BMW i5 Won't Start, Key Symbol Error Mystery Solved

Hey there! I've got some experience with BMWs. Actually had a similar issue with my 2022 BMW i4 last summer. I feel your pain! My car showed the exact same symptoms, key symbol and wouldn't start. Turned out the control unit was defective and needed replacement. Took it to my workshop and they sorted it out, but it set me back about 1000 Euro. My friend owns a BMW iX and was surprised as these issues aren't common in the newer models. Before I share more specifics about my repair experience, could you share: Which error code you're getting? Have you tried using the backup key? Does this happen every time or intermittently? These details would help me understand if you're facing the same issue I had.

Hey there, thanks for sharing your experience! Just had my latest service done at 122309 KM, and I'm getting error code P0513 intermittently. I've tried both the main and backup key, same result. The frustrating part is that sometimes it works perfectly fine, then suddenly stops responding. Actually, what's interesting about your control unit situation, did you notice any warning signs before it completely failed? Mine occasionally shows a quick flash of the key symbol before starting normally. Just wondering if that's how yours started too, or if it was a sudden complete failure? Let me know about your experience, it might help me figure out if I'm heading down the same repair path with my i5.

Hey again! Thanks for the follow-up details about your i5. Yes, that flickering key symbol is EXACTLY what I experienced with my i4 before things went south! it's like déjà vu hearing your description. The intermittent nature of the problem was driving me nuts too. With my i4, it started with those unusual key symbol flashes for about two weeks. I kind of ignored it initially (big mistake, by the way) thinking it was just a glitch. Then one morning, complete failure. Wouldn't start at all. The P0513 code is the same one I got too. Looking back, I wish I'd taken it in when those first warning flashes started. Could've saved myself from being stranded in my driveway that morning! Since you asked about the control unit, after replacement, it's been running perfectly for the past 8 months. No more flashing symbols, no starting issues. Though I have to say, that repair bill wasn't fun to look at! Quick tip from my experience, if you're seeing the same pattern I did, I'd recommend getting it checked soon. Those intermittent issues have a nasty habit of becoming permanent ones. Better safe than sorry, right?

Thanks so much for the detailed insight! You've actually convinced me to stop procrastinating on this. Those flickering symptoms matching yours so closely has me worried, and I definitely don't want to end up stranded somewhere. Better to deal with it now than risk a complete failure. I'll call my service center tomorrow to book it in. The repair cost isn't great news, but it's better than having to deal with a dead car at the worst possible moment. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, it's helped me understand what I might be dealing with. Will probably update the thread once I get it sorted, in case anyone else runs into similar issues with their i5. Thanks again for your help!