BMW iX3 Key Symbol Issue: No-Start Mystery Solved

Hey there! I had a similar problem with my 2020 BMW iX4 (also happened to test drive the i4 before buying). I have some experience working on cars, but electrical issues are definitely not my forte. After dealing with the exact same symptoms, key symbol lighting up and no start, I took it to my regular workshop. They ran diagnostics and found the control unit was completely fried. Not a cheap fix at all, ended up costing me around 1000 Euro, but at least it solved the problem completely. Can you share a bit more about your car's mileage and if you've noticed any other electrical issues before this happened? Also, have you tried using your spare key? This info would help determine if your case matches what I experienced. Quite a headache, but these things happen with modern EVs, they're basically computers on wheels!

Thanks for sharing your experience! My iX3 has 55539 KM on the odometer and just had its service last month. I actually tried both keys and got the same result with each one. Haven't noticed any other electrical quirks before this started happening. Interesting that you mention the control unit, that's definitely something I hadn't considered. Did you notice any warning signs before your control unit failed completely? The timing is quite frustrating since the car is still relatively new. Hope my repair bill won't be as hefty as yours!

Yeah, I totally get your frustration! It's weird because in my case, I actually did notice a few small signs before the control unit completely gave up. About two weeks before the total failure, my car would occasionally take a few extra seconds to recognize the key. I just brushed it off thinking it was maybe a low battery in the key fob or something. Looking back, I should've taken those warning signs more seriously. Your situation sounds very similar to what I experienced, especially since you're getting the same result with both keys. That was exactly what happened to me, tried both keys and neither worked, which is what made me realize it wasn't just a key issue. With your mileage being similar to what mine was when it failed (I was at about 52000 KM), and considering you're seeing the same symptoms, I'd bet you're dealing with the same control unit problem. These newer BMW electric models are amazing cars, but when the electronics act up, it can be really frustrating. My advice would be to get it checked out sooner rather than later. I waited a few days and ended up having to get it towed when it finally refused to start completely. The control unit isn't something you want to mess around with, it's pretty much the brain of the car's electrical system.

Thanks for the detailed explanation! You've actually made me pretty nervous about waiting too long to get this checked out. I've already called my local BMW service center and managed to get an appointment for tomorrow morning. Don't want to risk getting stranded somewhere with a completely dead car like you did! It's really helpful knowing about those warning signs you mentioned. Now that you bring it up, I did notice a slightly longer response time with the key fob over the past week, but like you, I just assumed it was nothing serious. Guess these modern cars are trying to tell us something even before they completely fail! I'll definitely update this thread once I get the diagnosis. Fingers crossed it won't cost me as much as your repair did, but at least I'm mentally prepared for what might be coming. Really appreciate your help in figuring this out!