How To Fix Emergency Call Malfunction BMW? Quick and Easy Solutions

BMW is one of the best luxury car brands out there. The safety features are impeccable, including its Emergency Call function. Imagine driving down the highway when suddenly you experience an emergency and need assistance by pressing the SOS button only to find it does not work. You may feel frustrated and worried about what to do in such a situation.

The good news is that this issue can be fixed quickly and easily without the need for professional help if you know where to look. In this article, we will provide you with some tips and tricks on how to fix the emergency call malfunction on your BMW.

We will cover the most common reasons why the emergency call system would fail, such as low battery, software update issues, or even hardware problems. We will also show you solutions to each of these malfunctions. So don’t panic! With just a few simple steps, you’ll be back on track and continue to enjoy the many incredible features your BMW has to offer.

“Safety doesn’t happen by accident.” -unknown

Check Your Network Connection

If you are experiencing an emergency call malfunction in your BMW, the first thing you should do is check your network connection. This could be the reason why you’re unable to make or receive calls. To check your network connection, follow these steps:

Restart Your Router

If you’re using a Wi-Fi network and facing issues with your mobile signal, restarting your router might help fix the problem. Here’s how you can do it:

• Unplug your router from the power socket.
• Wait for 30 seconds.
• Plug it back in and wait for it to restart completely.
• Try connecting to your BMW’s system again.

This should help improve the quality of your signal, allowing you to make and receive calls without any interruption.

Check Your Wi-Fi Signal Strength

The next thing you want to do is check your Wi-Fi signal strength. Weak signals may cause communication breakdowns between your phone and your BMW, leading to malfunctioning features like emergency calling. Follow these simple steps to check your signal strength:

“Wi-Fi signals weaken as they travel away from their source. So if you’re trying to make an emergency call while outside your Wi-Fi range, there’s a chance that the call won’t go through.” -Gizmodo

• Open the “Settings” app on your phone.
• Select “Wi-Fi.”
• Your device will automatically list all the networks within range.
• Select the network you are currently connected to.
• The signal strength will appear under the name of the network (measured in bars).

If the signal strength is weak, try moving closer to your router or upgrading it for better coverage. Alternatively, consider switching to mobile data connectivity instead of Wi-Fi, as this might improve call quality.

Make Sure Your Device is Connected to the Right Network

Another reason why you may be experiencing emergency call malfunctions could be because your device is not connected to the right network. If there are multiple networks available, and you accidentally connect to the wrong one, your emergency calling feature may malfunction. Here’s how to make sure you’re connected to the right network:

• Open the “Settings” app on your phone.
• Select “Wi-Fi.”
• Your device will automatically list all the networks within range.
• Select the correct network that you know should work with BMW emergency calling.

Check for Network Outages in Your Area

There could also be a chance that your carrier is experiencing downtime due to network outages in your area, leading to emergency call malfunctioning. Contact your ISP or carrier to find out if there is currently ongoing maintenance or network issues. You can also check their website or customer support services for any information regarding such problems.

“Network crashes will always happen from time to time—it’s just a matter of scale, frequency, and duration.” -TechRadar

Emergency calling should never malfunction in critical situations. By following these simple steps and troubleshooting methods, you’ll be able to identify any issues and fix them effectively to ensure peace of mind when using BMW emergency calling.

Reset Your BMW’s Infotainment System

If you’re having an emergency call malfunction on your BMW, resetting the infotainment system may be a solution. Follow these steps:

Access the System Settings Menu

To access the system settings menu, start by turning on your vehicle and then selecting “Menu” on the control panel. From there, choose “Settings”. You will see several options, including “Infotainment system”. Click this button to enter the infotainment system menu.

Select “Reset Infotainment System”

Once inside the infotainment system menu, select the option that says “Reset Infotainment System”. This process will reset all the software settings of your infotainment system and wipe out any data stored in it. It is imperative to know that this procedure doesn’t affect other systems in the car like engine function or airbags.

This type of issue usually occurs if the electrical sensors near the emergency brake have malfunctioned. “The sensor sends a signal to the vehicle’s brain when the parking brake is disengaged and the driver shifts to drive.” explains RepairPal. Resetting the infotainment system allows for better communication between BMW programs, potentially leading to a functional emergency call system.

Keep in mind that resetting the infotainment system shouldn’t be performed again and again without reason. Only perform this step if you are explicitly instructed to do so by a qualified professional.

