BMW XM Keyless Access Failure: Door Handle Electronics Issue

Hey there! I've got some experience with cars, not an expert but I've dealt with similar electronic issues. I had this exact problem with my 2021 BMW X6 M last year. The keyless entry just died on me one day, super frustrating! Took it to my regular workshop and they diagnosed it as a faulty wiring connection in the door handle module. The cable had somehow worked itself loose over time. The fix wasn't too complex, they had to replace some connectors and reseat the wiring properly. Cost me around 95 Euro for the whole job, including diagnostic time. Before you head to the shop though, could you share: Have you noticed any other electrical issues? Does the key fob still work for locking/unlocking? Which door handle is giving you trouble, driver's side or all of them? This could help narrow down if you're dealing with the same issue I had or something different.

Thanks for your detailed response! My XM just hit 64934 KM and had its latest service two weeks ago. I've noticed the problem affects all door handles, and yes, the key fob still works for locking/unlocking. Haven't spotted any other electrical issues yet, though the battery warning light occasionally flickers on the dashboard. I'm really hoping it's just a wiring issue like yours was, as that repair cost sounds much better than what I was fearing. Definitely going to get it checked out this week before it gets worse.

Hey again! Thanks for those extra details about your XM. You know, hearing about the battery warning light flickering actually makes me think this might be slightly different from what I dealt with on my X6 M. When I had my issue, it was purely the door handle electronics, but yours sounds like it could be a combination of problems. Since you mentioned the battery warning and it's affecting all doors, I'm wondering if there might be a broader electrical system issue at play. I'd definitely recommend getting it checked ASAP, especially since you've had recent service work done. Makes me wonder if something got knocked loose during the service. When my X6 M had similar symptoms, waiting only made things worse. Quick tip from my experience, get them to check the voltage regulator too. Even though my initial problem was the door handle wiring, I later found out my voltage regulator was starting to go, which caused similar symptoms. Would hate to see you fix one thing only to have another problem pop up. Keep us posted on what you find out? Really curious if it turns out to be similar to what I dealt with or something entirely different.

Thanks so much for the additional insight! I hadn't even considered the voltage regulator could be involved. That's actually really helpful, especially since you mentioned how your situation developed. I've just scheduled an appointment for tomorrow morning at my usual shop and I'll definitely have them check both the wiring and the voltage regulator. You're right about not waiting, don't want to risk making it worse. The fact that it's affecting all doors and showing that battery warning does make it sound more complex than just a door handle issue. The recent service timing is interesting too, I'll bring that up with the technicians. Really appreciate you sharing your experience with the X6 M. I'll update the thread once I get the diagnosis and repair done. Fingers crossed it's something straightforward and won't break the bank!