wierd electrical symptoms? any idea?

[JoshGM]

Originally Posted by Weasel

Most likely some oil vapors had condensed in the intake runners or cylinders with open intake valves etc. and burned off on the first start. If it does it consistantly on the first start I'd look at the oil seperator system, but if just happened that once I wouldn't worry about it.

Now I will take that with a glass of Jack Daniels on the rocks! Thanks man.

[hchi]

Forgot to mention a DICE kit may cause strange ground loops that effected the IBUS. If you have one installed pull it out and disconnect battery for 30/40 minutes! This resolves some of the electrical gremlins!

[srdiamond]

I have had similar issues on my 2000 4.4 X5 with 80k miles. A month ago strange things started happening. Check engine light came one intermittently. That seems to have fixed itself. Now when I first start the car, almost always the airbag light and seat belt light comes on and stays on. The steering wheel controls (volume, horn, etc) are all disabled while that airbag light is on. If I will simply turn the car off and restart it, all seems OK. Also the Nav screen is staying dark now for a few minutes after I start the car lately. These electrical gremlins are really scaring me. Oh and to top if off, a few weeks ago, I was introduced to the "trans fail safe mode". Now that was scary as the car felt like it was stuck in 3rd gear. I turned off the car and prayed and I have not seen it since. Just so everyone knows, the alternator was replaced 6 months ago and the battery was just replaced this week. Does anyone have any ideas where to start with these weird problems. I don't know how I can even sell the car acting like this?

[hchi]

Most of those issues are noted in this forum/post. If you have not installed a dice kit or have upgraded any electrical units such as your radio. Your battery and alternator are fine, the MOST likely source is the ignition switch. Drop the lower cover of the steering colum and take a volt meter. Check the accessory wire and the voltage will be extremely low! Modules in your BMW will fail to operate and scanning the vehicle will not display error codes.

[srdiamond]

I have no problem replacing the ignition switch then if theres a reasonable shot that it is the culprit - is it a big deal to replace? any ideas where to get one other than just ebay? is it stupid expensive?

[hchi]

About 100 bucks from most sites and maybe 150-200 from dealer, lol
easy replacement all you need is a small screw driver and a bit of loc-tight.
Again you can check the voltage when you are experiencing the problem. Normal voltage should be +12 volts. The failures are being caused by low voltage. Look closely at the airbag light, some times it is barely lit when the voltage drops! Also when you are experiencing the problem, squeeze the plastic housing on the ingnition switch. Sometimes the problem will temporarly disappear!

[n1n3b0y]

thanks alot for the comments. all of my symptoms are gone.. its weird. its been about a month hope i dont jinks it. but if it comes back ill try the ignition thing