X5 Electric Seat Controls Failed, Memory Not Working

I experienced something very similar with my 2017 BMW X3 last year. The diagnostic showed "Battery heavily discharged/defective" warning, which was causing electrical issues, including seat malfunction. Initially thought it was just the seat controls, but it turned out my battery was on its last legs. These electrical gremlins are typical signs of a failing battery in BMWs. My memory seats were doing exactly what you described, only working after the engine started. Got it fixed at the garage, they replaced the battery and reprogrammed the car's electrical system. It was a serious job because BMWs need specific battery registration after replacement. The seats and all other electrical components worked perfectly after that. You might want to get your battery tested first before diving into seat-specific repairs. These symptoms are classic battery-related issues, especially with that mileage.

I experienced something very similar with my 2017 BMW X3 last year. The diagnostic showed "Battery heavily discharged/defective" warning, which was causing electrical issues, including seat malfunction. Initially thought it was just the seat controls, but it turned out my battery was on its last legs. These electrical gremlins are typical signs of a failing battery in BMWs. My memory seats were doing exactly what you described, only working after the engine started. Got it fixed at the garage, they replaced the battery and reprogrammed the car's electrical system. It was a serious job because BMWs need specific battery registration after replacement. The seats and all other electrical components worked perfectly after that. You might want to get your battery tested first before diving into seat-specific repairs. These symptoms are classic battery-related issues, especially with that mileage.

Thanks for sharing your experience! This really helps since I'm seeing the exact same symptoms with my X5. Just had it checked yesterday and you're right, looks like it might be battery-related. Just curious, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole fix? And has everything been working smoothly since the battery replacement? I'd love to know before I commit to getting it done.

Thanks for sharing your experience! This really helps since I'm seeing the exact same symptoms with my X5. Just had it checked yesterday and you're right, looks like it might be battery-related. Just curious, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the whole fix? And has everything been working smoothly since the battery replacement? I'd love to know before I commit to getting it done.

Hey there! Glad I could help with my previous advice! Yes, actually everything has been working perfectly since I got it fixed. The passenger seat that was giving me trouble is now working flawlessly, adjusts smoothly and the memory settings work right away, even before starting the engine. Such a relief! The total bill came to 290 € for the battery replacement and registration. Might seem a bit steep, but considering it solved all the electrical issues, it was worth every penny. The mechanic explained that these modern BMWs need special programming when replacing the battery, which adds to the cost. It's been over a year now since the fix, and I haven't had a single problem with the seats or any other electrical components. The car feels like new again. If you're seeing the same symptoms I had, I'd say go for it, it'll probably solve your issues too. Just make sure your mechanic knows how to do the proper battery registration. That's really important with these cars. Let me know how it goes if you decide to get it done!

Hey there! Glad I could help with my previous advice! Yes, actually everything has been working perfectly since I got it fixed. The passenger seat that was giving me trouble is now working flawlessly, adjusts smoothly and the memory settings work right away, even before starting the engine. Such a relief! The total bill came to 290 € for the battery replacement and registration. Might seem a bit steep, but considering it solved all the electrical issues, it was worth every penny. The mechanic explained that these modern BMWs need special programming when replacing the battery, which adds to the cost. It's been over a year now since the fix, and I haven't had a single problem with the seats or any other electrical components. The car feels like new again. If you're seeing the same symptoms I had, I'd say go for it, it'll probably solve your issues too. Just make sure your mechanic knows how to do the proper battery registration. That's really important with these cars. Let me know how it goes if you decide to get it done!

Thanks so much for all the details! I actually just got back from getting it fixed today. You were absolutely spot on, it was the battery causing all the trouble. My experience was pretty similar to yours but slightly different story with the costs. Initially, I was worried it'd be some complicated seat motor issue, but the mechanic did a full diagnostic and showed me how weak the battery was. They replaced it with a new one, did all that registration stuff you mentioned, and wow, what a difference! The seats now work perfectly, even before starting the engine. Ended up paying a bit more than you did, 350 € total. The mechanic explained that prices have gone up recently, plus they had to order a specific battery model. But honestly, seeing how everything's working now, I'm just glad it wasn't something more serious with the seat mechanics. Really appreciate your help. Without your input, I might've ended up spending way more trying to fix the wrong thing. The car feels so much better now, it's amazing how one component can affect so many things!

Thanks so much for all the details! I actually just got back from getting it fixed today. You were absolutely spot on, it was the battery causing all the trouble. My experience was pretty similar to yours but slightly different story with the costs. Initially, I was worried it'd be some complicated seat motor issue, but the mechanic did a full diagnostic and showed me how weak the battery was. They replaced it with a new one, did all that registration stuff you mentioned, and wow, what a difference! The seats now work perfectly, even before starting the engine. Ended up paying a bit more than you did, 350 € total. The mechanic explained that prices have gone up recently, plus they had to order a specific battery model. But honestly, seeing how everything's working now, I'm just glad it wasn't something more serious with the seat mechanics. Really appreciate your help. Without your input, I might've ended up spending way more trying to fix the wrong thing. The car feels so much better now, it's amazing how one component can affect so many things!