BMW X5 Won't Start: Ignition Switch or Something Else?

Hey there! I have some experience working on BMWs. Had a similar issue with my 2006 BMW X3 3.0i last year, and I totally get your frustration. In my case, it turned out to be just a blown fuse that was causing all those starting problems and rough running. Took it to my regular workshop, and they diagnosed it pretty quickly. The fix was straightforward, just needed a fuse replacement. Total cost was 52 Euro including labor. Before jumping to conclusions about the ignition switch though, could you share: Any warning lights on the dash? Does it make any clicking sounds when trying to start? Have you checked the battery connections? This could help narrow down the exact issue. X5s can be tricky, and sometimes symptoms can point to multiple problems.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My situation seems a bit different though. Just had my last service about 2 months ago at 193286 KM, and everything was fine until last week. To answer your questions, no warning lights before it happens, but I do get a clicking sound when trying to start sometimes. Battery connections look clean and tight, I already checked those. The weird part is how it sometimes runs fine for hours, then suddenly dies while driving. I'm definitely concerned about taking it to a workshop since these issues are so intermittent. Really hoping to avoid replacing parts unnecessarily just to track down the problem. Has anyone else experienced these symptoms getting worse over time?

Hey again! Thanks for the additional details about your X5. You know, after reading your latest update, I'm actually thinking my initial guess about it being just a fuse might have been too simplistic. My X3 had similar symptoms at first, but they weren't as severe as what you're describing. Looking back at my experience, I remembered something important, after that fuse fix I mentioned earlier, the problems actually came back a few weeks later. Turned out the fuel pump was failing intermittently. The symptoms were exactly like yours, unusual shutoffs while driving, occasional clicking when starting, and those frustrating periods where everything would work fine before acting up again. The final fix for my X3 ended up being a fuel pump replacement, which was definitely pricier than the fuse, cost me about 800 plus labor. But hey, at least it solved the problem completely. Given what you're describing, especially with the intermittent nature and the clicking sound, I'd actually suggest getting your fuel pump checked first before messing with the ignition switch. These BMWs can be really tricky with intermittent issues, but at least my mechanic was able to run some proper diagnostics to confirm it before replacing anything. Any chance you're noticing any hesitation when accelerating? That was another symptom I had that I initially ignored.

Thanks so much for the detailed follow-up! That's really interesting about your fuel pump experience, it actually makes a lot of sense. Now that you mention it, I have noticed some slight hesitation when accelerating, especially when merging onto highways. I just didn't connect the dots before. The fact that your symptoms were so similar, including the intermittent nature of the problem, makes me feel a bit better about getting it checked out. I was worried about throwing money at unusual parts, but having a real-world example of someone who went through the same thing helps a lot. Think I'll take it to my regular mechanic tomorrow and specifically ask them to check the fuel pump. The cost you mentioned isn't cheap, but it's way better than being stranded somewhere or causing more damage. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, it's given me a much clearer direction on what to look into. I'll update the thread once I find out what's actually wrong with mine!