So my car is dead/crazy/broken now!
05-11-2009, 05:06 AM
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So since my car had been delivered back in 06/2006, I've had various issues with it. Since the day I drove it out of the dealership my car has had some issues, and must have been in around 22 times to get these issues fixed - these are the problems I've had - I've made complaints to BMW headoffice, since I've wasted so much time taking my car back and forth.
Dead battery
Battery drain
TCU connection issue,
ConnectedBMW module died
I-drive complete frozen
Comfort Access module died
Remote key not charging
Air Con switching off for no reason
Navigation freeze
Tyre Pressure monitor failed
Recoding of whole car
Handbrake not holding
Gear selector failed (automatic)
Body panels discolouring (wing mirrors, side skirts, headlamp washers)
Anyway back to the story... So my car was due back into the dealership today, but over the weekend I noticed that my windows and bootlid kept opening for no reason. And I was like WFT? Someone is having me on here, so the issue occurred about 5 times and my alarm kept going off.
So I went into my car to switch it on, I got the message "steering locked" " high battery drain" "engine malfunction" "airbag failure" etc the list when on and on. Tried to start my car and its went crazy - all the lights on the car & dash board flashing - to what looked like a program check, but then just cut out. My car was dead.
So I called BMW Assist who came really fast, and said that the issue was due to the battery being completely dead, so they charged the car up and left. It was better but the faults were still on the display.
Today came and the drive from my local BMW came to collect my car - only to find the same issue had occurred, all over again!
I'll add a video to show the lights in action (inside shot only) for you guys to see.
But now I'm happy to say the car is at the dealership, along with the manuals for the ACM and USB modules to see if they will fit it for me!
Dead battery
Battery drain
TCU connection issue,
ConnectedBMW module died
I-drive complete frozen
Comfort Access module died
Remote key not charging
Air Con switching off for no reason
Navigation freeze
Tyre Pressure monitor failed
Recoding of whole car
Handbrake not holding
Gear selector failed (automatic)
Body panels discolouring (wing mirrors, side skirts, headlamp washers)
Anyway back to the story... So my car was due back into the dealership today, but over the weekend I noticed that my windows and bootlid kept opening for no reason. And I was like WFT? Someone is having me on here, so the issue occurred about 5 times and my alarm kept going off.
So I went into my car to switch it on, I got the message "steering locked" " high battery drain" "engine malfunction" "airbag failure" etc the list when on and on. Tried to start my car and its went crazy - all the lights on the car & dash board flashing - to what looked like a program check, but then just cut out. My car was dead.
So I called BMW Assist who came really fast, and said that the issue was due to the battery being completely dead, so they charged the car up and left. It was better but the faults were still on the display.
Today came and the drive from my local BMW came to collect my car - only to find the same issue had occurred, all over again!
I'll add a video to show the lights in action (inside shot only) for you guys to see.
But now I'm happy to say the car is at the dealership, along with the manuals for the ACM and USB modules to see if they will fit it for me!
05-11-2009, 05:50 AM
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My Ride: (USA) 645Ci, Silver Gray, Chateau, Cold Weather PKG, Premium Sound PKG, Sport PKG, Step, NAV [Std Equip in 645], HUD, Satellite (SIRIUS) Radio, Aux Input, Bluetooth enabled using iPhone 3GS w/ adapter cradle - Build date - 01/05, Baby delivered 2/24/05
Sounds like bad alternator or bad wiring harness ot battery. Either can cause this symptom even with new battery.
05-11-2009, 08:21 AM
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My Ride: 2008 550i Jet Black on Black Leather, SAT with Paddles, Logic 7, Comfort Seats, NAV, Sport Package, PDC, Xenons, Sirius, Trinity 12W LED Angel Eyes, RPi GT Exhaust, M rear spoiler, ACS Roof Spoiler, Tinted Tail Lights, Bimmian Carbon Fiber Pillar Trim, Bimmian Shadow 550i emblem, RPi Scoop, E60 Forum Cling, Mtec bulbs in fog lights, Mtec 2W LED for License Plate Light Bulbs, K&N Filter, Bimmian LED Smoked Side Markers, Blackout roundels, Carbon Fiber Kidney Grills.
Retired Rides - 1989 325i convertible, 1995 M3, 2002 X5, 2005 545i, 2008 X5 (Lemon)
It probably just needs a new Kuhneutson Valve, it would solve everything!! 
Kuhneutson Valve Link
Let me know how it works for you!
Kuhneutson Valve Link
Let me know how it works for you!
