@luckenbachtx Here is a link to download a PDF on how to change the X5 ignition switch. It was exactly my problem. xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/55987-ignition-switch-replacement-detailed-directions-symptom-dead-battery-issues.html
On my e39 540i airbag light came on due to a sensor that went bad, located under front passenger seat that triggers weight and works with seat belts. The sensor was really expensive so i contacted my BMW mechanic who only reset the airbag light. A year later drivers window need to be replaced, and i had to remove driver's door airbag. Light came on again, need to go reset again, I'm not sure if the front passenger airbag will work if the sensor is bad. I'll replace sensor when i have extra cash.
Always disconnect the car's battery when working with the car's SRS (supplemental restraint system). Most of the SRS electrical connectors are identified by having BRIGHT ORANGE somewhere on the connector. Don't reconnect the car's battery until you've reconnected the SRS connector...that way the SRS system won't record a fault (which illuminates the AIRBAG light).
About a year ago the radio went off.... still illuminated but NO SOUND....
The horn fault was intermittant, sometimes when I put the sun visor light on , the interior light came on ... which caused the horn to work !!!
I will try this when I get home tonight !
Also .... the car is an AUTO... and for the last couple of years I noticed a problem with the gearchange - hanging onto 3rd gear for too long - Until the redline .... could this too be linked ?
That's one messed up beemer haha. My truck is messed up but not like that. I have to have the hazard signal pressed in for the turn signals to work( hazard signal doesn't work) and when I turn the parking lights on the radio comes on, whether the key's in or not haha.
will you please explain how did you fixed this? what is the ignition switch? Is the place where you insert the key at the steering column? I'm having trnslation issues and this is why I'm asking this so simple cuestions (english is not may natural language). A frind is having htis very same issues in his e38. The failing piece can be fixed or must be replaced? Ordered al the dealer? Replaced by a junkyard one (all or part of it)? Tnaks in advance!
I fixed this issue by replacing the ignition switch with a new one from the dealer. You replace it...doesn't cost much (approx $70 USD). It is located on the lower & opposite side of the steering column from the ignition cylinder (where you insert the key). I also posted a video that shows the issue fixed after replacing the old switch with the new switch. Look for the link to the other video under my name.
my '98 passat's headlites,heater,a/c,defroster,horn,wipers will NOT work.i'll pull the ignition switch = put in a new one.i hope it works. also,everything works with key installed,but NOT when engine's running. P.S= i love the power tilt on your steering wheel! i didnt know that was possible! cheers~~~~~
my 530i 2002 bmw works fine but i noticed that the drivers and passenger seats only recline DS from the left and PS from the right (drivers side/ passengers side). if i move it all the way back only one side reclines. do you guys know anything about it? also my alarm goes off every now and then for no reason when i leave the car at the garage, not all the time but many times.
Ok..Re-initialize all your Movable devices like the seats, Steering wheel, mirrors etc. SET your SEATS to the MEMORY with everything where you initialized them to...Turn the Key off. Then do what you just did on the Video and see if anything changes. It sounds to me like your CPU or ECU is haywire. Try that and see what happens. The Switch could still be bad but Hit the little things that don't cost money 1st.
Thanks for you input, but I knew the problem was the ignition switch when I made the video. In fact, this is why I made the video to show the seemingly unrelated electrical gremlins when the ignition switch fails. Check out my other video of how everything now works once the ignition switch was replaced. 8-)
Background Music: Gustav Holst - Jupiter, Bringer of Jollity
jdust1776cm 6 days ago
Thank you for posting this. Ordering switch for an 01 x5 this week to replace. Did you happen to do any DIY while replacing the switch?
luckenbachtx 3 months ago
@luckenbachtx Here is a link to download a PDF on how to change the X5 ignition switch. It was exactly my problem. xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/55987-ignition-switch-replacement-detailed-directions-symptom-dead-battery-issues.html
luckenbachtx 2 months ago
My 528 had this, common problem, new OEM ignition switch is cheap tho
DB7GT 9 months ago
i think your car is a transfomer
nbaalltheway 1 year ago 2
Thanks Man
hussein124 1 year ago
On my e39 540i airbag light came on due to a sensor that went bad, located under front passenger seat that triggers weight and works with seat belts. The sensor was really expensive so i contacted my BMW mechanic who only reset the airbag light. A year later drivers window need to be replaced, and i had to remove driver's door airbag. Light came on again, need to go reset again, I'm not sure if the front passenger airbag will work if the sensor is bad. I'll replace sensor when i have extra cash.
