That guys fix with the ignition switch seemed strange, but you know what, there are weird fixes for this car. How many miles on it? Also have you tested the battery? You can use a multimeter and check the batt. It should be atleast 12v. Then start the X and put a load on her. (Headlights and blower motor on) Make sure the power output is above 14V. If those are good, then we can move on.

Just under 75k miles. I'm kind of doubtful of the battery thing as I put a new Interstate in about 2 years ago(plus I really hate getting to it). She's doing great today after multiple shutdowns. I figure maybe the trailer drew enough off of her to throw messages. Maybe a sign of something on the horizon? Thanks for the response.

Scott

Well another thing you can do is check the voltage through the cluster by going through the test mode. From there you can monitor the voltage for 30 mins.

Or check the voltage at the jump start terminals under the hood.

The couple amps the trailer lighting drew should not have caused any issues, I mean your head lights use 3-4x the power.

So, good luck, see you when it acts up again in a couple days.

It already did it again last night. I stopped at the grocery store on the way home and when I got back in "DING". I pulled over, shut down, locked with the remote, unlocked and started it up again and the fault went away. Today on my way to work started fine but about 5 minutes in it came up. Pulled over and it took two tries to get it to all go away but the amber "brake" annunciator. I'll try the voltage checks when I get a chance. Thanks again guys.

Scott

Well the more I research the more it looks like the ignition switch may be the culprit. I'll keep you posted.

Scott

Ok, see the link in my sig. Unlock your OBC and do the voltage test while driving. Your research is pointing you in the wrong direction. Checking voltage, is not just for battery, it could be your alternator, or even the voltage regulator. Without doing this, you are not diagnosing anything at all.

Finally had a chance to do the voltage check through the onboard computer tonight. Drove around getting up to ~60 mph. Stayed around 13.6-13.8 for the most part, would drop to 13.4 when loaded w/ seat heaters and A/C full on. Lowest drop I saw seemed to be during a downshift (maybe 3rd to 2nd) briefly at 12.3. Doesn't that sound pretty normal?

Scott

just bought a x5 last week
looked at paperwork it came with,
prior service at bmw. all light came on engine tranny ect just like you
they dignosed the alternator and replaced. looks like they billed just under $2000 for that

No, dipping to 12.3 is not normal. Keep monitoring it. How is it acting anyway?