Today I got an "SOS System Malfunction", the radio started turning itself on/off randomly, the Bluetooth won't connect, and there is a noticeable lag scrolling through the iDrive menus. I was in for service on Monday - oil change, brake fluid change, and airbag recall.

Any ideas? Battery? It's a 2005 530i

Thanks

 

You should call a priest to do a exorcism on that i drive lol

 

Sorry, I meant to ask - is the iDrive purely the entertainment system, or does it have anything to do with drivability? I can live without the radio & bluetooth for a few days, but not without steering/brakes

 

As far as I know the i drive does not control the drivability at all. But it warns you from any service check that needs to be done.

 

this sounds like a low battery. I ran my battery down and it was doing things similar to what you have described. Maybe try to recharge the battery and if this doesnt work maybe replace it.

 

It turns out to be a bad TCU (telematics control unit) draining the battery. This controls the bluetooth, SOS system, BMW assist system.

$940 to diagnose and replace the unit, $290 to diagnose and remove the unit. Not covered by CPO extended warranty. So, it's goodbye to built-in bluetooth

 

Try to find a used TCU, there must be many scrap yards with e60's that had bluetooth that have been totalled, pick one up, dont lose bluetooth!!