BMW XM Start-Stop Failure: Random Engine Cutouts Alert

Hey there! I've got some experience with cars, and this sounds quite similar to what I faced with my 2020 BMW X6. The symptoms were pretty much identical, unusual engine cuts, warning lights, and start-stop system failures. Turned out my battery was heavily discharged and on its last legs. Had the car towed to my regular workshop after it completely died on me one morning. They diagnosed it, replaced the battery, and recalibrated the system. Cost me around 290 Euro, but it fixed all the issues you're describing. Before jumping to conclusions though, could you share: How old is your current battery? Are you doing lots of short trips? Any recent electrical upgrades installed? Knowing these details would help determine if you're facing the same battery issue I had. BMWs can be quite sensitive to battery health, especially with their start-stop systems.

Hi guys, thanks for the input! I've got 122655 KM on the clock, and you might be onto something with the battery theory. Running into almost the exact same problems you described, especially with those unusual engine cuts that are driving me nuts. Actually, been doing lots of short trips lately due to my new work schedule, and I haven't replaced the battery since I got the car. The weird thing is that everything was working perfectly fine until last week. I'll definitely get it checked out ASAP since I can't risk having it die on me. Good to know about the potential cost, gives me a rough idea of what to expect. Was the recalibration part of your service fee, or was that extra? Haven't installed any new electronics, so that shouldn't be causing any interference. Really appreciate the tips!

Hey again! Thanks for sharing those details about your situation. I totally get what you're going through, it's like déjà vu from my experience with my X6. Just to follow up on my previous reply, yep, the recalibration was included in that service fee I mentioned. My mechanic explained that it's a crucial part of the battery replacement process for BMWs, so they usually bundle it together. Pretty standard stuff for these models. Reading about your short trips situation, that's exactly what killed my battery too. These start-stop systems really take a toll on the battery when you're doing lots of quick runs, and at 122K on the clock, you're definitely due for a replacement. My battery started acting up seemingly out of nowhere too, but my mechanic explained that batteries can appear fine one day and fail the next, especially in these newer BMWs with all their power-hungry systems. One quick tip from my experience, while you're waiting to get it checked, try to avoid using features like the heated seats or high-power stereo settings. These really drained my failing battery even faster. And maybe try to combine some of those short trips if you can, it'll help your new battery last longer once you get it replaced. Keep us posted on what your mechanic finds. Would be interesting to see if it's the same issue I had.

Thanks so much for all the detailed advice! You've definitely convinced me about the battery being the likely culprit. I've already called my mechanic and booked it in for tomorrow morning, better safe than sorry, right? Really appreciate the tip about avoiding those power-hungry features. I've turned off the heated seats and keeping the stereo volume low for now. Actually managed to combine a few of my short trips today, and surprisingly, the car seemed a bit more stable. Looking at the similarities between our cases, I'm pretty confident we're dealing with the same issue. The price you mentioned seems pretty reasonable for peace of mind, especially with the recalibration included. Will definitely update the thread once I get the diagnosis and repair done. Thanks again for sharing your experience, it's been super helpful in figuring out what I'm dealing with!