[simplyeric]

Hello everyone. I just got this "SOS Call System Failure" message on the dashboard and headunit. This is scaring me because the car is only 3 years old.

I currently drive a 330i f30, year 2018.

The only modifications/tuning I have done was adding an amplifier to the car for the audio system, which has been running fine for the past two months, replacing the stock amp. I feel like this may be the only issue that may have caused this error message?

I also have upgraded to an M Performance Exhaust. Highly believe this wouldn't be an issue.

I have gone through the error list on BimmerCode if that can be of any help.

[Billfitz]

The backup battery probably needs to be replaced. Do a search, it's been posted about recently.

[simplyeric]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

The backup battery probably needs to be replaced. Do a search, it's been posted about recently.

Do you think it's most definitely a hardware issue or software issue because I coded some simple things via bimmercode?

I'm currently out of my warranty phase. How much do you think this would cost bringing it into the dealership?

[pjkbrit]

Backup battery in the roof above rear brake light. Mine just crapped out at 37 months (14000 miles).
Replaced myself. Go to dealer for part…superseded item. You DO need Carly or something else to code off the error message.

[NesoX]

you can deactivate the fault or u change the battery

[iyad.nasser]

change the battery if you dont want then let me code it out for you

[chowser51]

see if it's covered by warranty to replace the battery. it needs to be changed or the error coded out.

[daschacka]

How would it be possible to code it out?

[simplyeric]

Originally Posted by pjkbrit

Backup battery in the roof above rear brake light. Mine just crapped out at 37 months (14000 miles).
Replaced myself. Go to dealer for part…superseded item. You DO need Carly or something else to code off the error message.

Thank you so much! I was able to fix this issue by replacing the battery by opening up the SOS battery compartment.

All you need to do is pop the rear light compartment open above the backseats on the roof. That is where the sos battery compartment is. Becareful when taking it off because you can break the pieces, especially the center clip.

Once you pop it off, use a t-25 screw to pop off the two screws and then pull the roof down that is also clipped by two clips. Pull down the roof and you'll see the battery compartment. Replace and then code it out with BimmerLink.

[simplyeric]

Originally Posted by daschacka

How would it be possible to code it out?

You can use the BinmerLink app to code it out as it also scans for any error codes. Any other app like Cary works too I am pretty sure.

[Zheez]

Glad it can be coded out. I don't have a problem with mine at the moment but would be good for future reference since my car is a 2014 so it's going to happen sometime.

Does anyone know what needs to be coded via E-Sys to code it out? I assume it's a case of removing 619 from VO but then what modules need to be coded after? Or is it easier to just FDL code the relevant modules?

[simplyeric]

Originally Posted by Zheez

Glad it can be coded out. I don't have a problem with mine at the moment but would be good for future reference since my car is a 2014 so it's going to happen sometime.

Does anyone know what needs to be coded via E-Sys to code it out? I assume it's a case of removing 619 from VO but then what modules need to be coded after? Or is it easier to just FDL code the relevant modules?

I've just done a quick search on Google and it seems like people are able to code out the SOS via a quick code line.

I would just invest into BimmerLink w/ a recommended compatible OBD2 adapter so it just saves you all the work of deeper coding.

2014 and no problems w/ the battery so far is going long and strong it seems like. For future reference, the OEM battery product # is 84102447710. I can't believe mine died as I'm on my 3rd year of ownership for my f30. I think they die faster when you are living in cold environments.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by simplyeric

I would just invest into BimmerLink w/ a recommended compatible OBD2 adapter so it just saves you all the work of deeper coding.

Bimmerlink is for diagnosis and repair. Bimmercode is for coding. I can't imagine not having Bimmercode. it's worth the price just to get rid of the legal disclaimer every time you start the car.

[maverick215]

I have same problem , but my friend code out

[fe7565]

Will code out error, not fix it.

Worked for my NBT:

KOMBI => ST_ECAL_ALIVE = nicht_aktiv
KOMBI => ST_ECAL_TIMEOUT = nicht_aktiv

Some also had to add this:

HO-word TELD to the VO and code CMB_MEDIA and KOMBI.

This is for cars with TCM:

TCM_ALIVE_MONITOR -> nicht_aktiv
TCM_ID_MONITOR -> nicht_aktiv

[elthox]

Originally Posted by fe7565

Will code out error, not fix it.

