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2005 E83 2.0d Electrical gremlins

Discuss anything to do with the (E83) BMW X3 here
(Older F25 discussion within will ideally to be moved to F25 Sub section below)
Ozzycat
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2005 E83 2.0d Electrical gremlins

Post by Ozzycat » Wed Dec 28, 2022 10:01 am

Thanks for the confirmation x5Sport. I'll narrow the search now and see what comes up. Having it coded isn't the end of the world and will be a hell of a lot cheaper than a brand new part. From what I've read, I should be able to swop out the parts and it should be driveable to the dealers for coding otherwise I'll just keep the glove box out and refit myself.

I'll update the post when I get the used part from the UK in a couple of weeks.

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2005 E83 2.0d Electrical gremlins

Post by Ozzycat » Wed Apr 05, 2023 6:46 pm

Evening guys. Just wanted to provide an update on my issues.

I eventually got the used body control module from an e83 x3 (an upgraded module) and took it to BMW on Monday to get it coded in the hope it would sort out all my issues. The coding was done and seemed to correct the issue with the wipers and interior lights coming on and off when driving with the headlights on. However the problem is back again. Wondering if the wiper switch isn't broken as well and causing those issues.

A seperate diagnosis at additional cost indicated the following -

1. The non functioning steering wheel controls and horn is a faulty clockspring. I actually had them working very briefly when i turned the wheel slightly and must have made the slightest of connections.
2. The non-working remote locking indicates a dead battery in the key. The key seems to be talking to the car OK. The foreman did tell me to go to a specialist locksmith to get a new battery fitted as a first measure before splashing out on a new key which may or may not solve the problem in which case they would want to replace the complete central locking system.

I'll be back on with them tomorrow to see if they can get any info on the lights and wipers issue as the foreman did say he'd never come across this problem before. Maybe someone in their chain or a tech specialist at head office would have some suggestions.

Any other suggestions re the lights and wipers are most welcome.
Have a good evening.

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X5Sport
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2005 E83 2.0d Electrical gremlins

Post by X5Sport » Wed Apr 05, 2023 7:40 pm

Changing the key battery requires key surgery……

https://youtu.be/oAe2-s367Qo

And yes, new keys are expensive. The last one we had for the E46 (similar to yours I think) was almost £140. Only available from BMW!
:ant: Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.

Ozzycat
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2005 E83 2.0d Electrical gremlins

Post by Ozzycat » Thu Jun 08, 2023 4:46 pm

Just a bit of an update on all these issues. Clock spring done, window switch done and key battery replaced and issues fixed so far. The major issue I have now is the windscreen wipers and wanted some input before I tackle this.

Basically the wipers either don't work, are slow to activate or operate normally for a few sweeps and then freeze up then work then freeze etc. If they freeze you can get them going again by changing the wiper stalk position. I don't think the wiper motor is at fault due to the fact that the wipers operate normally some of the time so I'm leaning towards the relay or the stalk being at fault. I saw a post about cleaning the relay contacts so maybe that is something else to try to eliminate one part rather than just replace it. I've googled all over the show and haven't found anything with these specific symptoms and most posts point towards the motor being faulty as the wipers just don't work.

Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful.

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