05-11-2009, 11:19 AM
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My Ride: My ex-ride: EU '08 LCI 520dA. Space Grey, Sport Seats in Black Leather/Fabric Anthracite, Sport Steering Wheel, A/C with Extended Features, Hi-Fi Speakers, Cup Holders, Cruise with Braking function, Folding Rear Seats, Xenons, Park Distance Control.
Did today discuss similar problems with my friend who drives a '04 Trans Am.
A new battery and a cleaning of the battery poles did do the trick for him.
A old battery will cause a lot of electricity problems in a E60.
If the cause is a old battery, a tune up of the iDrive is in order.
A new battery and a cleaning of the battery poles did do the trick for him.
A old battery will cause a lot of electricity problems in a E60.
If the cause is a old battery, a tune up of the iDrive is in order.
05-11-2009, 01:05 PM
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Yes I think a new battery at the very least will be needed - anyway as promised here is a video of my car:
(Sorry youtube wouldn't let me open an account!)
http://www.easy-share.com/1905142218/1241893011.mov
(Sorry youtube wouldn't let me open an account!)
http://www.easy-share.com/1905142218/1241893011.mov
05-11-2009, 05:03 PM
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I left the lights on one day at work, a good 9 hours, when I came out to my car it acted exactly like your car is in your video, dash lights flashing and what not. I jumped it and it started and ran fine. Oddly I had to set the clock and date again but it remembered everything else. Listen: your battery is low or bad. It's that simple! I hope this helps. 
05-22-2009, 11:42 PM
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I thought I'd post an update to my situation.
My car has now been with the dealership for two, sorting this issue and all the others. They have said my battery is charging 'fine', so they won't replace it - tried speaking to BMW AG, but they arent willing to too much about it. I'm still going to get my dealer to try and put a battery replacement under goodwill
Anyway my car was meant to be finished off today, but of course they forgot to do one issue (trying to blame me) which is with my ConnectedDrive - their computer is telling them that my subscription is finished, although I know it hasn't and in the end they've called up ConnectedDrive themselves and can now see I do have a subscription so they are blaming the issues on a faulty unit (which is what I told them it was right from the start). The unit itself is on back order in the UK and will take another week or so.
At the moment Im left with a 320i coupe which isn't too bad
My car has now been with the dealership for two, sorting this issue and all the others. They have said my battery is charging 'fine', so they won't replace it - tried speaking to BMW AG, but they arent willing to too much about it. I'm still going to get my dealer to try and put a battery replacement under goodwill
Anyway my car was meant to be finished off today, but of course they forgot to do one issue (trying to blame me) which is with my ConnectedDrive - their computer is telling them that my subscription is finished, although I know it hasn't and in the end they've called up ConnectedDrive themselves and can now see I do have a subscription so they are blaming the issues on a faulty unit (which is what I told them it was right from the start). The unit itself is on back order in the UK and will take another week or so.
At the moment Im left with a 320i coupe which isn't too bad
05-23-2009, 11:19 AM
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My Ride: BMW 535xi
Model Year: 2008
Nearly 100% of the 120 BMWs that were destroyed/flooded at sea, durring trans-Atlantic shipping, had damaged Kuhneutson Valves. It seems a sure bet yours was one. I ditto Gen's diagnosis. After I replaced my Kuhneutson Valve everything started working properly. The IRS even abandoned a lifestyle audit then in progress...
05-23-2009, 11:51 AM
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My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
Originally Posted by juris335' post='887683' date='May 23 2009, 02:19 PM
Nearly 100% of the 120 BMWs that were destroyed/flooded at sea, durring trans-Atlantic shipping, had damaged Kuhneutson Valves. It seems a sure bet yours was one. I ditto Gen's diagnosis. After I replaced my Kuhneutson Valve everything started working properly. The IRS even abandoned a lifestyle audit then in progress...
05-23-2009, 11:51 AM
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My Ride: 2006 525XI, Jet black on Dakota beige. Premium and winter packages. I consider myself a purist and intend to keep my car absolutely stock and shiny.
2008 328I Convertible, Sapphire black on beige interior. Premium package, NAV, iPod adapter.
Retired: 2002 325I, Titanium silver on black leather. Premium package. Absolutely stock and proud of it.
Yeah, sounds like battery drain might be due to a bad alternator. Other than the drain issue, your car has been rather reliable. Most of the things on your list are not even present on less sophisticated cars and therefore would give the appearance that those cars are more reliable when in fact, they are not. A/C gremlins and hand-brake failures are common across all car brands.
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