Electrical system
8 complaints filed with NHTSA about the BMW 528I's electrical system. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2016 3 Series, 5 Series, Z4, 2012-2015 X1, 2013-2017 X3, 2015-2016 4 Series Gran Coupe, 2 Series Convertible, 2014-2016 328xi Gran Turismo, 2 Series Coupe, 4 Series Convertible, 3 Series Coupe, 3...
The wiring harness that enters the trunk lid that supplies the lights for the rear license plate and the trunk lid release has frayed at the exact point where the harness enters the trunk lid. The wiring comes in direct contact with the sharp edge at the opening in the trunk lid, and several of the wires have broken at this point, resulting in failure of the license plate lights. In addition, the dashboard indicator shows that the trunk lid is open even though it's locked. I performed an internet search and this seems to be a common problem with several bmw models.
Two things specifically which appears to be a very widespread issue. First, the transmission has lost its reverse function. The vehicle goes in drive without a single problem at all. This appears to be related to a defect in the drum on the vehicle. (A quick google search will show you and unbelievable amount of people having the same problem) also, the right headlight stays on even after the vehicle is turned off. This is caused by a defective transistor in the lcm (light control module). My light stayed on in my...
97 bmw 528i and caught fire, burning the headlight causing a fire hazard. The headlight caught afire because the lcm module didn't turn the lights off. Also,the transmission went out for reverse. *Tr
Repeated failure of abs-odometer-speedometer electronic control module failed two years running. *Tr
Asc control unit failed. This resulted in failure of anti-lock brakes and traction control and speedometer on my 1999 bmw 528i. Bmw has a service bulletin out on this issue for 5 series cars 9/98 to 9/00 (mine was built 10/98). Bulletin info: vs-23/weintuch baugruppe/group:32 32 01 00 (646) . The repair instructions code is ra 24 52 515/ 34 52 516. After unit failed, I was involved in an emergency situation in which I had to brake heavily and all four wheels locked up. There is a large number of vehicle owners...
currently reporting this same problem on a number of bmw bulletin boards (www.Roadfly.Com). It is a safety issue that apparently bmw is aware of but not doing anything about it. I understand that my car is not in warranty but I believe this is a safety issue that should be addressed. Eventually, there will be a serious accident from this known part failure. I have also heard that a number of bmw dealers are stocking up higher than usual inventories of this part, apparently in anticipation of large scale failures of the asc control unit (part34-52-6-756-343). My next car will not be a bmw, they don't stand behind their cars. Think & read before you buy bmw! It's expensive to repair.Lc *nm
The steering wheel intermittently moves up and down on its own while driving. In addition, the brake lights stay on constantly and the air bag indicator light on the dash comes on intermittently. *Jb
On 8/23/05 my bmw 528i vin#[[redacted]] brought in for repairs. One of my complaints that day was the car would hesitate and some times stall. My car was connected to a "check engine computer system" to diagnosis the problem. My mechanic informed me the problem was a "crank sensor" which he informed me was recalled. He made a call to tulley bmw (located in nashua, nh) in regards to the recall but they claimed there was no recall on that vehicle. My mechanic told me he could fix it however he felt it was worth...
my efforts to persue the issue further at tulley bmw. After picking up the car and getting all of the information from my mechanic that day I went home and called bmw of north america. I gave them the recall # 99e-a01and my vin #. I was informed by north america bmw that the recall information is correct and according to their records my car was fixed by tulley bmw 5/2002. After receiving this information I called tulley bmw and spoke with a "peter" in the service department. I explained my situation and peter came back with the same information that his records indicate it was done. When I told him it wasn't done because the part in my car is the original sensor and explained that the replacement part connected different. After arguing some more he finally agreed to look at the car on 8/30/2005. I brought the car in on 8/29/2005 so it would be there in the am. Immediately the service personal had a mechanic look at the sensor. He confirmed it was in fact the original part. When I asked for a rental car I was told that they first had to find out who was going to pay for the recall. I then informed them they were because I called bmw of north america said it was already done therefore tulley bmw received the reimbursement for the recall. Needless to say they gave me a rental car that night. *Nm updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Speedometer stops working. Problem is well documented on vehicle repair forums. Defective module was upgraded by bmw engineering but no recall issued, left to owners to experience failure before getting module replaced. Risk of excessive speed. Risk of overspeed condition while entering posted speed corners. Bmw only repair due to programming, cost of $2000, risk of less affluent owners driving with speedometer inoperative.*Ak
Electrical harness shorted for driver seat and steering wheel. Yh
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data
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