BMW iX Forums banner
21 - 40 of 40 Posts
Just did a remote SW update about 8 hours ago, and my 2023 iX M60 is completely bricked.

Everything black screened

does not respond to key FOB

does not respond to the bmw app

had to open the door using the manual key

headlights are stuck on cannot turn them off


Anyone know how to reset it? Is it possible to get a bmw tech to come out of do I have to get it towed? Not happy. 🤬
'23 iX M60 owner here. Had EXACTLY the same experience. Tried the remote SW update and killed the car. Called BMW Owner Assistance and they tried to resuscitate the car remotely, no dice. They ended up hooking me up with Roadside assistance and sent 2 tow trucks, 1st one wasn't equipped to tow a BMW EV SUV (careful...) so they sent a 2nd one that was. Towed it to dealer and they reset it. Dealer service guy told me that best to schedule service at the dealer next time for SW updates...
 
Discussion starter · #22 ·
Oh wow, I was actually thinking of doing my next firmware update in the BMW dealership parking lot just in case LOL 😂 got an update from the dealership they tried to login to the BMW no luck then some other remote tech tried to login to it no luck either! crazy
 
I have a 23 m60 and almost the same scenario. Thought my ix was bricked after software update but holding down the volume knob for a minute woke the vehicle up from dead screen. I still have a yellow wrench on dash with software update imcomplete/unsuccessful and call emergency system malfunction pops up occasionally. I have service appointment set for Oct 14th. Im never manually initiating a software update again. Car was flawless before this.
 
Discussion starter · #24 ·
ok got an update from the BMW service dept...

"Essentially the update to the vehicle failed, causing the BCP or battery control module to corrupt itself and in turn, made the vehicle inoperable. We have ordered the new module and we should hopefully be seeing it by tomorrow, worst case scenario by Monday."

Why can't they just reprogram the BCP???
 
Discussion starter · #26 ·
AI Overview


A "corrupted" BMW iX battery control module often stems from a recalled software issue, a physical problem with the battery module itself, or a malfunction in the high-voltage system's SME (Sensorized Battery Management Electronics) or other control modules
. Symptoms can include power loss, stalling, or a dashboard full of warning lights. The solution typically involves a software update or a replacement of the affected control unit by a certified BMW EV specialist, as it's a complex electrical issue.

Common Causes


  • Software Faults: A widespread recall for certain 2022-2023 BMW iX, i4, and i7 models addressed a software issue that could lead to power loss or stalling due to a malfunctioning electronic control unit.

  • Physical Battery Module Issues: A separate recall involved improperly assembled high-voltage battery modules that could lead to power loss or fire risks.

  • Battery Management System (BMS) or Control Unit Problems: The SME (Sensorized Battery Management Electronics) module, or the main battery control unit, can malfunction, especially after an accident where it stores crash data and shuts down power.

  • General Electrical Issues: Problems like low voltage from the alternator or issues with the 12-volt auxiliary battery can sometimes be misdiagnosed as high-voltage system problems.
Signs and Symptoms


  • Sudden Power Loss: The vehicle may lose power while driving.

  • Dashboard Warning Lights: A cluster of warning lights may illuminate on the dashboard.

  • Vehicle Stalling: The car could stall, which is particularly dangerous in an electric vehicle due to the risk of accidents.

  • Inability to Charge or Drive: In some cases, the vehicle may be undrivable or unable to charge.
 
Maybe it's just easier if I get a new one.
I feel the same way. Even though my ix is operable I have to wait three weeks for a service appointment. Hoping the best for your and mine IX to be repaired and back to 100%. Side note thank you to everyone that uses this platform and shares information. It was this app that allowed me to reboot my idrive system and get my vehicle drivable again. This community is awesome!
 
Discussion starter · #29 ·
I wasn't able to reboot my iX... tried all the tricks you guys mentioned. Key fob on right side of the wheel column, start buttons, volume buttons, etc.

It's super bricked LOL.

Even the dealer can't get it started!


