325i push button start switch

[Moms now mine]

In USA. Can I ask questions with similar results if auto is here not in UK?

[Greydog]

Morning Christopher

Welcome to the Forum

The cars are pretty much the same just you guys have the steering on the wrong side 😂 

We already have quite a few members in the USA so if we can help we will

Dave

[Moms now mine]

Great. Thanks for the reply. Funny . 

My start stop engine light stays on all night. So does parking light (P)  and sitting in car parked for a few hrs, I occasionally hear what sounds like the CD stock radio make odd noises. I don't use cd player but does work. Prior to this discovery,  I replaced battery AGM 900cca , new alternator, belt, and belt tensioner <3mo. 1x a week I'm calling AAA for a hot shot.  So I'm sick of every mechanic having a different diagnosis. If I don't have to lift over my head, I do all repairs. I'm not  experienced with an electrical problem but 500us for parts and 3hr free time sucks. So new to forum . Any advice? 

Parasitic draw? I'm pulling fuses today to inspect. Any specific fuses to inspect? Will replacing start/stop Engine switch eliminate the never ending light? Cud car stereo be the problem?

Thanks,

Chris

[Greydog]

Morning Christopher 

If your going to do your own repairs invest in a BMW friendly Diagnostic System it will be worth its weight in $$$$ There are now several available that allow full Dealer level access, the best is BMW INPA/ISTA (also probably the dearest) I say the best because it also includes WIS (Workshop instructions) Parts lists and a wealth of other stuff. But iCarsoft is very good as are Foxwell and Autologic Carly also have a system but it is subscription.

A Diagnostic scan should very quickly identify the culprit, otherwise you are changing parts and hoping. You could get the car to a BMW Dealer and ask them to carry out a diagnostic scan obviously they will charge for this $$$$ (BMW Dealers in the UK charge £200+ p/hr) they will hope to get you to let them repair it as well,( not at their rates ). In the UK we have a register of BMW Specialists Google should help if there is similar in the USA they are normally less than half dealer costs.

Once you know the cause you can use www.realoem.com a BMW Online parts list to find the correct part number and the Internet to find a replacement, new or used. Then fitting is just patience and logic sometimes a part may need registering to the car but I have found often if it is the same part number it isn't required. 

In the US you have www.pelicanparts.com look at their Articles section they have great "How to's" with pictures plus advice sections 

So there is loads of help and support and working on your BMW isn't as daunting as many suppose, Good Luck

Dave

[Moms now mine]

Hi,

 I am not a certified mechanic. My.last auto was 14 Benz c300 4 matic luxury.  I diagnosed and made all repairs , maintenance needed as honestly it is an owners car. I figured out with this 06 I am a drivers car type owner. I spent 2 hr last eve reading owners handbook and learned a lot about how this auto operates . Considering it was 06 technology, Compared to 14 technology For the Benz this can not be as complicated. I first checked fuses. Boom, 2 fuses blown and replaced. I discovered I have left side marker light on after I park for traffic that may not see me since it's a dark green color. I disabled this function and radio now does arbitrarily operate when locked with new fuse. 

I come here for advise and anyone experiencing same issue to educate myself how this auto operates. Your reply was word salad. You want me to see a dealer. That's all you needed to say. But my initial question stated I do all work myself unless I need car above 4' . Not to be rude, but I changed fuses, diagnosed and repaired the draw so I think I will be ok.  To waste 2 days and pay $$$ is absurd. I have built a car from scrap out of junkyard parts 30yrs ago. American car but got 30k for 400.00 . 

Thanks, 

 

[Moms now mine]

Just now, Moms now mine said:

Hi,

 I am not a certified mechanic. My.last auto was 14 Benz c300 4 matic luxury.  I diagnosed and made all repairs , maintenance needed as honestly it is an owners car. I figured out with this 06 I am a drivers car type owner. I spent 2 hr last eve reading owners handbook and learned a lot about how this auto operates . Considering it was 06 technology, Compared to 14 technology For the Benz this can not be as complicated. I first checked fuses. Boom, 2 fuses blown and replaced. I discovered I have left side marker light on after I park for traffic that may not see me since it's a dark green color. I disabled this function and radio now does arbitrarily operate when locked with new fuse. 

I come here for advise and anyone experiencing same issue to educate myself how this auto operates. Your reply was word salad. You want me to see a dealer. That's all you needed to say. But my initial question stated I do all work myself unless I need car above 4' . Not to be rude, but I changed fuses, diagnosed and repaired the draw so I think I will be ok.  To waste 2 days and pay $$$ is absurd. I have built a car from scrap out of junkyard parts 30yrs ago. American car but got 30k for 400.00 . 

