Broke Down(things one may not know )

tracfour · 04-24-2006, 11:25 PM

Today, my 2006 325XI lost all power. I went into the store locked the car and when I came out I unlocked the door, put the key in and went to hit start. Nothing happened, I had no power. I then tried to take the key out, but the key would not come out. Well I soon discovered all the things that would not work. The BMW assist button does not work, can't open the trunk to get to the tools that are needed for towing, can't put the car into neutral so it can be towed.

We after a few good pulls I was able to get the key out ignition. All of this happened at 8:00pm, So when the two driver arrived with the truck he could not tow it because the car could not be moved out of park, so he tried to jump it but that only gave me enough power to pop the trunk to get to the unless tools. So the tow driver said I need a tow truck that had dollies that would go under each wheel. So he left and the wait was on again. Well in the mean time I had my wife show up with my Jeep Cherokee. I kept trying to charge the battery and while the jumper cables were hooked up all kind of lights started going on and off but the car still would not start, then I happened to hit the start button without the key in the slot and then the car started. The car ran fine and when I did a system check it only said no key. So I was able to drive home and I already had a service appointment set for the next day.

History, I had been encountering a problem with the 4 X4 light coming on and I also was getting a Sirius error and the radio would go from satellite to fm, and the car was going in the next day before the break down.

Car 2006 325XI with 2000 miles, sports package, Sirius

BzsBimmer · 04-24-2006, 11:36 PM

Sounds like a pretty bad bug you have.
Let us know what happened at the dealer
Sorry to hear about it. Could it be first production year jitters

aphall · 04-24-2006, 11:59 PM

Wow, that sounds like a pretty messed up electrical problem. I mean... starting the car without the key? How weird is that?

tctic · 04-25-2006, 01:57 AM

There's a secret button under the transmission cover that let's you release the shifter to neutral when something's wrong and you need to move the shifter. That button is in red and explained in the owner's manual.

DonnyGirl · 04-25-2006, 02:40 AM

I am pretty worried by this report. At some point the BMW will electrics/system fail, and we end up in this situation

davinet78 · 04-25-2006, 04:19 AM

sorry to hear mate keep us informed

CardinalZeus77 · 04-25-2006, 04:21 AM

Sorry to hear about it

. Let us know how it goes at the dealer.

E90Fleet · 04-25-2006, 05:43 AM

As said there is a button under the shifters leather to unlock it without power

and you can open your trunk without power

There is a normal lock which uses the metal key inside your fob. It is located on the trunk lip next to where you press the exterior button to open the trunk.

E90Fleet · 04-25-2006, 05:50 AM

Here you can see the manual lock on the far righthand side

h_curtis · 04-25-2006, 06:49 AM

It pays to read the owners manual. Does the car have Comfort Access?

txusa03 · 04-25-2006, 07:27 AM

looks like some sort of a computer virus, maybe?

Fleet, what do you mean by this button?

As said there is a button under the shifters leather to unlock it without power

E90Fleet · 04-25-2006, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txusa03

looks like some sort of a computer virus, maybe?

Fleet, what do you mean by this button?

As said there is a button under the shifters leather to unlock it without power

There is a little button below the Auto box's shifter leather boot, that whn pressed allows you to shift out of P without needing to press the brake or having power too the car

David328M-Sport · 04-25-2006, 08:07 AM

now correct me if i'm wrong but i do recall reading in the manual that if there are certain problems that you should leave the car turned off for at least 15 mins, then try again.

was your off for at least 15 mins at any time between attempted starts?

wondering if it was a matter of waiting it out for resetting time?

not sure though.

i hope you get to the bottom of the problem before it has a chance to strike again.

jcase33 · 04-25-2006, 08:14 AM

Sometimes my cars starts w/o the fob in the slot. I don't have CA.

txusa03 · 04-25-2006, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

There is a little button below the Auto box's shifter leather boot, that whn pressed allows you to shift out of P without needing to press the brake or having power too the car

Thanks, I have a manual so I will not have that button.

vladinecko · 04-25-2006, 10:00 AM

i'm surprised you could even open the car. or did you just open it manually? when the car doesn't open using the FOB, and the interior lights don't come on when you open the door, i wouldn't even try putting the key in because you can safely assume there is an electrical problem.

vladinecko · 04-25-2006, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcase33

Sometimes my cars starts w/o the fob in the slot. I don't have CA.

read here, it explains the issue you're referencing.

KL2DC · 04-25-2006, 10:16 AM

First of all, sorry for your e90 troubles. Thank you for sharing, your experience will help us deal with the problem should it happen to any of us (knock wood).

