‘SOS Call System Failure’ Error – Let’s resolve it for you!
If you’ve noticed the ‘Emergency call system not available’ or ‘SOS call system failure’ message on your BMW’s dashboard, you’re not alone. This issue is becoming increasingly common among BMW drivers and is tied to the vehicle’s telematics system.
Understanding BMW’s Telematics System
BMW’s telematics module is an advanced safety feature designed to provide assistance in emergencies. It has two power sources:
- The vehicle’s main power supply.
- A dedicated backup battery.
This dual power setup ensures that even in the event of a severe accident resulting in complete power loss, the SOS function remains operational. The Telematic Communication Box (TCB) oversees the emergency battery’s health by performing an internal self-test during every start-up.
However, the backup battery has a limited lifespan. When its capacity diminishes to a level where it can no longer reliably place emergency calls, the system triggers a Check Control message, such as ‘Emergency call system fault’ or ‘SOS call system failure.’ Additionally, a fault entry is logged in the TCB.
What Causes the ‘SOS Call System Failure’ Error?
In most cases, this error is linked to the degradation of the telematics emergency call battery. Over time, the backup battery’s ability to hold a charge deteriorates, which prevents the emergency call system from functioning during power loss. This natural wear and tear is especially noticeable in colder climates, where batteries degrade faster. As a result, many BMW owners report this issue more frequently during winter months.
Common Fault Codes
When diagnosing the problem, you may encounter the following fault codes:
- B7F341: Emergency battery hardware faulty.
- B7F343: Emergency battery charge interval reached.
BMW’s Warranty Policy and Repair Costs
Despite the importance of the emergency call system, BMW typically does not cover this fault beyond the standard two-year warranty. The company classifies it as a wear-and-tear issue, leaving owners responsible for repair costs. This has sparked frustration among BMW drivers, especially as dealership repair quotes often exceed £600 due to the labor-intensive process of replacing the battery, which is often located in the vehicle’s roof.
Affordable Solutions for your BMW from Grosvenor
At Grosvenor, we understand the frustration of dealing with high repair costs. That’s why we’ve standardised the charge for telematics battery replacements across all BMW models at just £195, including VAT. Our service includes:
- A new replacement battery.
- Professional installation by our experienced technicians.
- Fault code clearing to ensure your system functions properly.
We prioritise transparency and efficiency. Before replacing the battery, we thoroughly inspect your vehicle to confirm the root cause of the issue. While battery degradation is the most common culprit, other factors like module faults or water damage can also trigger the error.
Who Is Affected?
This issue impacts all BMW models manufactured from 2014 onwards, including the latest production vehicles. If you’ve experienced this error, it’s essential to address it promptly to ensure your emergency call system is operational when you need it most and most importantly, get rid of that annoying message!
Book Your Repair Today
Don’t let the ‘SOS call system failure’ error linger. At Grosvenor BMW, we’re committed to providing cost-effective and reliable solutions for BMW drivers. Contact us today to schedule your telematics battery replacement and enjoy peace of mind knowing your emergency call system is in top condition.
