[simcat]

Hi there

Just wondered if anyone could help?

I have an '06 330D and have noticed over the last few weeks a problem with the Idrive display. When I put the keyfob into the ignition the electrics come on fine and the display comes up on the idrive. But when I press the start button the display dims for about five seconds and then comes back on.


When I put my car through the MOT today at the BMW dealers they said there was no fault found. There diagnostics couldn't find anything wrong with the car. I said it should be no solution found as there is a problem and could they check further. They said the battery was at 70% and that this might be causing the problem. But that I would have to bring the car back and they would keep it overnight and run more checks. I was a bit fed up as this was the problem I informed them about two weeks before I brought the car in and also today.

The weird thing is that they said they didn't witness this at all. When I collected the car it just repeated what I described but everyone was leaving the BMW dealers so I couldn't show anyone the fault. However, when I drove home I turned the car off and then started it again and there was no fault. I did this about three times and it worked perfectly.

So am a bit confused. My warranty runs out in about three weeks and didn't want to be left looking at something that was going to cost big bucks to fix.

Sorry for length of post but am a bit baffled at the mo as what to do.

Cheers

[Jon D]

I feel inclined to agree with the dealer in that it's the battery. I don't know what the actual percentage figure is for a battery in good condition, but 70% capacity sounds low and the drain on starting will result in a voltage drop to other services such as the display screen. The fact that you tried it immediately after the drive home reinforces my opinion that the battery is not holding its charge and is nearing the end of its life.

[makkan00]

+1

[simcat]

Thanks for that.

As the car is still under warranty would I be best taking it to the dealer and asking them to replace the battery? Would my battery be covered by the AUC deal?

cheers

[Jon D]

Depends on whether or not batteries are included in the warranty and, if so, what level of capacity is considered to require replacement.
I would have thought that, like tyres, brake pads and other consumable items, batteries are not covered, unless they fail within a few months from new, but it won't hurt to ask.

[EssexIan]

Interesting - My idrive screen does exactly the same, have noticed it is worse in the morning and actually went blank in the real cold this morning. Like the OP it is always fine when the car is started from warm, thinking about it this would all suggest the battery is below par, time for a new one!

Ian

[Frobius]

Yeah, I'd be inclined to think the battery isn't doing all it should. I accidentally let the battery go flat when I was fitting my alpine kit and bits. When I tried to start the car, my first thought was that I'd shorted something out pretty seriously as when pressing the start button, the car went mental, loads of different lights flashed, headlights on and off, speedo moving, display showing odd things then nothing.

Low voltage seems to make these cars do weird things.

[simcat]

A quick update. Dropped the car off yesterday and had a chat today after they ran all their diagnostic tests. After they went through all their electronics stuff the answer they had was...the fan in the dash is on the way out. Apparently their is a fan which keeps the electronics cool in the I-drive and this is what they replace if all their tests show are completed with no fix. So that will be fitted tomorrow when they receive the part. I hope they are right.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by simcat

A quick update. Dropped the car off yesterday and had a chat today after they ran all their diagnostic tests. After they went through all their electronics stuff the answer they had was...the fan in the dash is on the way out. Apparently their is a fan which keeps the electronics cool in the I-drive and this is what they replace if all their tests show are completed with no fix. So that will be fitted tomorrow when they receive the part. I hope they are right.

I personally dont think it is fan especially if it happens during cold start.
Any keep us posted.

[simcat]

Collected car and was shown the diagnostics test results, The fault code did point to a problem with the fan. So all seems good.

I asked them to replace the front wipers while the car was there. £30 plus vat. Thought that was ok. Paid the bill today and saw a charge for £9. I queried it and was told it was for 5 minutes labour....Blimey. Next time I'll fit it myself.

Good thing the work on the car was covered by the AUC as they must have had hours worth of diagnostics test. The replacement fan was £42.

[parapaul]

My iDrive screen does this occasionally too - only been doing it during the cold weather though. No other problems.

[Dr Dave]

I'd say it was nothing to worry about - mine does it too - can't see a fan causing this though - I'd say it was more along the lines of the battery - which I wouldn't expect to be covered by the warranty.