Thanks, 

 

I also changed headlights myself in 1hr. BMW was asking 1900.00. I did this for 250.00. took 1hr total and never removed front bumper cover. I went over the top through and ez job. Adjusting for light displacement was harder than the install. 

 

Thanks

[Moms now mine]

That's why I am an AmeriCAN ! 

[Greydog]

Happy your sorted Christopher,  AmeriCAN 👍

Do you know why the fuses were blown ?? When they go again will you just change them 

My advice was to get your own diagnostics  so you know the cause 

Enjoy your Beemer

 

[Moms now mine]

Agreed. Several fuse diagrams online was not exact match for this car.  I went to u tube for more help. One video advised a pamphlet is attached to fuse cover. It was!   It was a micro fuse #(30) I found with ease. A fuse too on fuse board aided me to remove fuse in 3 seconds. 

Thanks,

[Moms now mine]

On 2/11/2024 at 3:46 AM, Greydog said:

Happy your sorted Christopher,  AmeriCAN 👍

Do you know why the fuses were blown ?? When they go again will you just change them 

My advice was to get your own diagnostics  so you know the cause 

Enjoy your Beemer

 

I did it. I blew fuse. I'm humble. I'm  an idiot AmeriCAN, . I heard a pop sound . Prob touched a hot line and caused short and blown fuse. All my fault.  I caused fuse to blow. Im guilty of being a moron. But now back to working. 

[moms now.mine]

Good AM Greydog,

  I read and re read your replys to my questions. Thank you. You give sound advice. I think buying a BMW diagnostic Scan  is the way to go. Sitting in rear seat I hear little noises coming from the CD player.  . Also, the start stop engine button stays lit and never turns off. I am looking at Manuel to locate and inspect the fuses. CRAZY.  I want to rip out radio all together but would.leave a big gape . An aftermarket cheap charlie radio is $90 US. I'm  trying the take the path of least $$ , a  new start button sells for $120US delivered. 

Is car.posessed? I'm hearing radio now.make weird noises as I type.  Could radio be on fritz as it's next to start.button?

Maybe spilled coffee?  Maybe.Mom s ghost haunting me via her BMW.? Ha ha. Just some levity. 

I will check fuses. I thank you again. Please advise any suggestions and input. 

 

Chris

 

[Greydog]

Morning Christopher

First a few questions, if you operate the indicators can you hear them or do they just flash? If they flash with no sound your problem may be the FCM (Control Module) one that is failing can cause really weird things as can the JBC (Junction box Control Module) Do you have an onboard Monitor (sat nav/TV)

Thinking logically if a fuse blows there is normally a short somewhere in that circuit so a good Multi meter to test continuity on the affected circuit may help you forward. Has any other work been carried out on the car worth checking just in case maybe try unplugging the CD and Radio see if that has an effect

If you are looking for parts use www.realoem.com put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box it will bring up your Model then search the sections for what you need. This is an online BMW Parts List once you have the correct part number double click it you should see a list of alternate numbers/models it was used on, useful if searching the Auction Sites.

Not sure if your car is I-bus or K-bus (2006/07) was a change over year over here if yours is I-bus then PA Soft BMW 1.4.0 is a great diagnostic program all you need is an old laptop to load it onto, it's really user friendly and gives Dealer Level access best part is its very cheap to buy. If yours is K-bus you will need INPA/ISTA again a laptop program but is capable on I-bus and K-bus systems or one of the other diagnostics now available like I-carsoft, Foxwell, Autologic Carly also have a system but it is subscription I believe so carries an ongoing cost.

An AmeriCAN can't allow a German car to defeat him 😁

 

[moms now.mine]

Hey Greydog,

After a few beverages, I will wait.until AM to check fuses. Could some moisture cause start stop engine.light to stay on 24/7. I put a 24 hr camera to monitor and never turns off. I also have to keep pressed in as car does react to start immediately. It is an 06. Please advise. 

[Greydog]

Morning Christopher

Can't quite see from the picture if the car has a sun roof, often a blocked sun roof drain lets water inside the car and water and electricity are not a good mix

Try to find a replacement at a sensible cost (one of the Auction sites maybe) Also try and find a wiring diagram for your car so yo can trace the connections in case it is another part of the system.

Enjoy your Beverages we all need thinking juice 😂

[moms now.mine]

14 hours ago, Greydog said:

Morning Christopher

Can't quite see from the picture if the car has a sun roof, often a blocked sun roof drain lets water inside the car and water and electricity are not a good mix

Try to find a replacement at a sensible cost (one of the Auction sites maybe) Also try and find a wiring diagram for your car so yo can trace the connections in case it is another part of the system.