Worked for my NBT:

KOMBI => ST_ECAL_ALIVE = nicht_aktiv
KOMBI => ST_ECAL_TIMEOUT = nicht_aktiv

Some also had to add this:

HO-word TELD to the VO and code CMB_MEDIA and KOMBI.

This is for cars with TCM:

TCM_ALIVE_MONITOR -> nicht_aktiv
TCM_ID_MONITOR -> nicht_aktiv

This wont work. Error will come back

[fe7565]

Originally Posted by elthox

This wont work. Error will come back

Sorry to hear that it did not work for you. It worked for me on my retrofit NBT_HU.

[ratajj]

Hi, maybe you know. Is possible to test "sos call system" without pressing the sos button? ISTA maybe?

[joesid]

My SOS issue is driving me crazy! Over the last few months, I've been having trouble accessing any of the connected services (Update BMW Assist grayed out)from the car. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It will magically start working after I've been driving for about 30 minutes. When it doesn't, I get a SOS malfunction for about 3 seconds once per engine cycle, as if it's the low temperature warning, usually within 10-20 minutes.

When I scan, the only error that seems to be related is E14600. I've removed the ATM a few times now to make sure everything is plugged in properly.

The ATM was replaced by the dealer with the upgraded 4G module back in May. The messages did not start until about 5 months after it was replaced. I've replaced the battery in the ATM just in case, but it had no impact.

Any idea why my car connected sometimes and not others?

[simplyeric]

Originally Posted by joesid

My SOS issue is driving me crazy! Over the last few months, I've been having trouble accessing any of the connected services (Update BMW Assist grayed out)from the car. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It will magically start working after I've been driving for about 30 minutes. When it doesn't, I get a SOS malfunction for about 3 seconds once per engine cycle, as if it's the low temperature warning, usually within 10-20 minutes.

When I scan, the only error that seems to be related is E14600. I've removed the ATM a few times now to make sure everything is plugged in properly.

The ATM was replaced by the dealer with the upgraded 4G module back in May. The messages did not start until about 5 months after it was replaced. I've replaced the battery in the ATM just in case, but it had no impact.

Any idea why my car connected sometimes and not others?

So as a quick update, I was able to finally resolve the issue with what everyone suggested:

Removed the battery from the compartment located under the shark antenna (Youtube). Replaced the battery and coded it out via BimmerLink. It was that simple.

No issues whatsoever on the SoS message!

Also if you are living in colder climates like I do, the battery does seem to die faster apparently.

[nyc_dude]

If 3G Cellular is being sunset in your part of the world, many BMW Connected Drive features will stop working for cars with 3G Modems (pre-2016ish). It may cause the SOS Malfunction. Magic date in the US is February 2022. Mine popped up on 1/31/2022. Some cars can be upgraded with 4G HW and some can't...BMW should have figured out a custom workaround with a new telematics 4G unit.

I had my roof wrapped in CF vinyl, and the shark fin wasn't sealed. So there were leaks when going through laser car washes through the antenna and the third brake light. BMW put the telematics module under the shark fin (sometimes it was mounted in the trunk). Stooooopid. Water damage might effect all your calling and bluetooth features. Telematics unit is $600, but it has to be coded to the VIN. Another antenna module is under the shark fin.

A rechargeable Li-Ion backup battery is also installed in the telematics unit that can be replaced easily ($90). My battery is 7 years old. I think if you read the codes, it will indicate if the battery is past its expected life, as if it is tracking the battery expiration date.


Cheers

[BXL4]

Originally Posted by nyc_dude

If 3G Cellular is being sunset in your part of the world, many BMW Connected Drive features will stop working for cars with 3G Modems (pre-2016ish). It may cause the SOS Malfunction. Magic date in the US is February 2022. Mine popped up on 1/31/2022. Some cars can be upgraded with 4G HW and some can't...BMW should have figured out a custom workaround with a new telematics 4G unit.

I had my roof wrapped in CF vinyl, and the shark fin wasn't sealed. So there were leaks when going through laser car washes through the antenna and the third brake light. BMW put the telematics module under the shark fin (sometimes it was mounted in the trunk). Stooooopid. Water damage might effect all your calling and bluetooth features. Telematics unit is $600, but it has to be coded to the VIN. Another antenna module is under the shark fin.

A rechargeable Li-Ion backup battery is also installed in the telematics unit that can be replaced easily ($90). My battery is 7 years old. I think if you read the codes, it will indicate if the battery is past its expected life, as if it is tracking the battery expiration date.


Cheers

So, if the error code is due to the cessation of 3G, what WILL remove the warning, if anything?