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Complete electrical & engine shutdown while driving

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Old 04-24-2013, 10:30 AM
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Default Complete electrical & engine shutdown while driving

Hello All,

Did some searches but could not find a post describing such an extreme failure...

My wife's 2006 530xi wagon died getting on the freeway this AM. It was a complete shutdown of EVERYTHING and it happened all at once. The engine turned off, and there was no power to any of the electronic components (dash, overhead lighting, nothing). She was lucky not to get hit by another vehicle as the car stopped in traffic.

She called a tow service who tried to jump the car using the jump point in the engine bay. There was zero response. Also, the car is totally unresponsive to turning the key in the ignition (no dash lights, sounds clicking under the hood, nada, zip, nothing).

The car is at a trusted indy BMW shop, and they said it's likely one of 3 different power control modules, but it would take some time to diagnose.

Anyone have any ideas that might help to troubleshoot?

Thanks,

Andy
Old 04-24-2013, 10:38 AM
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Even though it wouldn't take a jump, it could be the battery or alternator. I'd start there 1st, but if it's already at a shop, I'm sure they'll figure it out soon. Best of luck.
Old 04-24-2013, 09:20 PM
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My Ride: Original E60 Spec: 530i - Silver Grey Out, Black Dakota Leather In, Navigation Pro, Voice Command, HiFi Audio, Sports Package, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package w/ Heated Seats, Style# 123 Alloy Track Wheels, Auto AC, Power Front Seats, Active Turn Xennon Headlights, Mods: OEM M-Tech Front Bumper, OEM M Side Skirts, OEM M5 Rear Bumper, M5 Trunk Lid Finisher, M5 Style Mirrors, Custom Hamann Style Splitter, Custom Hartge Style Diffuser, RD Sport Boot Spoiler, LCI Taillights, Bruce Miranda's V4 LCI Retro Cables, 6000K Xenon light Bulbs, Xenon White LED License Plate Lights, 8000K HID 9006 Fog Lights, Akalius� Front Headlight Euro Overlays, Matte Black Kidney Grilles, E60.Net Clings, Debadged, Llumar Tinting "Micro Edged, 15% Rear 35% Sides, Engine Mods: Custom Magnaflow Quad Exhaust w/ Eisenmann Stamped 3� Tips, RPI Scoop (Red) Added Electronics: V1 Equipped (Hardwired), OEM Alpine CD Changer Retrofit, Shoes: SOLD-20" Staggered Vertini Hennesey Rims, Falcon 452's Tires-SOLD New Shoes: 19" VMR 710 Hyper Silver, General Exclaim UHP 245/35/19 Front-275/30/19 Rear, Gloss Silver Caliper Paint Job DIY ^_____________ Retired ______________ Took Delivery 10/26/2009: LOADED! E60 M5 Silverstone II/Black, Active Seats, Comfort Ventilated/Heated Seats, HUD, Brushed Aluminum Trim,
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Sounds like an alternator. Sorry to hear this Andy. Good luck to you, and
I hope it does not cost you too much.
Old 04-25-2013, 12:47 PM
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If it's at the INDY already just let them troubleshoot it.
Could due to battery safety terminal.
Old 05-08-2013, 05:26 PM
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to the OP, did you get your issue resloved? Wife had a similiar issue but was able to restart the vehicle on her own.
Old 05-13-2013, 07:58 AM
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It turned out there was a loose cable connection to one of the main power distribution modules. The mechanic said the connect was corroded as well, so he cleaned it, smeared it with dielectric grease, plugged it back in and it's been working fine.

It's a wagon, which have been known to have water work it's way down to the spare tire well via the sunroof (where that power module is), so maybe that explains it.

-Andy
Old 05-14-2013, 06:42 AM
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Originally Posted by andyhess
It turned out there was a loose cable connection to one of the main power distribution modules. The mechanic said the connect was corroded as well, so he cleaned it, smeared it with dielectric grease, plugged it back in and it's been working fine.

It's a wagon, which have been known to have water work it's way down to the spare tire well via the sunroof (where that power module is), so maybe that explains it.

-Andy
Thanks
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