Ridiculous malfunction...
#1
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Ridiculous malfunction...
I am a new member here but have been on BFC for a decade as an avid BMW enthusiast. I recently purchased a 2009 535xi (hence my reason for joining this board).
As I was driving home today, I had the cruise set at 70. All of a sudden the car started to accelerate. The brakes then started pulsating heavily (enough to throw me forward and back into the seat). The dash flashed of AWD/DSC/Engine malfunctions while the tach was jumping between 1000 RPMs all the way to 7000 RPMs and back again. I started slowly applying the brakes and then it felt as though the rear-end locked up and the car started to oversteer to the right. Fortunately, I was able to regain control of the car and steer it onto the shoulder and partially into the grass median before coming to a full stop. I shut the car off for a few minutes and restarted it. The car still shows a CEL and a "reduced power" notification. However, I was able to safely arrive home which was fortunately just a few miles away.
What could have caused such a horrendous event? I was going to dig out my old OBDII scanner but I didn't know if it would show the correct code or not.
Edit: I should also note that when this occurred there was a loud "rattling" noise emitting from the engine. However, that noise is gone even though the CEL is still illuminated.
As I was driving home today, I had the cruise set at 70. All of a sudden the car started to accelerate. The brakes then started pulsating heavily (enough to throw me forward and back into the seat). The dash flashed of AWD/DSC/Engine malfunctions while the tach was jumping between 1000 RPMs all the way to 7000 RPMs and back again. I started slowly applying the brakes and then it felt as though the rear-end locked up and the car started to oversteer to the right. Fortunately, I was able to regain control of the car and steer it onto the shoulder and partially into the grass median before coming to a full stop. I shut the car off for a few minutes and restarted it. The car still shows a CEL and a "reduced power" notification. However, I was able to safely arrive home which was fortunately just a few miles away.
What could have caused such a horrendous event? I was going to dig out my old OBDII scanner but I didn't know if it would show the correct code or not.
Edit: I should also note that when this occurred there was a loud "rattling" noise emitting from the engine. However, that noise is gone even though the CEL is still illuminated.
Last edited by ss109; 10-14-2012 at 01:54 PM. Reason: Added information.
#2
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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
This certainly sounds "ridiculous." Usually when the dash lights up like a Christmas tree, it stems from low battery/charging system malfunction in these cars. Also, there is a very important component located under the spare tire (wheel well) called the MPM. If this gets wet/shorted, it will also cause severe electrical system malfunctions. Two places to begin your search...
#3
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This certainly sounds "ridiculous." Usually when the dash lights up like a Christmas tree, it stems from low battery/charging system malfunction in these cars. Also, there is a very important component located under the spare tire (wheel well) called the MPM. If this gets wet/shorted, it will also cause severe electrical system malfunctions. Two places to begin your search...
#4
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I have already contacted my dealer but they are closed on Sunday. I expect to hear from them in the morning. I just thought this was a bizarre case that perhaps somebody else had experience a similar situation.
#7
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Damn. This is the most scary and bizarre E60 story I think I've ever heard. Thank god you are safe, and didn't cause a wreck. If that happened to me, there's no way in hell I would drive that car again. Definitely have it towed to the dealer and have it checked out. Good luck and be safe!!
#9
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Glad you're okay. Sounds like you kept a cool head and handled the situation expertly. Im definitely interested in finding out more about what caused this. I requested a print out of all my service history at BMW and i am not impressed with the amount of failed parts/issues.
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