BMW X6 Won't Start, Immobilizer Light Flashing Issue

Hey there! I've got some experience with cars, nothing too fancy but I know my way around basic issues. Had a similar problem with my 2013 BMW X5 last year, and my cousin actually owns an X3 too. The symptoms you're describing sound exactly like what I dealt with, flashing immobilizer light and starting issues. Turned out the key programming was messed up. Took it to my regular workshop and they reprogrammed the key in about an hour. Cost me 45 Euro, which wasn't too bad considering the headache it was causing. Before I can give you more specific advice, could you share: Are you using the original key or a spare? Did this start happening suddenly or gradually? Have you had any recent work done on the electrical system? Let me know these details and I might be able to help you better!

Thanks for your input! Mine's at 129006 KM and just had its service last month. You're right about the key reprogramming possibility, definitely sounds similar to my situation. I'm actually using the original key, and this started happening out of nowhere yesterday. Haven't had any electrical work done recently. My mechanic wasn't available for a couple of days, so I thought I'd check here first. Really hoping it's just a simple programming issue like yours and not something more serious with the immobilizer system. Would be a relief if it's just a quick fix like you mentioned!

Hey again! Thanks for those details, it's really helpful to know more about your situation. You know what? This sounds even more like my experience now that you've explained it. My X5 was around 125000 KM when it happened, pretty close to yours, and it also came out of nowhere. When my issue hit, I initially panicked thinking it was going to be some major electrical problem, but it turned out to be pretty straightforward. Since you're using the original key (just like I was) and it started suddenly, I'm even more convinced it's the same programming glitch I dealt with. These BMW immobilizer systems can sometimes get a bit finicky, especially as the cars get older. Quick tip though, when this happened to me, I found that sometimes if you hold the key really close to the steering column while trying to start it, it might work temporarily. It's not a fix, but it might help you get by until your mechanic can look at it. Trust me, I remember the stress, but this should be a relatively simple fix. Just make sure whoever works on it has experience with BMW security systems, that's what made the difference in my case. Keep us posted on what you find out!

Thanks so much for the detailed advice! That steering column trick actually worked, I managed to start it twice using your method. Really puts my mind at ease knowing you had such a similar experience and it turned out to be a simple fix. I've called around and found a specialist who can look at it tomorrow morning. They quoted roughly the same price range you mentioned, which sounds fair. It's funny how we stress about these things, but hearing from someone who's been through it really helps. I'll definitely update the thread once it's sorted. Thanks again for taking the time to help me out with this, you've saved me a lot of worry! Meanwhile, I'll keep using that steering column trick if I absolutely need to move the car.