Electrical System Error message
10-02-2011, 03:58 PM
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Hello
I have a 2004 530i with 66700 miles on it. I saw a brief message "Electrical System Error" flash for a few seconds then it went off. With the car running, I heard a noise possible coming from the alternator. Is this an indication that the alternator may be going out? Will a scanner pickup any codes if this error code is not showing?
thx.
I have a 2004 530i with 66700 miles on it. I saw a brief message "Electrical System Error" flash for a few seconds then it went off. With the car running, I heard a noise possible coming from the alternator. Is this an indication that the alternator may be going out? Will a scanner pickup any codes if this error code is not showing?
thx.
10-02-2011, 04:10 PM
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My Ride: '06 530i, '07 C280 4matic, '98 ML320
Very likely, yes, alternator is on it's way out. You can get a re-manufactured alternator for much less than a new one; or you can have yours rebuilt.
The bolts on the alternator aren't supposed to be re-used. So, buy a set of alternator bolts as well.
The bolts on the alternator aren't supposed to be re-used. So, buy a set of alternator bolts as well.
10-02-2011, 04:33 PM
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If the message repeats, I'd get it checked out. It's not uncommon for the iDrive system to throw a sporadic code. In many cases it throws codes becuase of an old battery. Again, I wouldn't worry to much about it unless it's persistent.
10-02-2011, 05:43 PM
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My Ride: '06 530i, '07 C280 4matic, '98 ML320
Hi highly suggest you have the alternator checked out. You don't want the alternator to die on you at the wrong time when you are late for something or when you are on the highway. It's better to have it checked out while the car is drivable and you can take care of it when you have some time.
iDrive throws errors FOR A REASON. If you choose to ignore, you may pay the price later.
iDrive throws errors FOR A REASON. If you choose to ignore, you may pay the price later.
10-03-2011, 04:26 AM
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My Ride: 2004 545i, 6-speed Manual, Silver Grey Metallic, Grey Dakota Leather, Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Sound Pkg, Sport Pkg, Lumbar Support
10-07-2011, 05:06 PM
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I am having the same issue right now. Mine started with a dead battery. Shop replaced alternator, a burnt MPM, and the battery. The Electronic malfunction comes on every time I drive for 2 miles. I also have the Check engine light on all the time, but shop says he isn't pulling any codes.
10-07-2011, 06:48 PM
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I am having the same issue right now. Mine started with a dead battery. Shop replaced alternator, a burnt MPM, and the battery. The Electronic malfunction comes on every time I drive for 2 miles. I also have the Check engine light on all the time, but shop says he isn't pulling any codes.