BMW X2 Won't Start, Flashing Immobilizer Warning Light

Hey there! I've had some experience working on cars (not a pro, but I know my way around). I actually faced a similar issue with my 2016 BMW X1 last year. The symptoms were exactly the same, engine wouldn't start or would die right away, and that annoying immobilizer light kept flashing. Turned out the key programming was messed up, which was causing the immobilizer system to act up. Since I also own a BMW X3, I thought I could figure it out myself but ended up taking it to a workshop. The fix was pretty straightforward, they had to reprogram the key to sync properly with the car's immobilizer system. Cost me 45 Euro and took about an hour. Car's been running perfectly since then. Before I can help more specifically, could you tell me if you've had any recent work done on the car or if you've had any issues with your key fob? Also, what's the exact error code you're getting? These details would help narrow down if you're dealing with the same problem I had.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My X2 has 77022 KM on it and was last serviced 3 months ago. I haven't had any recent work done, but now that you mention it, I've noticed my key fob has been a bit inconsistent lately, sometimes takes multiple clicks to lock/unlock the doors. I'll have to dig up the error code from my OBD scanner and get back to you on that. Does sound similar to what you experienced. Kind of relieved to hear it might just be a key programming issue rather than something major with the engine. Did you get yours fixed at a dealer or independent shop? Just trying to figure out my best option here.

Hey again! Yeah, those key fob symptoms definitely sound familiar, that's exactly how mine started acting up before the whole immobilizer issue got worse. When my key started being finicky with the locks, I initially thought it was just a dying battery, but it turned out to be more than that. I actually got mine fixed at an independent shop that specializes in BMW. I tried the dealer first, but they wanted to charge me triple what I ended up paying at the specialist shop. The indie mechanic had all the right diagnostic tools and programming equipment for BMWs, so it wasn't an issue at all. Just a heads up though, when you get the error code, let me know. While my issue was the key programming, these symptoms can sometimes be caused by other things. My 's X2 had similar symptoms but turned out to be a faulty key reader in the steering column, not the key itself. Since your car's mileage is pretty close to what mine was when I had the issue (mine was around 82000 km), it's likely we're looking at the same problem. Keep me posted on that error code, it'll help confirm if we're dealing with the same thing.

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! You've been super helpful. I just pulled up the error code, it's showing 2AFC, which from what I can tell is related to the immobilizer system just like you mentioned. I think I'll take your advice and look for a BMW specialist shop rather than going straight to the dealer. The symptoms are matching up exactly with what you described, and honestly, I'd rather not pay triple for the same fix! Just called a few places and found a well-reviewed independent BMW shop that can take a look tomorrow. They quoted me around the same price range you mentioned for key reprogramming, so that's encouraging. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's definitely helped me feel less worried about the whole situation. I'll let you know how it turns out!