BMW X1 Starting Problems: Cold Weather Issues & Solutions

Hi there! I have some experience working on cars and had a similar issue with my 2015 BMW X3. I also own a 3 Series, so I'm quite familiar with these vehicles. My X3 had starting problems last winter, turned out it was just loose battery cable connections. The symptoms were exactly like yours, difficult starts, especially in cold weather. I initially thought it was something more serious with the ECU too! Took it to my regular workshop, they cleaned and properly tightened all the battery connections. Total bill was 155 Euro and the problem never came back. Such a relief it wasn't anything major! Before suggesting anything specific though, could you share: Does the engine crank when you try to start? Any warning lights on the dash? When was your last battery check? This info would help me understand if you're dealing with the same problem I had.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I had my last service about 3 months ago at 130148 KM and the engine does crank but takes several attempts to start. No warning lights showing up on the dash though. The battery is about 2 years old, and I haven't had it checked since the last service. Maybe it's worth getting those connections looked at first before diving into more complex issues. I was worried it might be something major with the ECU, but your experience gives me hope it could be something simpler. Did you notice any other symptoms before getting it fixed?

Hey again! Yes, those symptoms sound really familiar to what I experienced. Before getting my X3 fixed, I noticed the starter motor would sometimes sound a bit weaker than usual, especially on cold mornings. The multiple attempts to start were exactly what I dealt with too! Since your battery is 2 years old and the symptoms match mine so closely, I'd definitely recommend checking those connections first. You mentioned no warning lights, same as my case. When my mechanic checked it out, he found that the connections had developed some corrosion which was causing poor conductivity. The cold weather just made it more obvious because batteries perform worse in lower temperatures anyway. One thing I forgot to mention in my first reply, I also noticed that my central locking was occasionally acting up before the starting issues became really obvious. Did you notice anything like that? It's another classic sign of a dodgy battery connection that I learned about afterwards. Honestly, given what you've described, I'm even more convinced now that you're dealing with the same issue I had. Would be really interested to hear what you find out when you get it checked. Keep us posted!

Thanks so much for this detailed follow-up! Now that you mention it, I have noticed my central locking being a bit temperamental lately, sometimes it takes two clicks of the key fob to work. I totally dismissed it as just a key fob battery issue! And yes, the starter motor definitely sounds weaker than usual lately. You've really put my mind at ease. I was already imagining expensive ECU repairs, but this sounds much more manageable. I've called my regular mechanic and booked it in for tomorrow morning. He said he'll check the battery connections first thing and said it shouldn't take long to diagnose. I'm feeling much more optimistic now knowing you had such a straightforward fix for such similar symptoms. I'll definitely update the thread once I get it sorted. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience, it's been super helpful!