If they just swap the whole control module out I actually like that the best. That's like when your laptop is fucked and someone just gives you a brand new laptop. :)
 
If it's any consolation, our MY23 iX M60 just got out of the shop (x2 days) with the head unit (HU4) replaced, along with the antenna coax. Symptoms were no NAV/Media about every fourth or fifth start since owning the car (worse with recent updates), and previously trying every other fix, including all the OS software updates. Blank screen a few times, but always restored with a reboot. Multiple diagnostic runs, always negative for hardware, except for indicating number of restarts. After putting up with it a couple of years and several hundred reboots, serious conversation with BMW - Fix. This. Car. My personal diagnosis was: it needs a new head unit. OR, it needs a new TCU. Or both. Do it. Fortunately, BMW agreed, and my dealership, as frustrated as me, said "Yeah, baby!" Seems to have resolved all the problems.
 
Discussion starter · #31 ·
Oh wow I’m glad I’m getting the battery control module replaced… intermittent failures suck. probably saves them a ton of time and money actually just to replace it !! Even if the module costs several thousand.
 
Oh wow I’m glad I’m getting the battery control module replaced… intermittent failures suck. probably saves them a ton of time and money actually just to replace it !! Even if the module costs several thousand.
Yes, but what if this were to happen outside of warranty? Would BMW still cover it since it was caused by the software update? I'm a bit cynical and think that BMW will try to pass the buck post-warranty by blaming a faulty, out-of-warranty component. I think it's weird that a piece of hardware needs to be replaced because of software corruption. We had corrupted software in our SCM (stability control module) that bricked the car 2 years ago, but the BMW dealer was able to request a software patch from BMW engineering that was then installed to that one component. Problem solved.
 
Discussion starter · #33 ·
I bought my iX CPO and then with the money I saved I bought the longest platinum plus (whatever it’s called) bumper to bumper extended warranty out to 8 years… I love the car and BMW service is top notch… but this is the 2nd major problem I’ve had with it. So I think I’m gonna enjoy it for 8 years but I am scared out of my pants to own it outside the warranty! BMW repairs on the iX are expensive too!! 😨

my first major issue was dust inside the rear motor assembly, either due to the DC brushes or that it was not sealed properly. The bill to drop that motor out of the car, take it apart and clean it, reseal and test it was $6000!
 
Discussion starter · #34 ·
So they replaced the BCM and after reprogramming they see more faults in the BCM, the GWS (gear shifter) and head unit which powers the big screen up front.

Anyone have any ideas how a bad firmware update could cause faults in all these components?

Does the firmware update across multiple components and corrupt multiple software images?
 
So they replaced the BCM and after reprogramming they see more faults in the BCM, the GWS (gear shifter) and head unit which powers the big screen up front.

Anyone have any ideas how a bad firmware update could cause faults in all these components?

Does the firmware update across multiple components and corrupt multiple software images?
Probably flip around your thinking... There was probably a module that crashed the car because of the update. Then the ancillary errors were a product of the bad module crash. I bet that if they clear everything, it stays solved.
 
Discussion starter · #36 ·
So you think there is a bad module somewhere still, that the update kinda exposed?

I guess if they just keep replacing computer modules that isn't so bad. My car will have all new modules by the time they are done. 😂
 
Probably flip around your thinking... There was probably a module that crashed the car because of the update. Then the ancillary errors were a product of the bad module crash. I bet that if they clear everything, it stays solved.
^ This. Likely the update had nothing to do with your issues, or only peripherally related as a precipitating event. You likely had (or have) a bad head unit - happened to our MY23 M60 (HU4) with similar symptoms, ongoing tor two years, and finally had BMW intervene and replace which resolved everything. If your software issues remain persistently active, even if only occasionally, you might explore this. It's hard to isolate hardware/software/connectivity issues with these cars because they're so interrelated, and I suspect BMW's hardware diagnostics sometimes can't pinpoint the cause. I also suspect that this particular hardware fault in these cars isn't isolated to a couple of instances, based on other owners' reports.
 
So you think there is a bad module somewhere still, that the update kinda exposed?
Probably not... They replaced the BCM and got the car back up. If they clear all the errors and none reappear, then I would mark it fixed.
 
Discussion starter · #40 ·
Ok so my iX is fixed, keeping my fingers crossed.

They replaced the BCM battery control module, then they had to reprogram that. After that the car was alive but it had a bunch of faults everywhere so they had to reprogram the head unit and maybe some other SW.

I can tell now that the SW on the display is updated... climate controls look different. I don't think that was part of my original remote SW update.
 
21 - 40 of 40 Posts