I have a 2006 535xiT that has recently has some weird problems. I think that it may be a wiring issue based on reading posts 0n this forum but would like to validate and get recommendations on what to do about it.

Symptoms:
Right rear brake light failure warning light but the right rear brake light seems to work
Alarm (when set) will randomly and regularly go off when there is no obvious trigger
Lock/unlock/rear hatch release buttons on key fobs (all of them) suddenly no longer work

Do you think that it is a wiring issue? If so, where (in the tailgate or roof) and is it a job that an independent mechanic can do?

 

it sounds like it may be the cable loom..

on fixing the harness read this, and pay most attention to the latest developments.
https://5series.net/forums/topic/727...s-replacement/

there is a repair kit available from BMW, which is basically a piece of cable harness. the original harness still has to be soldered, but whoever does it does not need to spend time on producing the new pieces of wire.

In german (use google translator, or the part numbers in RealOEM.com):

Repsatz Heckklappenkabelbaum rechts
61119231820 - 82,50 Euro UPE
nur in Verbindung mit Repsatz Stecker mit Anschlagteilen
61119241656 - 31,77 Euro UPE

Repsatz Heckklappenkabelbaum links
61119231821 - 66,00 Euro UPE
nur in Verbindung mit Repsatz Stecker mit Anschlagteilen
61119241656 - 31,77 Euro UPE

 

Thanks for the part numbers and reference to the thread that addresses the wiring problem. The only symptom that I do not see mentioned in the thread is the alarm randomly going off. Would that be a separate battery problem or is there a motion sensor in the liftgate that runs through this wiring loom?

 

Just FYI.

I've just had my wiring loom looked at as my central locking wasn't working anymore - and nor was the rear demister.

In the time the CL wasn't working, I did have one incident of the alarm randomly going off - but no more than that (that I know of).

Since it's been fixed, it's not been a problem.

I took mine to an independent who did the job that many people on here have done - esentially remove the damaged wiring and solder in fresh pieces.

The whole wiring harness from BMW was around GBP£200 plus they quoted 8 hours labour. The total price was somewhere in the region of £1,000.

The independent I took mine to repaired it for £166.

It's very similar to the problems I had with the rear suspension failure - BMW wanted to change the whole wiring harness (£1,300 for the harness) plus something like 20 hours labour = total cost of £3,500. Whereas the independent just changed the defective part = total cost of £300.

Guess which route I went down.

 

Kell, which Indy did you use for your loom fix?

 

There's a place in High Wycombe called TCS Autos.

They're very good.

http://www.tcsautos.co.uk/tcs/home.php?