Name: BMW "Emergency call system unavailable" fault repair
Brand: external
Availability: InStock

Description

If your iDrive system on your BMW or MINI displays the message "Emergency call system unavailable", this may be due to a faulty internal battery in the telematics module.

What are the possible faults?

Most of our problems are as follows:

Internal battery in telematics module faulty
Faulty telematic module
Faulty antenna
Faulty ceiling light harness or connector

How do I know whether it's a fault in the battery, the module, the aerial or another component connected to the multimedia system?

In our experience, if the fault appears sporadically, disappears and then returns more frequently or permanently, it is often a problem with the internal battery.

Explanation:
In the event of an accident, the vehicle's main power supply may be cut off, preventing an emergency call from being made. To avoid this, the module is fitted with an internal battery. It enables the system to operate and make an emergency call even without the main power supply. Like any battery, it has a limited lifespan.

This problem often occurs in cold weather or after the vehicle has been out of use for a long time. However, it can also occur suddenly. A battery does not always fail immediately, but its capacity diminishes over time.

The fault displayed on the instrument cluster may disappear temporarily after a few journeys, as the vehicle recharges the internal battery. However, the problem will return sooner or later (within a day, a week or a month).

How much does it cost to replace the internal battery?

Depending on the generation of the telematic unit and the model, the price may vary slightly. The battery itself costs around a hundred francs. However, it is not always easy to access, and requires varying degrees of dismantling depending on the model and the vehicle's equipment.

Explanation:

The telematics module is often placed under the boot compartment or directly under the roof lining. It may therefore be necessary to remove the roof lining. The option of a sunroof can sometimes be beneficial, as it avoids the need for complete dismantling because access to the module is sufficient.

The price for a battery replacement on a Series 7 G11 ATM module is generally CHF 260 including installation. CHF 320 for an X3 G01

Where can I buy this battery?

If you want to replace the battery yourself and you're sure of the fault, we can soon supply you with the right battery for your vehicle, NEW, ORIGINAL and from recent stock. The price is around 100 francs, depending on the model. We are working on an automated ordering process that will be available soon.

What if the fault is in the telematics module?

There are several generations of telematics modules on BMW Group vehicles: TCU, Combox, TCB, ATM, Wave, etc.

Without going into too much detail, the evolution of the telecoms network is leading to modernisation and the need for new generations (connected services in the vehicle, 4G network, 5G/LTE, etc.).

In our experience, faulty modules with no external cause are rare. The problem is often water ingress, especially when the telematics module is located under the roof lining. If the vehicle is fitted with a panoramic roof, poor sealing can damage the module. What's more, roof aerials removed during repairs or bodywork often tend to let water in afterwards.

How much does it cost to replace the telematics module?

As the module contains a SIM card and a unique identification number (IMEI), we do not offer an alternative to a new module from the factory for your chassis number. The price of a new module is between CHF 800 and 1300 (excluding labour and programming/coding). Before replacing it, we strongly recommend that you dismantle the module to check whether water ingress is causing the fault. Without this check, a new module could be damaged again.

Could the aerial be faulty?

A faulty antenna is fairly rare. However, the contacts in the connectors are very fragile. If they are replaced 'blindly' without sufficient disassembly, they can be damaged, as can the ATM module connected to them. We would therefore draw your particular attention to this point if you decide to replace the battery yourself.