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BSchroeder86

BMW X4 Warning Light Nightmare: Fix or Find New Mechanic?

Hi all! Need some advice about my 2015 BMW X4 (petrol) with 64k km. Getting multiple warning lights on the dashboard and the diagnostic tool shows various error codes. I think it might be a fault memory lock, but I'm hesitant about going back to my mechanic after a recent bad experience. Has anyone dealt with similar issues? What was the actual problem and how much did the repair cost? Any recommendations for dealing with this situation would be great. Thanks!

6 comment(s)

MargoRider

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2012 BMW X3 last year. Multiple warning lights popped up on the dashboard, and it turned out to be an undervoltage problem caused by a failing battery. The battery wasn't holding charge properly, which caused various electronic systems to malfunction and store error codes. The fix wasn't just about replacing the battery, the whole electrical system needed proper diagnosis and reset. My mechanic had to clear all the stored fault codes and reprogram certain modules after installing the new battery. Though not extremely serious, it's definitely something you want to address soon because it can affect critical systems like engine management and safety features. My suggestion would be to get it checked at a shop that specializes in BMW electronics. They'll need proper diagnostic equipment to determine if it's really a battery issue or something else in the electrical system.

BSchroeder86 (Author)

That's really helpful since I've been worried about these warning lights. After reading your experience, I'm thinking it could be something similar with my X4. Just wondering, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole fix? And has everything been running smoothly since then, or have you noticed any other electrical gremlins?

MargoRider

Hey again! Good to hear back from you! Yeah, I actually just got my X3 back from the shop last week where they fixed that exact issue. The Fault memory lock is completely gone now, what a relief! They found it was indeed an undervoltage problem, just like I suspected when I first replied to you. The total bill came to 240 € for the diagnosis, fixing the undervoltage issue, and clearing all those pesky error codes. I know it's not cheap, but honestly, it was worth every cent. My car's running like a dream now, no more warning lights lighting up my dashboard like a Christmas tree! Since the fix, everything's been working perfectly. No electrical gremlins, no warning lights, nothing. It's such a weight off my mind. If your X4 is showing similar symptoms, I'd definitely recommend getting it checked out sooner rather than later. These electrical issues can be a real pain if they're left too long. Hope this helps give you a better idea of what you might be looking at cost-wise!

BSchroeder86 (Author)

Thanks again, really appreciate all the details! Actually, I bit the bullet and took it to a different BMW specialist yesterday. Turns out you were spot on, it was an electrical issue, but in my case, it was a faulty voltage regulator causing the problems. The whole thing set me back about 300 € including diagnostics and parts, which honestly isn't as bad as I was expecting. They sorted it out pretty quickly too, dropped it off in the morning and had it back by afternoon. The mechanic was really thorough and explained everything clearly, unlike my previous experience. No more warning lights now, and the car's running smoothly again. Such a relief! Really glad I didn't put it off any longer. Thanks for helping me make the decision to get it checked out! All the best!

mick91

Fault code 801c20 ZGM central fault memory full - no control unit fault What that mean where to look what issue is

CarlyMechanic

Quotation:

@mick91 wrote on

Fault code 801c20 ZGM central fault memory full - no control unit fault What that mean where to look what issue is

The fault code 801C20 indicates that the central gateway module (ZGM) has a full fault memory, but it doesn't point to a specific control unit fault. This can happen if there are multiple minor issues or communication errors stored in the system. Start by checking the battery and charging system to ensure they are functioning properly, as low voltage can cause communication errors. If the battery and charging system are fine, you may need to clear the fault memory using a diagnostic tool and monitor if any new codes appear. Let me know how it goes or if you have further questions!

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