Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

My car is possessed (electrical issues) *SOLVED*

Discuss problems you have had or are having with your Z4
Jamesbradbury
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 44
Joined: Tue Jan 19, 2021 9:20 am
Location: Tonypandy, RCT

My car is possessed (electrical issues) *SOLVED*

Post by Jamesbradbury » Fri Sep 10, 2021 2:23 pm

So I put my car up for sale a week or so ago and haven't been using it that often. After driving for an hour or so I parked up with the roof down. It started raining slightly so I went to try and put the roof up but nothing at all happened when I pressed the button and the boot wouldn't open no matter how I tried so I left it (rain stopped immediately). Came back later and everything was fine.

Driving again the next day I get an airbag light, indicators and lights work but there's no ticking or any visual on the dash and the windows gave up. Also no back-light on the dash and the a/c isn't cold when it was freezing yesterday. As I keep driving the indicators start working but like 5 seconds delayed and airbag and bulb lights randomly go on and off. DSC button and heated seats are fine and no battery light.

Anyone have an idea as to how I should start and the best cheap scanner because I returned my Carly (too expensive). I'm taking it as a sign that the car doesn't want to be sold.
Last edited by Jamesbradbury on Sun Nov 28, 2021 1:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.

brillomaster
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1423
Joined: Thu Aug 24, 2017 12:57 pm
Location: Leamington Spa

My car is possessed (electrical issues)

Post by brillomaster » Fri Sep 10, 2021 2:29 pm

standard first response to these type of threads... how old is the battery?

User avatar
enuff_zed
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 14382
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
Location: Attleborough, Norfolk

My car is possessed (electrical issues)

Post by enuff_zed » Fri Sep 10, 2021 2:29 pm

I'm the first, but I doubt the last, to say: battery getting old??
HQ of 'Norfolk Zed Rescue'.
Always happy to help if I can.

If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way! :thumbsup:
Image

User avatar
enuff_zed
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 14382
Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
Location: Attleborough, Norfolk

My car is possessed (electrical issues)

Post by enuff_zed » Fri Sep 10, 2021 2:30 pm

enuff_zed wrote: Fri Sep 10, 2021 2:29 pm I'm the first, but I doubt the last, to say: battery getting old??
Damn! too slow!
I'm the second........................
HQ of 'Norfolk Zed Rescue'.
Always happy to help if I can.

If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way! :thumbsup:
Image

firebobby
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 9529
Joined: Sat Jun 13, 2015 9:09 am
Location: South west Buckinghamshire

My car is possessed (electrical issues)

Post by firebobby » Fri Sep 10, 2021 2:53 pm

I'll tird it
BMW Z4 30i 2003 auto 107's Whippy Toledo Blue
Beige M sport seats, wood dash
Toyota MR2 NA 1995
Triumph GT6 1972 (project)
Land Rover Discovery 1994 TDI (Tow car)
Mini 1000 1981

Jamesbradbury
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 44
Joined: Tue Jan 19, 2021 9:20 am
Location: Tonypandy, RCT

My car is possessed (electrical issues)

Post by Jamesbradbury » Fri Sep 10, 2021 2:56 pm

Ahh ok I'll have to have a look. I just thought as the car starts perfectly and I have no battery light it's fine but thinking about it I don't know how old it is. Hope I can find my voltmeter.

Online
User avatar
markplant
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 3668
Joined: Mon Jul 21, 2014 8:16 pm
Location: Sheffield

My car is possessed (electrical issues)

Post by markplant » Fri Sep 10, 2021 3:30 pm

A lot of batteries will have a date stamped on them, an just as described most people have no trouble starting the car , but the rest of the electrical seems very sensitive to a ageing battery
3.0 Manual. Sterling Grey. Cream leather Electric an Heated. Professional Navigation/Sony tablet replacement. Storm Werks . an parts waiting to be fitted

Scooba_Steve
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 5277
Joined: Wed Feb 19, 2014 3:01 pm
Location: NW London

My car is possessed (electrical issues)

