My BMW X7 Got Dangerous
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2023
- I've had my BMW X7 for only a couple of months when I got the dreaded "SOS Emergency Call System Malfunction" warning message on the dash. At first, I though it was a simple fix, maybe a code reset or a module reset, but it turned out to be way more complicated! After the initial research, I learned that all of the communication channels and antennas go through the TCU or TCB module which must stay powered on even when the vehicle is not running. For this reason, there is a small battery that powers this module. In a lot of cases, when you get the Emergency Call System control check on the screen, it means that the battery has died and must be replaced. It's actually meant to be replaced every 3-4 years as per BMW. What's crazy is that to do so, it requires the headliner to be removed or at the very least dropped a few inches to access the TCU module and replace the battery. This is not a cheap job from the dealer and would cost a few hundred dollars if not covered by the warranty. In my case, the battery wasn't the problem and the actual module was water damaged and corroded. The water leaked in through the shark fin on top of the roof and caused all of this damage. The entire module had to be replaced and programmed to get the SOS functionality as well as any communication functionality back which must be done by the dealer. In this video I show you how to replace the TCU battery on the BMW X7 and explain what happens when that doesn't work.
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Great video. I purchased a used 2020 G07 in July 2024 with the Emergency Call Malfunction error on the dash, 80k miles on the car. GPS was not working at all during my test drive - it thought I was somewhere in Germany or Russia. They replaced a fuse pre-purchase and the issue was resolved.
I think at this point I've had enough automotive repair experience to say - fuses don't blow for no reason. That being said, I researched this issue on forums and CZcams, thus leading me to your video. I am not sure where I stand on the damage - I haven't taken it apart, like you did, to check. For now, I will do what you did and use a nice quality clear silicone to seal around the shark fin antenna to the rooftop, checking it every so often. I figured any damage to the module is already done, we will wait and see.
If it's not broke yet, don't fix it. Right? Lol. I will update this comment if that changes. Thanks for your video.
By the way, if you still have your X7, does your steering wheel/column squeak too? 😅
Update: My sharkfin was completely loose and I was able to pull it off with my bare hands. Oof. Evidence of water/dirt under the sharkfin, so that was my issue too. I cleaned it and placed down a fresh bead of silicone, also placing a bead around the outside as well. Water won't be getting in again! Hoping there is no long term damage.
Just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing this. We were able to change the battery ourselves and save a lot of money (warranty is over.) thank you!!
I'm having exactly the same problem. Thanks for letting me know it might be a leaky fin, so I can let my dealer know this is possibly it.
Very educational video. glad to learn how to take handles and pillars off (though wish I would never have to do it myself :)). I have read elsewhere TCU is prone to water damage due to shar fin leak. Would you mind sharing what material you used to seal shark fin? is the shark fin still removable with seal in case of later repair?
Your bimmers sure keep you entertained!
I’m jumping on this .. rained a few days ago got a message on my dash. Turns out that water got inside. I have extended warranty and BMW refused to fix saying that they don’t cover “seals”.
@BMWCanada … thanks for nothing.
All said and done I’m paying out of pocket $ 3,447 Canadian for the repair
2019 BMW X5 M sport.
Great video thank you . Bmw should design this for 12v acc power feed
Yeah, this is exactly what happened to me about 6 months ago. I'm in downtown Jacksonville, FL and it dies. I had a trustworthy mechanic but it still cost me $1600.00. BMW was talking over $2K. That sharkfin is not one piece with the vechicle - make sure you seal it thoroughly. 2019 X7 BMW i40 owner
Seems to happen quite a lot on newer BMWs and $1600 doesn't sound TOO bad considering the amount of work it needs.
Agreed, it's just amazing how certain electrical part dies within weeks after the warantee runs out. I believe the term is called "Planned Obsolescence". @@SimpleCarGuy
Where do you go in Jax I have the same 2019 x7 and live in the area. I have a great shop I go to wondering if it’s the same guy.
2019 i50 Owner - I had the same repair under warranty and left it there for 2 days, $1,200 (under warranty). Now I have a shudder when the steering is full turn and slightly rolling forward. Yep..transfer case fluid breakdown. $441 unless the case has gone bad......then $6,200 (under warranty for 6 more days). Still fun to drive!
Yeah that all seems to go out right around 50k go figure 😂smh
Engineered ‘just right’!
@@SimpleCarGuy 😂😂
This just happened to me I hope it's just the battery. 2019 G07
Was it just the battery?
@@silver2331no unfortunately, I’ll be taking it to the dealer. Check with me in a month and I’ll should be able to give an update. My appointment is next month.
Update the unit was bad; water got inside; Tried insurance claim; BMW acknowledges the failure on their website so insurance will not cover. $2300 expense of course labor was the most expensive cost.
@@majorpayne7909why bmw doesn t recognize you the warrenty?
@@andrearivarovedda8887 there wasn’t a failure due to mechanical issues or nature. Basically driving car through car wash some many times overtime caused the silicone to earlier than the expectancy.
So many people have this error message due to a leaking sharkfin antenna. This is a bmw issue and they refuse to fix it. Ill never buy a bmw again. There's a lawsuit on this and hopefully bmw will step up.
I feel for you such a lot of hassle for such a stupid piece of technology, this is why I will never buy a modern car. I don’t need a computer chip to decide for me if I need help or emergency services, I did just fine looking after myself, imagine when all the solenoids and other small sensors start to become EOL end of life.❤