Greydog

Morning Chris I believe the Trailer Braking module was only fitted for certain markets (USA) it was fitted I believe in the boot with the towing electrics control package Don't dismiss the battery information BMW OEM supply was Westfalia it maybe worth talking to some of their Agents Good Luck Dave

Enjoy the Aldi Stu Dave

Congrats Stu Remember the first word she will say only sounds like Mummy if you listen carefully it's MONEY Enjoy Dave

Morning Chris Welcome to the Forum Hope this helps Its doesn't switch on the ignition live straight away though and has some pre conditions before pin goes live. There might be a chance that it needs coding to activate the switched ignition but everything is there already from the trailer module to the 13 pin socket.

Morning Trevor Welcome to the Forum My brother inlaws 540d touring Xdrive is ECU tuned and over 400bhp no other mods other than it is de-badged it is quite capable of embarrassing some very serious cars particularly in the mid range. It still give 40+ mpg on a run (if he has left his lead boot at home). He has a business based in Holland so travels extensively in Europe and loves beating up the odd super car with it's mid range go. I have been thinking of Retiring my X5 4.6is and going the 4.0d route Dave

Hi Toni You need a diagnostic scan, my guess is the EWS is faulty and not allowing the key to program it may just need reprogramming it's self or a new EWS fitted and matched to the DDE The reason I said don't dismiss the Key is as Phillip says a key that has been tampered with can cause all sorts of issues Stu on here had to fit a new EWS and reprogram it to his chassis and DDE plus programming new keys to fix the problem If you can't DIY you need the help of someone with BMW Diagnostic capability Dave

Try putting it in the Cars For Sale Section

Morning Nicola Welcome to the Forum You need first to investigate where the leak is, if it around the turbo or from the turbo water will evaporate but you will get the smell. It could be the Turbo, Turbo Actuator, Boost pressure regulator all the Oil Feed, Water feed and Vacuum pipes need checking and or changing. A Diagnostic session may help but an experienced mechanic may be the answer. Dave

Everyone is different and have their own view of what is right for them and their car. Your view it seems based on the figures you have is it's uneconomical to repair an "15 year car, no longer in love with, outdated, leaky BMW." I would not keep the car if that is the way you feel as you will never feel happy with it. So Trade it or take We Buy any Car's offer and move on to something you will enjoy. What is an expensive repair on a car you don't want to someone like me is a Saturday DIY job (My X5 is 19) Good Luck with what ever you choose to do Dave

Morning David Welcome to the Forum Bit freaky !! Does it lock using the key? As both actuators are the same age it could be it's failed as well or it may need lubrication or simply the plug connections cleaned with contact cleaner Dave

Morning Joseph I have BMW ISTA/INPA and BMW 1.4.0 mounted on an old laptop (along with several other diagnostic programs) I also own an Autel 702 scanner For early BMW (up to 2005/2006 Ibus system BMW 1.4.0 is easy to use and gives Dealer level diagnostics. After then ISTA/INPA again gives dealer level access but also includes Technical and repair information I have friends who use Foxwell and Icarsoft systems with their BMW's I have never tried the one you mention Good Luck with whatever the choice is Dave

Hi Margo That doesn't read well for BMW have you contacted the Article publishers to see if they have in formation on what other models are affected? Maybe join the fray or at least print it off and give it to the Dealer ? Sadly often the Dealer has his hands tied by the Manufacturer as if they effect a repair the Manufacturer may not support it, it is then at their cost? Good Luck Dave

Hi Ray When my Mercedes had this seemingly random issue alternator output was always good. The discharge became more frequent I put a clamp ammeter on the battery and could see around a 5amp discharge so started unplugging things the discharge stopped when I unplugged the Voltage regulator a new Bosch regulator was around £50 from memory changed it no more problem. When I tested the old Voltage Regulator it had 3 diodes inside and one had failed allowing the drain. I would start with the regulator if your changing bits as it is much the cheaper part Dave

Morning Toni First dont dismiss the Key if it starts the car it is being charged when it's in the ignition. If it isn't communicating with the EWS or there is a fault with the EWS your issue could be in that area. Dave

