exx1976

Hey guys. My car is exhibiting some pretty weird symptoms at present, and I just wanted to see if anyone on here has had similar problems and knows what I might be in store for.

2004 545ia loaded. ~76k miles.

Problems:

Dash says "Passenger restraint malfunction" and "Windshield wiper malfunction".

The wipers will not turn off, and I cannot spray the washers.
When I press the turn signal stick fully in either direction, it still only blinks 3 times. The high-beams still work though.
Heated steering wheel does not turn on.
None of the steering wheel controls work (volume, channel change, the two assignable buttons, nothing)
Didn't try the cruise
Active steering is also non-functional (even though there is no dash message about it).

Everything else seems to work fine (nav, dash stereo volume, HVAC, heated seats, etc).

I am taking the car in to the dealer tonight, but I'm just curious what this is going to cost me. I have the extended maintenance and the CPO warranty still in effect, but I don't know if any of this will be covered.


Any insight any of you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

travis

Sounds like an electrical gremlin. It should definitely be covered.

DD_545i

Wasn't there a recall on that? A sensor in the passenger seat or something?

exx1976

Well, there was definitely some kind of recall on the passenger side seat mat. I got the letter, I took it in, and the dealer said they "inspected it and found no issues requiring replacement at this time".

I can't help but think there's an electrical issue in the steering column that would cause this. It seems to be the only common link between all these seemingly unrelated systems, the fact that the controls for all of them are there.


Also, the active roll stabilization is not working, either. The car pitches and rolls and rides like a 1980's cadillac. YUCK!

exx1976

For anyone that's interested, I got a call from the dealer late yesterday saying they found a bad wheel angle sensor or steering angle sensor, and are going to replace it. Covered under CPO. I should know later today if that resolved all the issues.

tallers

There is a recall on the passenger seat airbag sensor. They replaced mine a while back. New leather and all.

exx1976

Yeah, already had it in for the passenger side mat thing, that's not it.


Got a call from the dealer this afternoon.. Parts didn't arrive from BMW, apparently BMW was having "computer problems" and nothing shipped. Uh-huh. Sure.

Looks like I'm stuck in a damn 3-series till at least Monday.

exx1976

For anyone who's interested, here's the fix (not edited for spelling):

"Guest states SRS light is on. Pull codes under standard scope. Numerous faults all centere around SZL. Run through test plan for voltage supply SZL. Check all fuses in fronrt and rear boxes. Ok remove s steering column trim and check power from SGM module to SZL ok run test for active steering power supply but not presetn and suggest faulty SZL
replace SZL program and encode SZL calibrate steering angle sensor"

Part # 61-31-9-136-898 Description Switch unit steerin


It was CPO'd. Total out of pocket was $52.40

Also had regular inspection, oil change, air filter, new wiper blades, standard scope and vehicle check.

Gotta love CPO & extended maintenance!!