BMW X6 Parking Heater Failure: Causes & Solutions

Hey there! I faced a similar issue with my 2012 BMW X5 35i last winter. The auxiliary heater completely stopped working, and I got error codes too. Initially thought it was just a fuse, but turned out the control module was faulty and needed replacement. Had it fixed at a specialized German car garage, not the dealer. The mechanic also found some corroded wiring connections that needed attention. It wasn't a quick fix, took them about 6 hours to sort everything out. Definitely a job for someone who knows these systems well. This isn't a super common issue, but it's serious enough that you shouldn't ignore it. The auxiliary heater is complex on these BMWs, and a faulty one can potentially drain your battery or cause other electrical issues if left unchecked. Based on my experience, I'd suggest finding a BMW specialist rather than a general mechanic. These heating systems need specific diagnostic tools and expertise. Hope this helps.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That definitely sounds similar to what I'm dealing with. If you don't mind me asking, what did the repair end up costing you? Also, has everything been working fine since the fix, or have you noticed any other issues pop up? Really appreciate the detailed info about the control module and wiring, gives me a better idea of what I might be in for.

Hey again! Great to hear back from you! Yes, I can definitely share the repair details. After getting my X5's auxiliary heater fixed, everything's been running perfectly smooth, no issues whatsoever. The actual repair with the glow plug replacement set me back 440 €, which honestly wasn't as bad as I initially feared given how complex these systems can be. I actually just got back from the mechanic last week, and I'm really happy with how everything turned out. The heating system kicks in immediately now, and it's working exactly like it should. No more error codes or problems since they fixed it. It's such a relief, especially since I was worried it might be something more serious like the control module I mentioned before. Trust me, it's worth getting it sorted by a proper specialist. These auxiliary heaters are pretty sophisticated pieces of kit, and getting the right fix the first time around saves headaches later. Let me know if you need any other details about the repair, happy to help!

Thanks so much for all the info! Just got back from my mechanic visit today, and wow, what a different experience from my last one! Found a BMW specialist who really knew their stuff. Turned out my issue was pretty similar, faulty control module plus some worn-out wiring. The whole repair cost me a bit more than yours, around 580, but honestly, it was worth every penny. The heater's working perfectly now, starts up right away with no weird noises or delays. Such a relief after dealing with the cold mornings without it! The mechanic walked me through everything they did, which I really appreciated. They even showed me the old parts and explained what went wrong. Way better than my last experience where I felt totally in the dark about what was happening with my car. Thanks again for pushing me to find a specialist, definitely the right call. Pretty sure I've found my new go-to mechanic for any future BMW issues!