BMW M2 Dead: Access System and Steering Lock Nightmare

Hi there! I have some experience working on BMWs and actually dealt with something very similar on my 2021 BMW M4 last year. From what you're describing, it sounds like the door handle electronics could be the culprit, that's exactly what happened to mine. The access system went haywire, wouldn't recognize the key, and the car basically went into lockdown mode. Took it to my workshop and they diagnosed a faulty electronic module in the driver's door handle. The whole repair including parts and labor ran me about 480 Euro, but it fixed all those symptoms you mentioned. Before I can say for sure if it's the same issue though, could you share: Which door handle seems problematic? Are you getting any specific error messages? Does the key fob still work for locking/unlocking? Let me know those details and I can probably give you more specific advice based on my experience with the M4 and what I learned about this issue.

Thanks for the detailed response! Yeah, these symptoms started popping up in mine at 35720 KM, right after my latest service actually. To answer your questions, it's definitely the driver's side handle acting up, getting the "Vehicle access system malfunction" message, and the key fob is super inconsistent. Sometimes it works, sometimes not at all. Been wondering if it might be something else though, since it's a relatively new car and this started happening out of nowhere. But hearing about your M4 having the same issue makes me think you might be onto something with the door handle module. I'll definitely get that checked out when I take it in.

Hey, glad I could help earlier! Just went through something similar with my M4, and I feel your pain. After you mentioned that error message and the intermittent key fob behavior, I'm even more convinced it's the same issue I had. Quick follow-up thought, when my door handle module failed, I noticed it started acting up right after a service too. These newer BMWs are really sensitive to any electrical tweaks, and sometimes even routine maintenance can trigger these quirks. Definitely doesn't mean the service caused it, but the timing matches up with what happened to my car. Also, at that mileage, you're still under warranty, right? That's actually good news. When I had mine fixed, the dealer confirmed it was a known issue with these electronic door handles. They even told me they'd seen a few other M cars with the same problem. Just curious, are you noticing the issue gets worse in certain weather, like when it's really cold or raining? With mine, it was super erratic in wet conditions before it completely failed. Might help confirm if we're dealing with the same gremlin here. Let me know what the workshop says when you get it checked. Always interested in hearing if these patterns keep showing up in other M cars.

Thanks for that additional insight, really helpful to know it's a known issue! And yeah, you're absolutely right about the warranty, which is a relief. I've got about 8 months left on it, so I'll definitely get it sorted before that runs out. Funny you mention the weather thing, now that you point it out, I've noticed it acting up more on rainy days. Actually had a complete failure to start last week during a downpour, which was pretty stressful. Makes total sense if moisture is getting into that door handle module somehow. I've got an appointment at the workshop next week, so I'll definitely update you on what they find. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, saved me a lot of headache trying to figure this out on my own. These high-tech features are great when they work, but can be a real pain when they act up!