X3 tailgate latch causes ignition to shut off

[Peter Tanner]

Hi, I am new to forum and have had a few BMWs over the years but I am not mechanically adept. They often seem to have electrical or other quirks. Can anyone advise on the following ongoing problem. The mechanic could not find any codes or a solution. I have a 2004 X3, about 160,000 km on it. Ignition will sometimes die (ie like totally dead car, no sound at all when I turn it). It happens randomly. But I did discover that if I crawl inside the back and lift up the floor plate, I can manually push the red hatch release switch inside the tailgate body with a flashlight and screwdriver. Once i unlatch the tailgate the car starts up just like normal everytime. Mechanic thought it might be related to alarm feature but I dont have an alarm, just a fob to lock and unlockl. Same thing happens with both fobs. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[X3456]

If the battery is 3yrs or older and not from group #49...change battery...also only you know how old the batteries are in the fob...also make sure all battery connections are tight...remember you do not have to register the battery to the e83 (your 04 x3) good luck

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[Peter Tanner]

Great! Thanks for your help-I’ll give these a try!