BMW iX Anti-theft System Failure: Alarm Won't Activate

Hi there! I have some experience with BMWs and their electrical systems. I had a similar issue with my 2021 BMW i4, and I feel your pain! My alarm system was acting up just like yours. The indicators wouldn't flash when locking, and the whole system seemed dead. Took it to my trusted workshop, and it turned out the alarm system just needed recoding to properly sync with the optical locking system. Cost me 45 Euro to fix, not too bad considering I was worried it might be something major! Since you've got a newer iX, it might be slightly different, but these systems are pretty similar across the BMW electric range. Could you share what error codes you're getting? Also, when did this issue start happening? Knowing these details would help me give you more specific advice. I also owned an i3 before, and these electric BMWs can sometimes be quirky with their security systems, but they're usually straightforward fixes once properly diagnosed.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the i4! Mine is also pretty new, just 7241 KM on the clock since my last service, but this issue started popping up last week. Unfortunately, I don't have access to the specific error codes right now, my OBD reader isn't connecting properly to check them. The timing is really frustrating since everything else in the car works perfectly fine. Did your workshop mention anything about the door sensors? I've noticed that sometimes the car doesn't respond at all when I press the key fob, which makes me wonder if it's related to the door electronics rather than just the alarm system. Really hoping it's just a simple recoding issue like yours was!

Hey again! Thanks for the follow-up about your iX. Actually, that's a really good point about the door sensors, when I had my alarm issue with the i4, I also noticed the key fob being unresponsive sometimes. But in my case, the door sensors weren't the primary problem. What's interesting is that after my initial fix with the recoding, I had a similar issue pop up again about two months later. This time, it turned out there was a fault in the footwell module (FRM) that was causing communication problems between different security components. The symptoms were almost identical, unresponsive key fob, no alarm activation, the works. With your iX being so new and having such low mileage, I'd definitely push for this to be covered under warranty. My suggestion would be to have them check both the coding AND the footwell module. The fact that your OBD reader isn't connecting properly might also point to a communication issue in the system. One quick thing you could try before heading to the dealer, have you tried using your backup key fob (if you have one)? Sometimes it can help narrow down whether it's a system-wide issue or just a problem with your primary key fob. Keep us posted on what you find out. These electric BMWs are amazing cars when everything's working right!

Thanks a lot for the detailed insights! The suggestion about the FRM actually makes a lot of sense, especially since the issues are so similar to what you experienced. I went ahead and tried my spare key fob like you suggested, same problem unfortunately, which pretty much confirms it's a system issue rather than just a key fob problem. I've scheduled an appointment with my dealer for next week. You're absolutely right about pushing for warranty coverage, the car's well within the warranty period and this is clearly a system fault. I'll make sure to have them check both the coding and the footwell module. Really appreciate everyone's help on this! It's super reassuring to know others have dealt with similar issues and got them resolved without major headaches. I'll update the thread once I get it sorted out at the dealer. These BMWs are definitely amazing when everything's working properly, can't wait to have mine back to normal!