Was wondering if your car is step or non-step. On an unrelated issue/problem and purely fyi, a 325xi non-step owner complained about his car's engine cutting out above 4k RPM at certain altitudes. He went on to say there have been up to 5 cases of 325xi's manuals with the same problem.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=143328

Is there something going on with non-step 325xi's? You might want to keep a close eye on the problem...

tracfour · 04-25-2006, 11:46 AM

I miss that trunk lock, it was dark but now I know.

tracfour · 04-25-2006, 11:52 AM

This morning I got up to take the car to the dealer, and again the key car refused to accept the key but at least it started(without the key). Made it to the dealer and as soon as I find out the problem I will let everyone know.

tracfour · 04-25-2006, 11:55 AM

No the car does not.

tracfour · 04-25-2006, 12:07 PM

I have a steptronic , but I live in Chicago so the altitude is not a issue.

04-24-2006, 11:25 PM	#1
tracfour Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 213 Posts Drives: 2014 550. 2015 x328d Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Chicago Illinois iTrader: (2) Garage List 1972 Mustang Mach 1 [0.00] 2012 Electra Glide ... [0.00] 2017 Premier [0.00] 2022 Genesis GV70 [0.00] 2014 BMW 550I [0.00]	Broke Down(things one may not know ) Today, my 2006 325XI lost all power. I went into the store locked the car and when I came out I unlocked the door, put the key in and went to hit start. Nothing happened, I had no power. I then tried to take the key out, but the key would not come out. Well I soon discovered all the things that would not work. The BMW assist button does not work, can't open the trunk to get to the tools that are needed for towing, can't put the car into neutral so it can be towed. We after a few good pulls I was able to get the key out ignition. All of this happened at 8:00pm, So when the two driver arrived with the truck he could not tow it because the car could not be moved out of park, so he tried to jump it but that only gave me enough power to pop the trunk to get to the unless tools. So the tow driver said I need a tow truck that had dollies that would go under each wheel. So he left and the wait was on again. Well in the mean time I had my wife show up with my Jeep Cherokee. I kept trying to charge the battery and while the jumper cables were hooked up all kind of lights started going on and off but the car still would not start, then I happened to hit the start button without the key in the slot and then the car started. The car ran fine and when I did a system check it only said no key. So I was able to drive home and I already had a service appointment set for the next day. History, I had been encountering a problem with the 4 X4 light coming on and I also was getting a Sirius error and the radio would go from satellite to fm, and the car was going in the next day before the break down. Car 2006 325XI with 2000 miles, sports package, Sirius
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04-24-2006, 11:36 PM	#2
BzsBimmer Major General 3293 Rep 6,733 Posts Drives: '23 G80 FO M3, M3 & MY Tezzy's Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Nor. Cal iTrader: (32)	Sounds like a pretty bad bug you have. Let us know what happened at the dealer Sorry to hear about it. Could it be first production year jitters
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04-24-2006, 11:59 PM	#3
aphall Captain 34 Rep 776 Posts Drives: 330i rec'd 2/17/06 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [0.00]	Wow, that sounds like a pretty messed up electrical problem. I mean... starting the car without the key? How weird is that? __________________ JB \| BBS CHs \| Blacklines \| HO40 \| ACS Rep Roof Spoiler \| H&R Sport \| Hartge Rep Lip \| OEM Strut Bar \| M-Tech Rear
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04-25-2006, 01:57 AM	#4
tctic Major 40 Rep 1,238 Posts Drives: BMW E90 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	There's a secret button under the transmission cover that let's you release the shifter to neutral when something's wrong and you need to move the shifter. That button is in red and explained in the owner's manual.
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04-25-2006, 02:40 AM	#5
DonnyGirl Private First Class 23 Rep 112 Posts Drives: 325 SE + sports susp SG Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sutton UK iTrader: (0)	I am pretty worried by this report. At some point the BMW will electrics/system fail, and we end up in this situation
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04-25-2006, 04:19 AM	#6
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	sorry to hear mate keep us informed __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
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04-25-2006, 04:21 AM	#7
CardinalZeus77 Captain 190 Rep 817 Posts Drives: Porsche 991.2 Carrera S Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 G20 BMW 320d X ... [0.00] 2014 BMW F80 M3 [10.00]	Sorry to hear about it . Let us know how it goes at the dealer. __________________ Current: 991.2 Carrera S Sold: BMW G20 320d Xdrive M Sport Sold: Porsche Macan GTS Night Blue / Full GTS Interior Sold: F80 M3 Black Sapphire/Sakhir Orange Sold: E92 M3 Jerez Black/Fox Red Leather
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04-25-2006, 05:43 AM	#8
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1312 Rep 10,185 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	As said there is a button under the shifters leather to unlock it without power and you can open your trunk without power There is a normal lock which uses the metal key inside your fob. It is located on the trunk lip next to where you press the exterior button to open the trunk. __________________ BMW if you are reading, I need a job, Please.
