Electronic Failure - Central Electronic Failure

[depaschal]

ELECTRONIC FAILURE - CENTRAL ELECTRONIC FAILURE...

Hi all, i keep getting this error message intermittently regardless of whether vehicle is in motion or not: ELECTRONIC FAILURE - CENTRAL ELECTRONIC FAILURE... At this point, engine runs smoothly however there will be intermittent loss of power to headlamps, indicators, dashboard and idrive display screen goes blank and comes back on again. Also other error messages do pop up on idrive screen: seat belt, airbag e.t.c malfunction.

Please see attached pictures of error message. Any help will be highly appreciated. Many thanks in advance.

[Horizon]

Previos members have had ignition switch failures, plus alternator problems can throw up weird problems as can a duff battery, first check battery voltage, as well as codes read to see if it sheds light on to anything.
If battery is over 7 years old I'd change it anyway. BMW batteries are date stamped on the terminal posts mmYR I think

[depaschal]

...just had a quick look at the bat, purchased 08/2012. Will have voltage looked at anyway just in case. Thanks for the tip.

[X5Sport]

Was the battery 'paired' to the car?  E70 and newer need this done.  If it isn't done it can lead to premature battery failure from overcharging.  Modern batteries don't boil, but they don't handle any kind of charging error, or being allowed to go flat, and must be of the type (not make) that BMW use.

Also check all of the connections on the battery and on the jump point up front are very clean and fully tightened.  Corroded or loose connections are not your friend!  Check the negative connection on the body is also clean and secure.