Signs of Failing Ignition Switch in BMW e38 7 series or e39 5 series

Signs of a failing ignition switch includes weird electronic gremlins like DSP control unit stops working, rear sunshade stops working, horn stops working, Airbag Light illuminates on dash, MLF steering wheel buttons and lights stop working...and the oddest thing of all...when you pull down the sunvisors and open the mirror covers...the steering wheel will move upward, the radio may shut off, the interior light will fade on...and if you close the mirror cover and return the sun visor back to the up position...the interior lights will fade back off, the steering wheel will move downward, and the radio will come back on.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• BMW
• E38/E39
• series
• failing
• ignition
• switch's
• odd
• electrical
• gremlins

[e39black540]

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.

[feaqs]

@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).

[GroovyDrifter]

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!

[feaqs]

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.

[Formuling]

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.

[feaqs]

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-)

[jdust1776cm]

Background Music: Gustav Holst - Jupiter, Bringer of Jollity

[luckenbachtx]

@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]

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?

[DB7GT]

My 528 had this, common problem, new OEM ignition switch is cheap tho

[nbaalltheway]

i think your car is a transfomer

[hussein124]

Thanks Man

[headoverseer]

Those looked like nigger fingers, I wouldn't believe a word he says.