bhavi_jp

Hi,

I have a 2004 545I. I just found out (from dealer) that the IBS cable of the car is faulty. So I ordered the negative cable from getbmwparts.com.

And instead of sending me the cable with part # 61 12 9 184 203 (IBS cable for 04 545I), they send me the cable with part # 61 12 9 215 949

When I pointed it out to them, they said that it is the direct replacement of the old part and old part (part # 61 12 9 184 203) is no longer available for purchase.

So I contacted my local BMW delearship to confirm because I do not want to put the wrong part in the car which can potentially damage the battery system. The local deaearship told me that the old part is still available for purchase and the new part is just for the newer 5 series cars and it may or may not work with 2004 models.

So I am now confused and I am not sure what to do.

Can the experts here tell me that if I can use part # 61 12 9 215 949 in '04 545I?

Thanks,
Bhavi

Edit: Mods, Please move this topic to appropriate forum is it does not belong to this forum.

2exclusive

i had this replaced before.. how do you know its faulty? what error lights are you getting?

bhavi_jp

I had the check engine light on and I was having "Increased Emissions" error in I-drive. So I took the car to the dealer and they found a bunch of fault related to battery. They diagnosed that the battery and the IBS cable are bad. I also know that there is something wrong with battery/IBS because the battery does not hold chanrge and I have to crack it hard to start the car every time I start the car

My dealership qouted me $1200 to replace both (battery and cable). So I decided to change it by myself. I got the battery from Batteries Plus and I ordered the cable from getbmwparts.com. But I believe I got the wrong part.

aresh

i have the same issue, except i got a passenger airbag failure, and the dealer told me its the IBD cable. That was the only error or issue i had. Still havent replaced it since they asked for $400, but i would love to know how to?

2exclusive

usually ibs cable is linked to airbag issue or battery. i had this changed cause one of my airbags were blown out. increased emissions usually relates to emission issues only.

bhavi_jp

You are right. The increased emissins usually relates to emissions only. But before diagnosing what is causing the increased emissions, they told me they have to fix the battery and IBS faults. Then only they can properly diagnose the other errors on the car (probably a bunch of BS, but that's what they told me).

So back to my original question, does anyone know if the negative cable with the new part number can be put on 2004 5 series?

mos12osut

Talk to Garry @ NewportBMW,they have a post on this site.Garry took care of me this past winter with one of those(IBS sensor).Also the part take an adapter,and reprograming by stealership.Garry gave me 25% off,everything (minus reprograming) with s/h was like $175.

bhavi_jp

Thanks mos12osut. Impatience got the better of me and I installed the new IBS cable/Adapter by myself yesterday. For now, the the car seems to be running (starting) fine with this new battery/cable.

The $175 for IBS cable and adapter is a very good price indeed (I paid ~$250). Next time I will probably get the parts from Garry. Also I do not think we need to reprogram the car to just to change the battery cable. But I could be wrong.

jgt

Stealer said my IBS cable crapped out a while back but I didn't want to pay the $400+ bucks they wanted since I figured it couldn't be too difficult.
I just want to cover my bases though with the install.

Is there a DIY available for the IBS cable/adapter?

Is programming honestly needed for a cable change?
Sounds like BMW's "registering" the battery BS...