BMW X4 Multiple System Failures, Radar Sensor Issues?

Hey there! I have some experience with cars. I actually had a very similar issue with my 2020 BMW X3 last summer. The dash lit up like a Christmas tree with multiple warnings, it was pretty nerve-wracking. Turned out the front radar sensor was just really dirty and needed a thorough cleaning. My local workshop had it sorted in about an hour, cost me around 45 Euro. Don't know if that's your exact issue, but the symptoms sound familiar. I'd be happy to share more details about the specific warning messages I got, but could you first tell me: Which warning lights are you seeing exactly? Does it happen more often in certain weather conditions? Have you noticed any issues with your adaptive cruise control? (2020 BMW X3 owner)

Hey, thanks for jumping in! My X4 has about 133774 KM on the clock and had its last service just 2 months back. Similar to what you described, my dash warnings include collision warning system malfunction, lane departure warnings going crazy, and adaptive cruise control completely shutting down. Seems more frequent during heavy rain actually. I'll try getting the sensor cleaned first before going for any major repairs, your experience gives me hope it might be something simple. Really don't want to spend a fortune if it's just dirt causing all this drama! Was your sensor cleaning done at a regular BMW workshop? Sure would help to know where to start with this. Let me know if you dealt with any similar warning combinations. Really appreciate the help!

Hey again! Yes, those warning combinations sound exactly like what I experienced with my X3. It's almost like déjà vu hearing your description, especially the part about it acting up more in the rain! Actually, I initially took mine to a regular BMW workshop, but they wanted to replace the entire sensor unit (quoted me something ridiculous like 1200 Euro). I wasn't having that, so I went to my trusted independent mechanic instead. Best decision ever. Here's something interesting, after the cleaning, my mechanic mentioned that these radar sensors are super sensitive to any kind of buildup. Even road grime or bug splatter can mess with them. Since yours is showing the same symptoms in heavy rain, I'd bet good money it's the same issue. Quick tip from my experience, once it's cleaned, try to keep that area of the bumper extra clean, especially during bad weather. I now make sure to wipe down the sensor area whenever I wash the car, and haven't had any problems since. Just so you know, I waited about two weeks before getting it fixed (kept driving with all those warnings), and nothing bad happened, though it was pretty annoying not having the driver assistance features. If your symptoms are identical to what I had, you should be back on the road with everything working properly in no time. Let me know how it goes after the cleaning, really curious if it's the same simple fix for you too! -

you're an absolute lifesaver! Can't thank you enough for all this detailed info. You've definitely calmed my nerves about the whole situation. I'll skip the main BMW workshop and head straight to a trusted independent mechanic tomorrow. That price difference is insane, 1200 Euro for a new sensor versus a simple cleaning! Really glad you shared that bit of info. It makes total sense about the rain correlation now. We've had pretty nasty weather lately, and I haven't been great about keeping the car clean. Thanks for the maintenance tip about wiping down the sensor area, definitely going to make that a regular habit once this is sorted. I'll let you know how it goes after the cleaning. Fingers crossed it's as straightforward as your case! Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience, it's really helped me avoid what could've been an unnecessarily expensive repair. Here's hoping my next update will be about how a simple cleaning fixed everything!