BMW X7 Won't Start: Could Empty AdBlue Be the Culprit?

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2020 BMW X5 30d last year. Initially thought it was just low AdBlue, but turned out the dosing unit was faulty. The symptoms were exactly like yours, warning messages and the car refusing to start. Had it checked at the garage, and they found that the line from the AdBlue tank to the dosing unit was blocked. The fluid had crystallized inside, which is apparently quite common if the car sits unused for longer periods. They had to replace the entire dosing module and clean the lines. It was definitely a serious repair since the car wouldn't run without fixing it, emissions systems are designed that way. The whole thing took about two days to fix because they had to flush the system completely. Just for your peace of mind, I'd suggest getting it properly diagnosed before assuming it's just an empty tank. If the AdBlue system throws codes, it's usually more than just being low on fluid. Best of luck with the repair.

Thanks for sharing that, sounds exactly like what I'm dealing with! The dosing unit issue makes total sense given the symptoms. By any chance, do you remember roughly how much you paid for the whole repair? Also, has everything been running smoothly since they fixed it, or have you noticed any other issues popping up? I'm trying to get a better idea of what I might be looking at cost-wise and whether this could be part of a bigger problem with my X7.

Hey again! Just wanted to follow up, yes, since having my X5 fixed, it's been running perfectly with no AdBlue issues whatsoever. The repair cost me 250 € to fix the faulty output line from the AdBlue tank to the dosing unit. Honestly, it was worth every penny because the problem hasn't come back at all. I know you're worried about potential bigger issues, but in my case, it was really just that isolated problem with the AdBlue system. The mechanic showed me how the fluid had crystallized in the line, which was causing all those warning messages we discussed. Once they cleared that blockage and got everything flowing properly again, all those error codes disappeared. I've put quite a few miles on the car since then without any warning lights or starting problems. So I'd say if your symptoms are similar to what I experienced, you're probably looking at a similar repair rather than something more serious. Let me know how it goes with your X7, always curious to hear if others have the same experience I did.

Thanks everyone for the help! Just got back from the mechanic and wanted to share what happened. Turned out my issue was similar but slightly different. The AdBlue pump itself was acting up, not just the lines. Cost me a bit more than expected, around 400, but at least it's fixed now. Funny story, while I was waiting at the shop, another BMW owner came in with the exact same problem! The mechanic was super transparent, showed me the faulty parts, and explained everything. Really appreciate finding an honest mechanic this time around. Car's running like a dream now, no more warning lights or starting issues. Definitely learned my lesson about getting these warning messages checked out sooner rather than later. Think I'll keep this mechanic's number handy for future reference! Thanks again for helping me avoid getting ripped off. Really grateful for all the advice!