Hi guys,

I’ll try to keep this as straight and direct as possible. I have had many BMW’s, 2 wheels and 4 wheels, I do all mechanical work myself on all of them for the last 17 years.

My go to dealer is in Pleasanton, CA where I bought my first BMW. Generally, only use for software issues or random module problems. Just a few times, but they always have fixed whatever the issue was in a few days and sent me on my way.

They have one of my BMW’s now, my wife's 2004 530i. Parasitic drain on battery. A recurrence of an issue earlier this year. I replaced the IBS (all 3 parts) and battery (indy registered for me) and have not had issue since then till now.

Short month history prior… I replaced the power steering pump, reservoir and hoses a few weeks before, no idea if any bearing.

Problem: Vehicle does not go to sleep, drains battery, does not start.

I have been pretty busy at work and didn’t have time to put into diagnose again, so I decided to have EB BMW take care of it… didn’t think much of it, they always have been very good at fixing whatever I brought them.

Dropped off just about 5 weeks ago, $3,800 into it, vehicle is not running. Dealer can not code the new SGM module they said it needed and the headlight module that was also needed.

Car is bricked currently… what advice do you guys have as far as how to proceed with the dealer?
WBANA73564B806662

 

OMG...You need to raise some very polite, but firm, hell. Not dime more. Tell them to fix it and return it to you for what you've already spent and tell them to get BMW NA involved if necessary to figure it out.

 

What all the heck did they do for $3,800? Seems like they're taking you for an expensive ride. A parasitic drain is basically isolating one thing at a time.

 

Yes, I'm having that conversation today with them, I'm not sure they have involved BMW NA yet but I'll find out, you would think that would had already happened given the time frame, but doubtful.

 

Dropped on Aug 22nd, they tested tons of stuff and by Aug 31st they said it was the SGM module and I approved work. Then they couldn't code because the headlamp module was bad and had to be replaced, that took another week or so, then the one working on my car got Covid and it sat another week. So, the issue is 'we are having troubles pairing and programing SGM to vehicle' that's where its been for 3 weeks... the SGM / Coding / testing was over 2k / another $600 for original diagnostic work / couple hundred more for the headlamp module... = dead car, good times

 

Whoever that is clearly does not seem like they know what they are doing.

 

Sadly when it comes to troubleshooting electrical issues the Dealership is the last place you should take it. They do not specialize nor have the skills to TS those issues. At this point you need to be very stern with them. First is to give me a loaner if they have not already. Secondly is to get my car unbricked. If they have given you a loaner let them take all the time they need but you will not be giving them not a penny more to get your car up and running. Your story sounds very familiar. Were you on FB discussing the issue with not being able to update a module due to the light module being bad.