I experienced before getting it fixed. Also, when was the last time you had your fuel injectors cleaned? Might be worth checking that out before going for more expensive repairs. Let me know how it goes, really curious if you're dealing with the same issue I had.

Thanks so much for the detailed follow-up! Actually, now that you mention it, I have noticed my fuel consumption has gotten worse over the last few months, and there's definitely a slight vibration when idling. I can't even remember the last time the fuel injectors were cleaned, probably never since I've owned the car. You might be onto something here! It's really helpful to know about your experience with the injectors. The symptoms match up perfectly with what I'm experiencing. While the repair cost isn't exactly cheap, at least I won't be walking into the workshop completely blind. I've booked an appointment for tomorrow morning, and I'll make sure to ask them to check the fuel injection system specifically. I'll keep you posted on what they find. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's definitely given me a much better idea of what I might be dealing with.