Does my 530i need an exorcist or an electrician
#1
New Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2002 BMW 530i
Does my 530i need an exorcist or an electrician
Hello,
I have a 2002 530i with 112,000 miles. Runs great. Two evenings ago as I left the market the headlights started turning off for a second and then back on over and over. Fortunately, I was only driving a few miles. The next day, the lights were fine again, but the dashlight for the airbag comes on and off, the radio turns itself on and off, the horn doesn't work or any of the controls on the steering wheel. Is this a crazy thing or a common thing I just haven't encountered before? Any suggestions on where I should start?
Thanks for your help,
2old
I have a 2002 530i with 112,000 miles. Runs great. Two evenings ago as I left the market the headlights started turning off for a second and then back on over and over. Fortunately, I was only driving a few miles. The next day, the lights were fine again, but the dashlight for the airbag comes on and off, the radio turns itself on and off, the horn doesn't work or any of the controls on the steering wheel. Is this a crazy thing or a common thing I just haven't encountered before? Any suggestions on where I should start?
Thanks for your help,
2old
#3
New Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2002 BMW 530i
Honestly, that was a few years ago, I don't remember exactly. I do remember that it was a quick and easy fix that wasn't very costly. Like something needed replacing, but it was minor. Just take it to your guy and you'll be in and out without too much suffering. Good luck.
#4
New Members
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Chester, UK
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2003 525D ES SE TOURING
I’ve had that with headlights going on and off. Only if car is left not driven for a few days. Originally started after away on holiday and battery went flat. Weather was cold and wet too. I have an hour drive to work and after one long drive with air conditioning on. Cars fine now. I put it down to damp getting into electrics.
So seems battery or damp issue. I’m more on the side of damp and cold as the issue. Air conditioning drying out things seems to solve it for mine.
My car is 2003 525D touring 250,000 miles. Been well looked after by previous owner and me.
Last edited by Al69; 02-08-2019 at 12:55 PM.
#5
New Members
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Chester, UK
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2003 525D ES SE TOURING
#6
New Members
Ignition switch
Hello,
I have a 2002 530i with 112,000 miles. Runs great. Two evenings ago as I left the market the headlights started turning off for a second and then back on over and over. Fortunately, I was only driving a few miles. The next day, the lights were fine again, but the dashlight for the airbag comes on and off, the radio turns itself on and off, the horn doesn't work or any of the controls on the steering wheel. Is this a crazy thing or a common thing I just haven't encountered before? Any suggestions on where I should start?
Thanks for your help,
2old
I have a 2002 530i with 112,000 miles. Runs great. Two evenings ago as I left the market the headlights started turning off for a second and then back on over and over. Fortunately, I was only driving a few miles. The next day, the lights were fine again, but the dashlight for the airbag comes on and off, the radio turns itself on and off, the horn doesn't work or any of the controls on the steering wheel. Is this a crazy thing or a common thing I just haven't encountered before? Any suggestions on where I should start?
Thanks for your help,
2old
Solution; I was told to change the ignition switch. It is apparently a common problem. Lots of youtube videos show you exactly how to do it. The first time took me 90 minutes but after that, I did it in 45 minutes, because I am a cheap SOB and I learned a hard lesson and became good at changing switches. DO NOT buy aftermarket switches. Get genuine BMW replacement and save yourself a headache.
The following users liked this post:
Black Taxi (08-28-2019)
#7
New Members
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Melbourne Australia
Posts: 1
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2003 530 M Sport
Model Year: 02/2003
Engine: M54
The principal reason I have joined as am going through these issues at the moment with loss of cruise controls of the steering wheel, MID not working whereas previously was and indicator lights not "click-clacking" on the instrument cluster. Replaced the ignition switch without any change.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
flyingpuck
The Competition
7
01-17-2012 07:49 AM