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LauWin19

BMW X6 Electrical Chaos: Random Errors & System Failures

Failure of various systems (mostly in the area of audio/navigation functions)

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Sporadic errors when driving or sporadically illuminated error lights in the speedometer

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Electrical systems react very slowly

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Fault stored

"Need help with my 2012 BMW X6 electrical gremlins! My car's been acting weird lately with unusual error lights popping up and the infotainment system going crazy at times. Some control units even shut down temporarily. The car has 100,708 km on it and runs on gasoline. Had a not-so-great experience with my last mechanic, so I'm hesitant to go back. Has anyone dealt with similar electrical issues? What was the cause and how did you fix it? Looking for recommendations on reliable mechanics who know their way around BMW electronics."

6 comment(s)


MeyManu

I had a similar issue with my 2009 BMW X5 35i last month. The symptoms matched yours exactly, unusual warning lights, infotainment glitches, and control unit failures. Turned out it was a faulty cable connection to the BUS system, which is basically the main communication network between all electronic components in the car. Got it checked at a specialized BMW workshop where the tech showed me corrosion on the main control unit connectors. They had to replace several cable harnesses and clean the connection points. The repair wasn't just a quick fix, they had to remove parts of the dashboard to access the main connection points. It was definitely a serious issue that needed immediate attention since it affected multiple systems. If left unchecked, it could've led to complete electrical system failure. My advice would be to get it checked by a certified BMW technician who has experience with electrical diagnostics. These symptoms typically don't resolve themselves and usually get worse over time. Absolutely worth getting it fixed properly the first time rather than dealing with recurring issues. Just make sure they do a complete diagnostic scan of the BUS system before starting any repairs.

LauWin19 (Author)

Thanks for sharing that detailed experience with the X5! You really helped me understand what might be going on with my X6. I'm definitely gonna look into those BUS connections you mentioned, sounds like it could be the same issue. Just curious, do you remember roughly how much the whole repair set you back? Also, has everything been running smoothly since they fixed it, or have you noticed any other electrical quirks popping up?

MeyManu

Hey there! Happy to help follow up about my X5 repair. The total came to 155 € for fixing that faulty cable connection to the control unit and BUS system. And I've got great news, since getting it sorted at the shop, all those annoying fault messages have completely disappeared! The infotainment's working perfectly now, and I haven't seen a single unusual warning light. It's such a relief not having to worry about those electrical gremlins anymore. Trust me, getting this fixed properly by someone who knows BMWs was totally worth every penny. The car feels like new again, no more unusual glitches or system shutdowns. They really nailed the diagnosis and repair on the first try. Let me know how it goes with your X6. I'm betting you've got the same issue, especially since our symptoms were so similar. Keep me posted!

LauWin19 (Author)

Just got back from the mechanic and wow, you were spot on! Had the same exact issue with the BUS system connections. My repair bill came in a bit higher since they had to replace more cables, but honestly, I'm just relieved it's fixed. The mechanic I found was super thorough and explained everything before starting the work. Funny thing is, watching them take apart the dashboard made me nervous at first, but they clearly knew what they were doing. They showed me the corroded connections, looked pretty nasty! Can't believe I was driving around like that for weeks. The best part? Just drove home and everything's working perfectly, no more unusual lights, no glitchy screens, nothing! The infotainment system is back to normal, and all those weird electrical issues have disappeared. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction with this. You saved me from a lot more headaches and probably some bigger problems down the road!

Haris321

Lin bus : communication fault what should i check ?

CarlyMechanic

@Haris321

Lin bus : communication fault what should i check ?

Start by checking the battery and its connections. Ensure the battery is fully charged and the terminals are clean and securely connected. A weak or failing battery can cause communication faults in the LIN bus system. If the battery is fine, inspect the wiring and connectors related to the LIN bus for any signs of damage or corrosion. Let me know how it goes or if you have any further questions!

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