BMW 3 Series Won't Start: AdBlue Alert Mystery

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2011 BMW 5 Series diesel last winter. The symptoms match what you're describing. Initially thought it was just an empty AdBlue tank too, but turned out the dosing unit was faulty, and there was a disconnection between the tank and the dosing module. Had it checked at a garage, they ran diagnostics and found that the AdBlue supply line was damaged, causing incorrect fluid delivery to the SCR system. The repair involved replacing the dosing module and the supply line. It was quite a serious issue since these systems are crucial for emissions control, and the car won't run without them working properly. The fix took about two days, but my car has been running perfectly since then. Given your mileage, it could be the same issue, these components typically start showing problems around the 150-180k km mark. Worth getting it properly diagnosed rather than just filling up the AdBlue tank. Best of luck with the repair.

Hey, thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful to know about the dosing unit and supply line issues. Can't remember if you mentioned how much you ended up paying for the whole repair job? Also, curious to know if you've had any other related problems pop up since getting it fixed last winter? Would be great to know what to expect if I run into the same issue.

Hey again! Happy to help! Just wanted to update you, got it all sorted out and it cost me 250 € to fix the AdBlue output issue between the tank and dosing unit. The mechanic did a great job, and I haven't had a single problem since the repair last winter. The car's running like a charm now, no warning lights, no starting issues, nothing. I know you're worried about taking it to a mechanic after your bad experience, but honestly, once you find a good one who knows these BMW systems well, it makes all the difference. Mine actually showed me the faulty parts and explained everything, which was reassuring. Main thing is, don't wait too long to get it checked out. These AdBlue systems can be a bit finicky, but once they're properly fixed, they usually stay reliable. If your symptoms are similar to what I had, you're probably looking at a similar repair cost, give or take. Let me know how it goes when you get it sorted!

Thanks so much for all the details! I actually ended up taking your advice and got it checked out by a mechanic yesterday. What a relief, you were spot on about the dosing unit! Mine was completely blocked, and the supply line had a small crack. The repair cost was a bit higher than yours, around 300 €, but the mechanic I found was fantastic. He walked me through everything, showed me the damaged parts, and even gave me some tips about preventing future issues. Really made me feel better about the whole thing after my previous bad experience. Got the car back today and it's running perfectly, no more error messages, starts right up every time. Such a weight off my shoulders! Thanks again for pushing me to get it properly checked out rather than just trying to fill up the AdBlue tank. You saved me from potentially bigger problems down the road. Really appreciate all your help with this. Good to know these BMWs can keep going strong with the right maintenance!