Enjoy your Beverages we all need thinking juice 😂

 

Hi Greydog.

I am confident there is no leak from the sunroof. It is dirty dusty dry.  I worked late and will attempt to inspect fuses from diagram  attached to the fuse box cover in glove box. 

I will keep you posted.

Life without beer s not living a good life.

 

 

 

 

[Greydog]

Morning 

If a fuse is blown there is no power flowing so it follows that the unit controlled by that fuse should be dead not drawing power. As your stop start switch is power on a couple of thoughts has the switch been changed? there are a number of interlocks connected to the stop/start switch. There is a Brake switch and a Gear sector switch either of these could be at fault or the loom between

So while your checking

Good Hunting

 

[moms now.mine]

What up Greydog,

I got up late night to check fuses. Here is the diagram BMW had in glove box. None of the fuses were bad. I again heard this BMW Professional radio make noise as if it wanted to remove a CD. 0 CD in player. I tried to start and now battery was so drained it would not start. I unplugged the Neg terminal from the battery post with hopes a new battery will slightly recharge itself. I connected terminal after 10hrs and had enough juice to start car. I am eliminating battery as the issue. I'm looking into a multimeter to maybe give me an answer what's continually running. It's frustrating but some progress . I will keep you posted. 

Thanks,

 

[Greydog]

As the CD sounds like it is trying to do some thing try Disconnecting it, like wise the stop start button. Do it one at a time to see if one effects the other

If your charging the battery don't do it at the battery unless the battery is disconnected, use the charge/jump points under the Bonnet/Hood

[moms now.mine]

Hi Greydog,

I am going to a auto recycling (junkyard) that has a few similar BMW in lot. I will pluck the start stop ignition push button and while there maybe take the CD player too but will inspect wiring to see if CD is connected to Heat/AC . I turned on air today and heard cd again make noises. Wonder if they are wired together . 

 

Thanks 

Chris

 

[Greydog]

Morning Chris

Good plan, check www.realoem.com for part numbers that will fit your model

They aren't wired together (or shouldn't be) but they will be linked through the Footwell Control Module (FCM) or may be the  Junction Box Module (realoem again) 

Dave

[moms now.mine]

Greydog,

 It's been a while since last chat. Hope I'm not repeating myself.

I swear , I think this car is haunted by my mother's ghost . She maybe neglected maintenance or didn't drive enough for any serious issues arise. 06 with 74k when I took possession. I did buy a OBD with multiple functions. I had a few code problems. All fixed. The car came.with original fuse document with #s and amps to replace which is good. I did notice I had several missing fuses, where what diagram says should be a fuse. Some slots do not take a fuse at all and I ignored those. I've since added all fuses minus a 40 and 2 20's  . Will get and install Sat. 

had major issues last week as car suddenly wyd not shift out.of 2nd. A red circular light with.an exclamation point inside lit.up the dash lights. I made it home and plugged in the ODB to scan issue My 2st thought was a broken cable or worse. I called for support and their engineer uploaded updated software and now car shifts fine. Was this a temp fix? Or cud it have been computer related for BMW?

 

 

[moms now.mine]

Greydog,

Did I mention the new Pirelli P7 runflats I had put on bmw? They are quiet, handle very well and overall a comparable tire to the Continentals I replaced. They rode a little stiff at 36psi but at 32psi, It's a quality tire. 600$ for 4 plus 35.$ to balance, mount and install.  I win!  Bought some good beer for my effort. 😆

[Greydog]

Morning

The early 2005/2006 6 speed ZF boxes were abused as BMW at the time were still claiming "sealed for life" what they meant by life is "the end of their Warranty Liability"

ZF who make the box advise service (fluid and Filters) at 60 to 100k at service ZF or a good trans specialist would routinely upgrade the software so your issue could well have been a glitch.

What a result on the Tyres the same tyre here would be around £150 to £180 per corner plus plus

Good Luck with the Beemer

Dave

[moms now.mine]

Greydog,

  I decided to change rear shocks . It was time. I also bought mount for additional $23.00 .  Watched a few videos on. You tube to get good understanding what tools and what to inspect while wheel is off. Top mount was fine. Shock was not . Very little resistance when I pushed down the rod to remove the shock. Lower mounts had wear and covered in grease and grime. I did not need special tools. Pretty straight forward. I did need torque (sissy) bar to remove the.lower mounts on both sides. Took about 3 hrs today from rear carpet removal and both tires. Really a change and feel while turning corners at moderate speed. Worth the effort. All wheel alignment Monday and that will close any suspension issues I had. 

 

Thanks

[Greydog]

Great work Christopher