BMW iX1 Won't Start, Steering Lock & Access System Issues

I have some experience working on EVs and actually faced something very similar with my 2021 BMW i4. The symptoms were almost identical, steering lock, startup issues, and those annoying error messages. Had to take it to my workshop where they diagnosed a faulty electronic door handle mechanism. Apparently, these systems are quite sensitive in BMWs (both the i4 and iX models). The repair set me back about 480 Euro, but it fixed the problem completely. They had to replace the handle's electronic unit and reprogram the access system. Before you head to the workshop though, could you share: Are you able to lock/unlock the car normally with the key fob? Which door handle seems problematic? Are you getting any specific error codes? I'm familiar with the BMW iX series (also owned an iX3), so might be able to provide more specific advice with those details.

Thanks for sharing that detailed experience! My iX1 just had its last service about 2 weeks ago at 199674 KM, and the locking system was working perfectly until yesterday. The key fob seems to work intermittently, sometimes it unlocks fine, other times nothing happens at all. The driver's side handle seems most problematic, and yeah, it's showing the 'Vehicle Access System Error' on the display. Your experience with the electronic door handle sounds very similar to what I'm experiencing. Really helpful to know about that repair cost too, at least I have a ballpark figure of what I might be looking at. I'll definitely mention this to my workshop when I take it in.

Hey there again! Yeah, after reading your details, I'm even more convinced it's the same issue I had with my i4. The intermittent key fob behavior is exactly what I experienced, super frustrating when you're trying to get somewhere, right? Just to add to my previous experience, when my door handle mechanism started acting up, it also began with that unusual key fob response. Some days it would work perfectly, then suddenly nothing. The most annoying part was when it worked to unlock the car, but then the steering lock wouldn't disengage and the start system wouldn't recognize the key. Since you mentioned your recent service, I'd definitely push the workshop to check if anything might have been disturbed during that service. When they fixed mine, the technician mentioned that these electronic handles can sometimes get finicky if any nearby components are touched or slightly moved during routine maintenance. One thing I learned, don't try any DIY fixes on this. I made that mistake initially by trying to reset the system myself by disconnecting the 12V battery. Only made things more complicated and the workshop had to do additional reprogramming. If your symptoms keep matching what I experienced, you're probably looking at a similar repair cost. Definitely get it checked soon though, mine got worse pretty quickly after the first symptoms showed up.

Thanks so much for all this detailed advice, it's really put my mind at ease! You're absolutely right about not trying DIY fixes. I was actually considering the battery disconnect trick, but I'll definitely skip that now. The way you've described the progression of your issue matches mine perfectly, especially that annoying bit about the key working to unlock but then having the steering lock problem. It's actually gotten worse just today, exactly as you predicted it might. I've already called my workshop and booked it in for tomorrow morning. Mentioned the door handle mechanism issue you experienced, and they said it's a known problem they've dealt with before. They're going to specifically check the driver's side handle unit and the access system programming. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It's given me a much clearer picture of what I'm dealing with, and honestly, I'm just glad it's a fixable issue. I was worried it might be something more serious with the electrical system!