Post by Scooba_Steve » Fri Sep 10, 2021 6:03 pm

Jamesbradbury wrote: Fri Sep 10, 2021 2:56 pm Ahh ok I'll have to have a look. I just thought as the car starts perfectly and I have no battery light it's fine but thinking about it I don't know how old it is. Hope I can find my voltmeter.
Original battery started fine but window up/down on opening/closing the door started acting up. It was the battery.
3.0si Sport: F10 Illuminated ZHP, Retrofit Cruise, OE Stubby, Gaptech RCH+, Kenwood BT73DAB + Handsfree, HIDs, LED Sidelights, OE LED Number Plate Lights, Custom LED strip bootlight.

Jamesbradbury
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 44
Joined: Tue Jan 19, 2021 9:20 am
Location: Tonypandy, RCT

My car is possessed (electrical issues)

Post by Jamesbradbury » Tue Sep 14, 2021 9:25 am

Update: Replaced the battery and haven't had any issues so I think it was the issue. Thanks everyone

User avatar
Benderloch
Member
Member
Posts: 234
Joined: Sat Nov 03, 2018 6:37 pm
Location: Perthshire

My car is possessed (electrical issues)

Post by Benderloch » Tue Sep 14, 2021 9:38 am

Jamesbradbury wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 9:25 am Update: Replaced the battery and haven't had any issues so I think it was the issue. Thanks everyone
It’s alway great when the author of threads like this get back and confirm the outcome , thanks.
If you think these cars can have strange electrical issues you should try a 60s 70s British sports car with Lucas electrics. The prince of darkness.
E86 Silver Grey Red leather, Piano Black trim.

User avatar
Zulu4
Member
Member
Posts: 836
Joined: Tue Mar 16, 2021 1:22 pm
Location: Lincolnshire

My car is possessed (electrical issues)

Post by Zulu4 » Tue Sep 14, 2021 9:48 am

Benderloch wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 9:38 am
Jamesbradbury wrote: Tue Sep 14, 2021 9:25 am Update: Replaced the battery and haven't had any issues so I think it was the issue. Thanks everyone
It’s alway great when the author of threads like this get back and confirm the outcome , thanks.
Fully agree. That's how we learn from each other. :thumbsup:
I think people on this site are generally much better at coming back with the resolution to their problems than on many other forums I frequent :thumbsup:
2007 3.0si Auto Sport Roadster. Whippy.
Previous:
2003 3.0i SE Roadster. Whippy.

Scooba_Steve
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 5277
Joined: Wed Feb 19, 2014 3:01 pm
Location: NW London

My car is possessed (electrical issues)

Post by Scooba_Steve » Tue Sep 14, 2021 4:11 pm

:thumbsup:
3.0si Sport: F10 Illuminated ZHP, Retrofit Cruise, OE Stubby, Gaptech RCH+, Kenwood BT73DAB + Handsfree, HIDs, LED Sidelights, OE LED Number Plate Lights, Custom LED strip bootlight.

Jamesbradbury
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 44
Joined: Tue Jan 19, 2021 9:20 am
Location: Tonypandy, RCT

My car is possessed (electrical issues)

Post by Jamesbradbury » Mon Oct 18, 2021 8:20 am

Another update: with the new battery I've had the problem come back. Not sure how to proceed with electrical troubleshooting as I can't bring myself to shell out £100+ for carly. Are there cheap ways? Cheers

User avatar
Rockhopper
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1098
Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2020 7:05 pm
Location: Mansfield

My car is possessed (electrical issues)

Post by Rockhopper » Mon Oct 18, 2021 8:22 am

You need to check that new battery is being charged correctly. Also look for water ingress into the various computers in the car.

User avatar
1000rr
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1057
Joined: Thu Oct 13, 2016 10:53 pm

My car is possessed (electrical issues)

Post by 1000rr » Mon Oct 18, 2021 8:47 am

Airbag module is kaput. :thumbsup:
Sterling 3.0, Bentley burgundy leather, Aeros..
Ducati Supersport S


Image

Post Reply