“Avoid quick fixes and anything temporary. Only use a reliable fix given by expert technicians” -Michael Khair

After performing those steps, check whether the emergency call feature has started working correctly. If not, take your car to an authorized service center to get it checked. Attempting to repair complicated internal issues without experience and knowledge can lead to further damage, leading to more expenses.

Resetting the infotainment system is a standard troubleshooting method that may fix emergency call malfunction. However, performing this reset should be done with caution, and it’s better to leave complex repairs to experts in certified service centers rather than experimenting on your own. By following these steps, you’ll minimize downtime for your BMW while ensuring safety on the road, making it easier to return to using essential features of your car like emergency calls.

Verify Your Emergency Call Subscription

Are you having issues with your BMW’s emergency call feature? One possible reason for the problem could be an expired or inactive subscription to the service.

To check the status of your emergency call subscription, log in to your BMW ConnectedDrive account.

Check Your BMW ConnectedDrive Account

Your BMW ConnectedDrive account is where you can manage all aspects of your vehicle’s connectivity features, including emergency call services. To verify your subscription:

• Log in to your ConnectedDrive account on the BMW website using your username and password.
• Select “Services” from the menu options at the top of the page.
• Scroll down to “Emergency Call” and make sure it shows as “active.”

If your subscription has not been renewed or has lapsed, renew your subscription via the BMW ConnectedDrive portal or by contacting your BMW dealer.

Contact Your Service Provider

If your emergency call subscription is active but you are still experiencing problems, it may be due to a network issue. Contacting your service provider can help address any potential connectivity issues.

You can reach out to your service provider for assistance with troubleshooting your SIM card or cellular connection. You may need to provide some information about your device and plan, so be prepared to have these details handy when reaching out to customer service.

Make Sure Your SIM Card is Properly Installed

In order for the emergency call service to function correctly, your BMW must have a properly installed SIM card. If the SIM card was accidentally removed or if there is a problem with how it was installed, this could be causing the malfunction.

SIM cards should be installed in the slot located within the electronic vehicle immobilization device (EWS). Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on locating and installing your SIM card.

Check Your BMW’s Cellular Signal Strength

In some cases, a weak cellular signal can impact the performance of your emergency call feature. Poor signal strength could be due to network congestion or physical obstructions such as tunnels, trees, or tall buildings blocking the signal.

To check your BMW’s signal strength:

• Press the “Option” button on your iDrive controller.
• Select “Settings.”
• Select “Telephony.”
• Select “Signal Strength.”

“Wireless signals don’t have nutritional value.” -Martin Cooper, inventor of the mobile phone

If you are unable to make an emergency call due to low signal strength, consider moving to an open area or pulling over to a location with better reception before attempting to place the call again.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you may be able to restore full functionality to your BMW’s emergency call service. If the issue persists after trying all of these solutions, contacting your BMW dealer or authorized technician is recommended.

Update Your BMW’s Software

Having an emergency call malfunction in your BMW can be a serious issue, but there is a simple solution: update your software. Here’s how:

Check for Available Updates

The first step to updating your BMW’s software is to check if there are any available updates. To do this, go to “Settings” on the dashboard and select “Software Update”. If there are any updates available, they will show up here.

If there are no updates available or you’re not sure if your car has the latest software version, you can also check with your dealer. They can tell you what software version you currently have and whether there are newer versions available.

Connect Your BMW to Wi-Fi

In order to download an update, your BMW needs to be connected to Wi-Fi. To connect your car, go to “Settings”, then choose “Wi-Fi” and turn it on. Select the network you want to join and enter the password (if required).

“It’s important to keep your vehicle updated so that it continues to run smoothly and efficiently.” -Paul Blanco

Once you’ve successfully joined the network, your BMW should automatically start downloading any available software updates.

Start the Update Process

If the update doesn’t start automatically, you can manually initiate it by going back into “Software Update” under “Settings”. From there, you can select “Download and Install” to begin the process.

During the installation process, make sure your car remains turned on and is not in active driving mode. The installation may take some time, depending on the size of the update and the speed of your Wi-Fi connection.

Once the update is complete, you should see a message on your dashboard indicating that it was successful. If not, double-check that your car is up to date with the latest software by repeating the steps above.

“Keeping up-to-date with software updates is essential in maintaining function and safety of your vehicle.” -Carfax

Updating the software in your BMW can help fix emergency call malfunctions and prevent future issues. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your car is running smoothly and efficiently.

