CN8THAN

Hello, I have a 2005 BMW 545I, I've had this car for 4 months and it's been giving me problems for the last 2 months. First it started saying CHARGING MALFUNCTION, Took it back to dealership and he said it was alternator. Fixed that next couple days same thing. Everytime I turn on my head lights it says REAR LICENCE PLATE LIGHT out LEFT FRONT HEADLIGHT out, TRANSMISSION GEAR out, ABS SYSTEM and car shuts down. Took it back to dealership now he said BATTERY, Changed that, Couple hours later same issues. I don't know what else to do and the dealership is not recommending anything else I should. PLEASE HELP?

E60Japanese

Are you getting any fault codes?
we do need those to even start to work out the problem.

I am not into just changing things to see if it fixes a problem.
Maybe your battery and alternator were bad but that doesnt mean it had anything to do with the problem.

Do you have any fault codes to help us?
Many people here would like to help you

First suggestion from me to you
Lights out EG rear number plate light, Yet when you look, the light is working.
This can happen when incorrect LED lights are fitted.
I would check your lights to see if they are LED or normal.

But please do a code check and let us know.

CN8THAN

No there are no codes pulling up on the scanner. Went to 3 different places to check and make sure.

Yes my pockets are getting very low trying to fix this.

Lights are all good checked them to make sure and Yes they are LED but they were already in the car before I got it never replaced one at all.

E60I

Do the following:

1. Check the IBS to make sure it is working!
2. Ask and confirm with the BMW Dealer to see if they did programmed the new battery/alternator.
3. Make sure you have no loose battery cables.
4. Remove all after market parts if applicable.
5. Measure the alternator and battery with a multimeter or have it checked out by several Auto Part Stores (AutoZone, O-Reilly, etc.). You need to find a "competent" person who knows what they are doing!!!

The indicated signs usually pointed to a common bad battery/power source.

seanjordan20

One thing you can try is disconnecting the IBS to see if that makes a difference. If it does then that is your issue.

E60Japanese

Its important now to know what type of scanner are you using?
a simple hand held or on a computer.

Often leaves block the water channels in the rear of your car and water runs over your fuses in the trunk

just a little rust and your computer will think something is not working or broken as the voltage will be ittermittant

Have you ever had water in you wheel well?
it would pay to pull the rear right cover off where your battery is and have a look

I see seanjordan20 has replied which is great as I was going to recommend you speak too


but to me you have either a bad earth or an electrical short

check your fuses and look for rust and if you have ever had water back there
and also what seanjordan20 has recommended you do

im sure we can get to the bottom of it