Morning Joseph Welcome to the Forum If buy a Scanner make sure you get a BMW capable one a General scanner will see the major control units. A BMW capable one will give much clearer information Your issue could be plugs, Coil Packs, a vacuum leak, air leaks on the inlet, clogged fuel filter (often forgotten at service) A good service is the place to start Good Luck Dave

Morning Arthur Welcome to the Forum First check your battery and its condition a low battery will cause all sorts of spurious Fault messages. If charging make sure its done at the charge points under the bonnet. If it happens again try starting in N if that works it could be the inhibitor switch on the gear selector Good luck

Ouch I wonder if people like BBA Reman or ECU Testing could do anything ??

There is a standing joke BMW stands for Breaks My Wallet Great cars but you either need good DIY skills or very deep pockets, all luxury Marques are the same mainly due to cost of spares. Re read your own original post

Morning Dan Welcome to the Forum Can't help but a guess would be part of a Chid Seat perhaps ?? Dave

As I stated in my post Rocker cover gasket change BMW TIS (Technical Information System) states 2 to 8 hrs The gearbox is manufactured by ZF so any Garage will have to buy in the sump screws gasket and fluid you can get a cast alloy sump for some boxes in the range which is a good up grade. A ZF specialist often has the parts in stock so maybe quicker and less cost From your original post it seemed you wanted to save money but if your happy that you understand the process and time needed to do the job it's a case of choosing who will do the work and paying the bill Dave

Glad it worked out for you Dave

Just read your posts again I missed the Rocker cover one changing rocker cover gaskets BMW TIS quote between 2 and 8 hours.. The gearbox sump is a pain as there is no answer but to replace it. Try getting a separate quote from an Auto trans specialist. You will still have the cost of a Fluid and filter change but you will have peace of mind look for a ZF specialist Dave

If you tell them the issue will they actually investigate ?? Personally if I am seeking a second opinion I would not want their judgement clouded. I have known people to be told oil is leaking from the head and it is the Rocker cover. If you are confident in the BMW Dealer quote for work required then as my original post it will be expensive as to rectify the heads have to come off that is a huge amount of work involved, I know I rebuilt my 4.6is engine 5 years ago Genuine BMW parts seals gaskets etc cost over £2k BMW's quote to carry out the work was £11k. Mine was a complete rebuild sump up so your parts would be less. Labour is the killer when using a Garage a BMW Dealer in your area I guess is £200+ per hour so I would expect 8 to 10 hours (it could be more if complications are found) would put labour costs North of £2k + Parts + VAT. I would expect a Specialist or decent Independent to be somewhere around half of that labour wise Parts will still be dear as many will have to be OEM. Dave

Morning Greg Welcome to the Forum The mirrors are ratchet mounted obviously the ratchet is stiff enough to hold the big mirrors steady when the car is travelling at speed. That means if you want to fold them by hand they will take a good shove. However with my X5 on the rare occasions I use a car wash (mainly winter when I have been off road and the car is muddy) I don't fold the mirrors and have never suffered damage. Mostly it's Bucket and Sponge time. If your a DIY fan you could pop the rear cover on a mirror if the motors are there (they often are) you may only need a new drivers door master switch with the fold button and maybe a door loom and a fuse. You could then activate your own mirrors. I also have a wiring diagram for Fold on Lock Unfold on Open Dave

Morning hrytn Welcome to the Forum B W Auto Repairs have an excellent reputation they are in Hayes I believe With the repairs identified by the Dealer, is it actually the head gaskets or the rocker covers ? If it is the Head Gaskets it means major engine work so cost will be high even if you could DIY let alone a Garage doing the work due to labour costs. Gearbox sump pan is not uncommon when an over enthusiastic person has overtightened the sump and distorted it. Sadly if it is distorted a replacement sump is the only real fix If you take the car to another garage don't tell them the BMW diagnosis as they will just cost accordingly just ask them to investigate the oil leaks. Good Luck Dave