BMW X5 Overheating + Multiple Warning Lights, Help!

I have some experience working on BMWs and dealt with something very similar on my 2015 BMW X3 last year. When I got those exact same symptoms, warning lights, limp mode, overheating, and coolant leaking, turns out it was a faulty wiring connection to the cooling system control module. Took it to my trusted mechanic who found damaged cables and connectors going to the module. They replaced the wiring harness and did a full diagnostic check. Cost me about 95 Euro total and fixed the issue completely, no problems since then. Before I can give more specific advice though, could you share: Current mileage on your X5? When did the symptoms first start? Any recent work done on the cooling system? By the way, if you haven't already, I'd recommend getting it checked soon since overheating can lead to bigger problems. Hope this helps! Let me know those details and I can share more from my experience.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My X5 just hit 156025 KM and had its latest service 3 months ago. The symptoms started about a week ago, getting progressively worse. Nothing was done to the cooling system during the service, just regular maintenance like oil change and filters. Your situation sounds exactly like what I'm experiencing. Did you notice any correlation between the overheating and weather conditions? I'm thinking of taking it to the dealer, but if a trusted mechanic can handle it, that would be preferable. Was the wiring harness issue difficult to diagnose? Hoping my repair bill stays reasonable like yours!

Thanks for the additional details. You know what's interesting, my X3 was around 145000 KM when I had these issues, so pretty similar mileage to yours. And no, I didn't notice any connection with weather conditions, it was happening regardless. About the diagnosis, initially my mechanic thought it might be the water pump or thermostat, but when he hooked up the diagnostic tool, he spotted those communication errors pretty quickly. The tricky part was actually finding exactly where in the wiring harness the problem was. He had to trace the whole thing to find the damaged section. My advice would be to skip the dealer on this one. A good independent mechanic with BMW experience should be able to handle it, and you'll save quite a bit of money. My trusted guy spent about 2 hours diagnosing and fixing it. Just make sure they have the right diagnostic equipment for BMWs. One thing I learned, don't wait too long to fix it. I drove around with the issue for about two weeks before getting it sorted, and I was pretty lucky not to cause any serious engine damage. The constant overheating can really mess things up. Keep me posted on what you find out. I'm curious if it turns out to be the same issue as mine.

Thanks so much for all the detailed info! This really helps, especially knowing you had similar mileage when it happened. You've convinced me to avoid the dealer, I actually know a mechanic who specializes in German cars, so I'll give him a call tomorrow morning. Definitely don't want to risk engine damage by waiting too long. It's reassuring to hear it might just be a wiring harness issue rather than something more serious. I was worried it might be the water pump, which I know can be super expensive on these cars. The fact that your repair was relatively straightforward and affordable gives me hope! I'll make sure to get it checked right away and will update you once I find out what's causing it. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, exactly the kind of firsthand info I was hoping for when I posted this question.