BMW X1 Multiple Electrical Issues, Clutch Switch to Blame?

Hey there! I had similar issues with my 2008 BMW X3 last year (I'd say I have some experience working on BMWs, as I also owned a 3 Series before). Those symptoms sound very familiar, mine was driving me crazy with unusual starting issues and electrical gremlins. Took it to my trusted mechanic and turned out it was indeed a faulty clutch pedal switch with damaged wiring. The connections were corroded and causing all sorts of weird electrical problems. Got it fixed for about 95 Euro, mostly labor cost as they had to trace the wiring and replace the connector. After that, all systems went back to normal. Before I can help more specifically, could you share: Does your check engine light stay on? Did you scan for specific error codes? When exactly did these issues start? Let me know these details and I might be able to share more relevant info from my experience.

Thanks for the detailed response! The check engine light has been flickering on and off for the past week. Already scanned it and got error codes P0340 and P0504 showing up. The issues started about 2 weeks ago, right after my last service at 106502 KM. Really appreciate the insight about the clutch pedal switch, that's exactly what I was suspecting. Good to hear fixing it solved similar issues on your BMW. I'll definitely mention this to my mechanic when I take it in. Hoping it's just a wiring/switch issue like yours and nothing more serious.

Thanks for the follow-up! Yeah, those error codes definitely ring a bell, P0504 is specifically related to the brake switch correlation, which often ties in with clutch pedal switch issues. In my case, I also got those codes before the fix. Having dealt with this on my X3, I can tell you that the timing of your issues starting after the service is interesting. When they serviced my car, they had to disconnect some wiring harnesses, and I suspect that might've aggravated an already weak connection in the clutch switch area. Just to share my complete experience, before I got it fixed, my issues got progressively worse. Started with occasional rough starts, then the gear display went out, and finally, the cruise control stopped working altogether. Sounds exactly like what you're experiencing now. One quick test you can try, press your clutch pedal slowly and listen for any clicking sounds. In my case, I could hear an inconsistent click, which was another clue pointing to the faulty switch. The good news is that if it is the clutch pedal switch like in my case, it's a relatively straightforward fix. Just make sure they check the wiring connections too, that was actually the main culprit in my situation, not just the switch itself. Let me know how it goes when you get it checked out. Always happy to share what I learned from my BMW adventures!

Really appreciate all the detailed help! I just tried that clutch pedal test you mentioned and sure enough, there's an inconsistent clicking sound. That's super reassuring to know it matches your experience exactly. I've actually just booked it in for tomorrow morning and I'll definitely have them check both the switch and wiring connections like you suggested. Makes total sense about the service possibly aggravating an existing issue, can't believe I didn't make that connection before. Thanks again for walking me through your experience. It's really helped me feel more confident about what I'm dealing with, and I'm relieved it's likely not something major. I'll definitely update the forum once it's fixed in case anyone else runs into similar issues with their BMW!