e39black540 1 year ago
@e39black540 Here's a tip:
Always disconnect the car's battery when working with the car's SRS (supplemental restraint system). Most of the SRS electrical connectors are identified by having BRIGHT ORANGE somewhere on the connector. Don't reconnect the car's battery until you've reconnected the SRS connector...that way the SRS system won't record a fault (which illuminates the AIRBAG light).
feaqs 1 year ago
Those looked like nigger fingers, I wouldn't believe a word he says.
headoverseer 1 year ago
That's it! that's what wrong with my car. It does the exact same thing! 528I
djkaneck1 1 year ago
Cool video !
I have had an airbag light on for 4 YEARS now... had it to BMW .... they couldn't find the fault !
I have a 1998 UK 525TDS SE Auto.
Pav2009 1 year ago
cont....
About a year ago the radio went off.... still illuminated but NO SOUND....
The horn fault was intermittant, sometimes when I put the sun visor light on , the interior light came on ... which caused the horn to work !!!
I will try this when I get home tonight !
Also .... the car is an AUTO... and for the last couple of years I noticed a problem with the gearchange - hanging onto 3rd gear for too long - Until the redline .... could this too be linked ?
Regards
Pav2009 1 year ago
ооо дааа валикое познание для автоугонщиков зеркало открыл и всё едиш порядок))) всё работает
novakTT 2 years ago
That's one messed up beemer haha. My truck is messed up but not like that. I have to have the hazard signal pressed in for the turn signals to work( hazard signal doesn't work) and when I turn the parking lights on the radio comes on, whether the key's in or not haha.
admiraljimmy 2 years ago
will you please explain how did you fixed this? what is the ignition switch? Is the place where you insert the key at the steering column? I'm having trnslation issues and this is why I'm asking this so simple cuestions (english is not may natural language). A frind is having htis very same issues in his e38. The failing piece can be fixed or must be replaced? Ordered al the dealer? Replaced by a junkyard one (all or part of it)? Tnaks in advance!
GroovyDrifter 2 years ago
I fixed this issue by replacing the ignition switch with a new one from the dealer. You replace it...doesn't cost much (approx $70 USD). It is located on the lower & opposite side of the steering column from the ignition cylinder (where you insert the key). I also posted a video that shows the issue fixed after replacing the old switch with the new switch. Look for the link to the other video under my name.
feaqs 2 years ago
my '98 passat's headlites,heater,a/c,defroster,horn,wipers will NOT work.i'll pull the ignition switch = put in a new one.i hope it works. also,everything works with key installed,but NOT when engine's running. P.S= i love the power tilt on your steering wheel! i didnt know that was possible! cheers~~~~~
veedubyuh82 2 years ago
my 530i 2002 bmw works fine but i noticed that the drivers and passenger seats only recline DS from the left and PS from the right (drivers side/ passengers side). if i move it all the way back only one side reclines. do you guys know anything about it? also my alarm goes off every now and then for no reason when i leave the car at the garage, not all the time but many times.
oppndahouse 2 years ago
Ok..Re-initialize all your Movable devices like the seats, Steering wheel, mirrors etc. SET your SEATS to the MEMORY with everything where you initialized them to...Turn the Key off. Then do what you just did on the Video and see if anything changes. It sounds to me like your CPU or ECU is haywire. Try that and see what happens. The Switch could still be bad but Hit the little things that don't cost money 1st.
Formuling 2 years ago
Thanks for you input, but I knew the problem was the ignition switch when I made the video. In fact, this is why I made the video to show the seemingly unrelated electrical gremlins when the ignition switch fails. Check out my other video of how everything now works once the ignition switch was replaced. 8-)
feaqs 2 years ago
The German version of CHRISTINE!
Formuling 2 years ago
dude thats effed up!
randkprouductions 2 years ago