Inspect Your BMW’s Antenna

If you own a BMW, it is imperative to make sure that its emergency call system is functioning properly. This feature can be of great help in case of an accident or other emergencies. However, sometimes the emergency call may malfunction due to issues with the antenna. Here are some steps you can take to fix the problem:

Check for Physical Damage

The first thing you should do when trying to fix your BMW’s emergency call malfunction is to inspect the antenna for any physical damage. A damaged antenna could lead to poor signal strength and disrupted communication between your car and the response center.

Make sure to check the antenna itself as well as any mounting brackets or wires that connect it to your vehicle. If there are any visible cracks or breaks, they must be repaired before you begin testing the emergency call system.

Ensure Proper Installation

If you recently had aftermarket accessories installed on your BMW, such as a roof rack or satellite radio, it’s possible that the installation process could have caused some damage to the antenna cable or interfering signals that affect the performance of the eCall system. You should double-check if the installation was done correctly according to BMW specifications. If the aftermarket accessory interfered with the antenna wiring, this might be causing your emergency call malfunction.

“Having the right information at the right time is critical during unforeseen circumstances. Any delay or loss of signal can mean the difference between life and death.” – Ray Almgren, Vice President of marketing and sales for Sierra Wireless Inc.

Check for Corrosion or Rust

Another cause of emergency call malfunctions could be corrosion or rust on the antenna or antenna cables. These elements reduce the conductivity of the metallic material used in the components and, thus, reduce signal strength. Rust or corrosion could be caused by water damage, high humidity conditions, salty air (if you live near a body of saltwater), excessive heat, among others.

Check if there is any rust buildup on the antenna or antenna cables that need to be cleaned with a metal cleaning agent and a soft brush. Do not use abrasive cleaners or harmful chemicals as this might worsen the situation.

Test the Antenna’s Signal Strength

If none of the above steps solve the emergency call malfunction issue, it’s time to test your BMW’s antenna signal strength. Fortunately, modern BMW cars have diagnostic software that allows you to monitor this information with ease.

You can either take your car into a local dealership or auto shop to find out the signal status or perform a self-diagnostic check at home with a specific tool (BMW Scanner 1.4.0) for retrieving error codes from the control units installed in your vehicle and reset it accordingly.

“Signal strength is part of ensuring connectivity; however, it’s equally essential to know how long a device takes to reconnect after losing coverage,; this will ensure consistency.” – Steve Westmoreland, Director of Business Development at Kore Telematics.

Regular inspections and maintenance checks are also crucial in preserving the longevity of not only the antenna but also the surrounding sensors and connectors related to the emergency call system. It would be best to schedule regular maintenance with certified professionals who specialize in BMW model-specific servicing and repairs.

Fixing an Emergency Call Malfunction in your BMW comes down to proper inspection and understanding what should be preserved while installing aftermarket accessories and carrying out subsequent professional routine maintenance. If you follow these simple guidelines, you’ll maximize the chances of helping yourself when needed most.

Contact Your BMW Dealer or Service Center

If you are experiencing the emergency call malfunction issue with your BMW, it is best to contact your local dealer or service center immediately. They will have the necessary resources and expertise to properly diagnose and fix the issue.

It is essential that you do not attempt to fix the problem yourself as this could be unsafe and cause further damage to your car.

Explain Your Issue

When reaching out to your dealer or service center, it is important to explain the emergency call malfunction issue in detail. This will help them to understand the severity of the problem and whether it can be resolved over the phone or requires a physical inspection.

You may want to provide information such as when you first noticed the issue, whether you were driving at the time and if anything else occurred alongside the alert.

Schedule an Appointment

Your dealer or service center will likely recommend scheduling an appointment so they can take a closer look at your vehicle. They will also be able to advise on how long the repair might take and how much it may cost.

You should ensure that you make the appointment as soon as possible to avoid further complications or safety issues while driving.

Ask About Warranty Coverage

If your BMW is still under warranty, you should ask about warranty coverage for the emergency call malfunction issue. Depending on the terms of your warranty, this issue may be covered, which means you would not be responsible for any expenses related to repairs.

“If it’s clear from their diagnosis that there is indeed a defect, then any costs incurred by the dealership relating to investigating or repairing that will be borne by the automaker,” -Consumer Reports

If your warranty has expired or does not cover this specific issue, you may have to pay out of pocket for repairs.

Contacting your BMW dealer or service center as soon as possible will ensure that the emergency call malfunction issue is resolved quickly and safely. Be sure to explain the issue in detail, schedule an appointment, and ask about warranty coverage if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions