having major electronic/mechanical issues
 

This started sometime ago, on my 2003 X5 with, then 60,000 miles. Now, it has 73,000 miles.

At first, when it was cold out and/or the the car hadn't been run in 24 hours, the automatic transmission wouldn't shift into drive all the way. For stick drivers, I describe the issue as only letting the clutch out 10% so the car would move forward, but highly disproportionate to the revs and to normal. If continued, it would at somepoint slam into gear with a large jolt, like dropping the clutch suddenly.

BMW said that this was a computer update issue. So, I updated it. It's done this one time since. BUT if this was the only problem, I would be writing this...

Yesterday, in a parking lot, thank God, I lost complete control of my vehicle. The steering wheel would not turn, the transmission would not engage in any gear (not even when using the manual mode) I was only going 2-3 miles an hour, but I am glad that the e-brake is on a cable, not connected through a computer. That is what stopped the car. After stopping the car, I tried all the shifting of gears, which as I said, did not work. Also, every dash light imaginable turned on like a Christmas tree!

I turned the vehicle off, and waited 5 minutes with people getting real pissed at me for blocking them. After turning it back on, it seemed to work fine.

two questions: 1) what the hell happened? (can't find anything searching for similiar problems) and 2) Has anyone ever experienced this themselves to any capcity in a BMW?

check alternator charging voltage.

the alternator charging voltage can cause sudden, sporatic complete system failure of the car? My confidence has gone down even further - thanks, but I'd rather trade it in at that point.

Yes, over voltage and under voltage can cause this. Batteries and alternators are maintance items they do not last forever. So you rather trade it in?

yes, i chased an electronic issue before - no fun - lots of money - no resolution - lesson learned.

what is the story on the steering ,
did it lock up completely or just lose power assist .

Before trading in I'd bring it to the dealer and pay the diagnosis fee just once, and specifically ask for an experienced master tech to do the diagnosis as you are very worried about this problem but can't afford to buy parts that it doesn't need. (but be extra nice about it too)

I fix weird electrical problems often, and once fixed they are fixed as long as the are fixed properly.