XSeries-forum

So, was running the code scanner via pa soft and the bmw 1.4.0 cable. Was reading fine, just as it did the time before, until all the dash lights went out and I hear a beep. Look up and the left (nearside) inner light is flashing slowly on and off at a very reduced power, dull yellow glow not 55w halogen main beam.

Can't stop it, turning key to any position makes no difference, nothing happens, all I'm getting is a slow flashing airbag light, nothing else on and nothing else working. Had to removed the battery negative cable via inside car as couldn't open boot. Removing the wheel was hard work! When removing wheel etc, there was slow whurling noise, quiet, and on and off.

Have I just bricked the car somehow?

Car as below, 218bhp version

what happened when you re attached the battery ?  still same  ?

Yeah, although can't say I checked if the light was still flashing, but think so, but turning the key did nothing but make the airbag light flash

Unhook the battery, short the two (Disconnected) battery cables together... keep them hooked together & go make a coffee.
20 mins later, re-connect the battery.

I theory this will clear the issue.

Cheers, I assume you mean join the 2 battery cables? Is the 20 mins exact, ie I need to time, or can it be left a long time and I need not count etc?

What the heck could cause this, seems so random and excessive!

I would check the battery voltage, these cars don't like being left for any time with the ignition on. I always run diognostics with the engine running.
Low battery voltage can throw them into a hissy fit.
Try disconnecting the battery overnight and charging it separately. Check the battery voltage before reconnecting.

How did you get on ??????

Can't charge the darn battery until get it out, so will have to wait until tomorrow as can't open boot lol. Will check battery voltage, charge it, join battery cables up and pray.

To be honest, there may be legs in this, as car not been started for 3 weeks, no turbo on her, and been stood before that and started and stopped several times with no real run in about a month. So that and having ignition on for testing etc etc, might be playing a part, although I'd still expect some dash lights to come on, even if low lol.

Fingers crossed, will report back once charged and tried again. If it's dead, anyone want it for stairs or repair as I'll have to buy the wife a new motor on Sunday lol.

Thanks all,

You could try charging it. Is the lugs in the engine bay if you can't get to the battery. Worth a try.

No power where I park, and it's about 200m from house so can't use an extension as too far and crosses other folks access etc. I'll get it out tomorrow and charge in house. Just can't believe there not a key override to open the boot!

Plus it's flashing the light when connected, so not helping to charge lol.

Edit: think I found instructions on manual boot release, will give it a go tomorrow. Im drastically starting to dislike this motor!

There is an override key in the boot but you have to get in the car to open it.. It's a small toggle on the left side of the latch looking from the front of the vehicle.

Battery on charge, read 11.94v across the poles when removed. You think that be low enough to cause the electric black out issues? It's taking a fair charge mind, been on fast charge for 2hrs plus and still pulling near 5amp.

After done other jobs, will replace and keep gingers crossed lol

Did you get the boot open to get the battery out ?  and as X5-D-Sport Salisbury said touch the two cables together  after battery is removed

Any battery below 12V is suspect.  11.94V indicates a charge state of just 10%

If running diagnostics then you really need to have a decent charger hooked up.  I know it's a problem where you are though 

Cars & Women..... all trouble for a man lol...

Saying that, I do  know ONE man who has an amazing woman.....
but she must be some kinda space alien ha ha...