[bsv2316]

Was driving about 80 on the interstate yesterday...all of a sudden...I lost power steering. Then, the A/C started blowing hot air.

The idrive said "charging malfunction"...and the warning icon next to the tach was a picture of a battery.

I guess, if the battery is going out, that the car just starts robbing power from anything that might be using the electrical power? Does it sound like an alternator problem?

It just surprised me that the system would shut off the power steering like that for a battery issue.

I got it towed to my local dealership today, as it's still under warranty. I guess we'll see what they say.

[Bimmer This]

I think it's because you have electric steering. Could be a alternator problem or just a bad cell in the battery?

[bsv2316]

Originally Posted by Bimmer This

I think it's because you have electric steering. Could be a alternator problem or just a bad cell in the battery?

Yeah, I was surprised that the car had no trouble starting if it's a battery problem.

I was able to start it this morning to put it on the flatbed...and to back it off of the truck when I got it to the BMW dealership.

[slowSwede]

Had an electric glitch in my E46 which turned off every system one by one.
The glitch was the main cable from the battery beeing somewhat loose. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn´t.
Anyhow, it turned off the systems one by one starting with the least important ones. Shortly after locking (it´s an AT) the gearbox it died slowly.
After 10 minutes I could start it up again and sometimes go for a couple of weeks. They did find the loose cable in service and since then it runs ok.

[bsv2316]

just talked to the SA...and they said they thought it might be the HPFP....

which sounds weird to me because the engine didn't seem to lose any power...just the steering and A/C....

doesn't sound typical of the HPFP problems i've read about on here.

[BMWinNorthdakota]

Originally Posted by bsv2316

just talked to the SA...and they said they thought it might be the HPFP....

which sounds weird to me because the engine didn't seem to lose any power...just the steering and A/C....

doesn't sound typical of the HPFP problems i've read about on here.

Lol, just wait... BMW will start using HPFP as a cop out more and more..

LAME!

Best of luck..Wish I could help

[midshrink]

Sounds like an alternator problem to me...

[bsv2316]

Originally Posted by BMWinNorthdakota

Lol, just wait... BMW will start using HPFP as a cop out more and more..

LAME!

Best of luck..Wish I could help

thanks....

I told them that I didn't think it was the HPFP due to the symptoms i had seen described with HPFP issues.

They said it will be tomorrow before they can really take a good look at it...they are going to rent a car through enterprise for me.


Also agree w/ the alternator diagnosis.

[jrsniper12453]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=301535

also this. which is what happened to me too i believe.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302265

[m1t3000]

Guaranteed that is a fan belt issue. No way is it the HPFP. Your belt snapped - it's mechanical so don't sweat it. If the car is still under warranty you're golden and even if it's not - not that expensive to fix.

Enjoy the new car and don't let this sway you.

[bsv2316]

Originally Posted by jrsniper12453

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=301535

also this. which is what happened to me too i believe.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302265

thanks for the links and info

[Barbera335]

Make sure you insist to your SA that you get the updated subframe installed in your car as well. This subframe provides extra clearance between the power steering pump pulley and the subframe itself. If you don't get the subframe, and not all dealers change them with this repair. You run the risk of having this happen to you again.

[bsv2316]

Originally Posted by Barbera335

Make sure you insist to your SA that you get the updated subframe installed in your car as well. This subframe provides extra clearance between the power steering pump pulley and the subframe itself. If you don't get the subframe, and not all dealers change them with this repair. You run the risk of having this happen to you again.

I'll call them in the morning...tell them what I think it might be...and then suggest that they change the subframe if it is.

[bsv2316]

does anybody have a link to the subframe service bulletin?

found it...

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B110908g.htm

[bsv2316]

getting my car back today.

they didn't do anything about the subframe because they said there was no indication of contact.

not happy.

[33five]

alternator or battery issue

[E92-Lighting]

it does seem like the alternator went bad

[bsv2316]

it was the alternator drive belt