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04-25-2006, 05:50 AM	#9
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1312 Rep 10,185 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	Here you can see the manual lock on the far righthand side Attached Images __________________ BMW if you are reading, I need a job, Please.
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04-25-2006, 06:49 AM	#10
h_curtis Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 252 Posts Drives: ordered blk s 330 sp, pr, cold Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: pittsburgh, pa (steeler country) iTrader: (0)	It pays to read the owners manual. Does the car have Comfort Access?
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04-25-2006, 07:27 AM	#11
txusa03 Major General 556 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	looks like some sort of a computer virus, maybe? Fleet, what do you mean by this button? As said there is a button under the shifters leather to unlock it without power
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04-25-2006, 08:07 AM	#13
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 101 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	now correct me if i'm wrong but i do recall reading in the manual that if there are certain problems that you should leave the car turned off for at least 15 mins, then try again. was your off for at least 15 mins at any time between attempted starts? wondering if it was a matter of waiting it out for resetting time? not sure though. i hope you get to the bottom of the problem before it has a chance to strike again. __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
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04-25-2006, 08:14 AM	#14
jcase33 Obsessive 15 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: West Jordan Utah iTrader: (1)	Sometimes my cars starts w/o the fob in the slot. I don't have CA. __________________ ZSP/Xenon/Sat Prep/Heated Powered Seats/Step/Jet black/black/aluminum/BMW Assist
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04-25-2006, 10:00 AM	#16
vladinecko Brigadier General 285 Rep 3,924 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [9.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i [0.00] 1994 BMW 325i [0.00]	i'm surprised you could even open the car. or did you just open it manually? when the car doesn't open using the FOB, and the interior lights don't come on when you open the door, i wouldn't even try putting the key in because you can safely assume there is an electrical problem. __________________ 2011 E92 M3 - IB/Beige/Sycamore Wood/6MT/EDC/ZPP2/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/iPod-USB/Enh. Audio 2008 E92 335i - Montego Blue/Black/Gray Poplar/6MT/ZPP/ZSP/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/HDRadio/iPod-USB - *Sold* 2006 E90 330i - Mystic Blue/Black/Aluminum/6MT/ZPP/iDrive/PDC/Heated Seats/Sat. Prep - *Sold* 1994 E36 325i - Boston Green/Beige/Automatic/ZPP/Heated Seats/Premium Sound - *Sold*
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04-25-2006, 10:16 AM	#18
KL2DC Moderator 319 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	First of all, sorry for your e90 troubles. Thank you for sharing, your experience will help us deal with the problem should it happen to any of us (knock wood). Was wondering if your car is step or non-step. On an unrelated issue/problem and purely fyi, a 325xi non-step owner complained about his car's engine cutting out above 4k RPM at certain altitudes. He went on to say there have been up to 5 cases of 325xi's manuals with the same problem. http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=143328 Is there something going on with non-step 325xi's? You might want to keep a close eye on the problem... __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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04-25-2006, 11:46 AM	#19
tracfour Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 213 Posts Drives: 2014 550. 2015 x328d Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Chicago Illinois iTrader: (2) Garage List 1972 Mustang Mach 1 [0.00] 2012 Electra Glide ... [0.00] 2017 Premier [0.00] 2022 Genesis GV70 [0.00] 2014 BMW 550I [0.00]	Thanks I miss that trunk lock, it was dark but now I know.
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04-25-2006, 11:52 AM	#20
tracfour Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 213 Posts Drives: 2014 550. 2015 x328d Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Chicago Illinois iTrader: (2) Garage List 1972 Mustang Mach 1 [0.00] 2012 Electra Glide ... [0.00] 2017 Premier [0.00] 2022 Genesis GV70 [0.00] 2014 BMW 550I [0.00]	Break down(update) This morning I got up to take the car to the dealer, and again the key car refused to accept the key but at least it started(without the key). Made it to the dealer and as soon as I find out the problem I will let everyone know.
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04-25-2006, 11:55 AM	#21
tracfour Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 213 Posts Drives: 2014 550. 2015 x328d Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Chicago Illinois iTrader: (2) Garage List 1972 Mustang Mach 1 [0.00] 2012 Electra Glide ... [0.00] 2017 Premier [0.00] 2022 Genesis GV70 [0.00] 2014 BMW 550I [0.00]	No No the car does not.
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04-25-2006, 12:07 PM	#22
tracfour Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 213 Posts Drives: 2014 550. 2015 x328d Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Chicago Illinois iTrader: (2) Garage List 1972 Mustang Mach 1 [0.00] 2012 Electra Glide ... [0.00] 2017 Premier [0.00] 2022 Genesis GV70 [0.00] 2014 BMW 550I [0.00]	Step I have a steptronic , but I live in Chicago so the altitude is not a issue.
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