Instrument panel not working

[Prickaerts]

Hi, yesterday the battery died (I guess I think it's still the original battery, the indicator light on it was black), car wouldn't start, windows opening very slowly, only one orange light did light up on the instrument cluster (don't remember which one, thought it was something in the middle around the top). This morning tried jump starting it, didn't worked (maybe battery of the other car wasn't great). This afternoon tried it again with another car and it worked!
But then my instrument cluster didn't work.. no lights on the screen (or on the mf steering wheel), no time, speedo, gasmeter also not working.. But the radio did work (but only the start up screen (BMW logo) showed up, nothing else), the volume could be adjusted, ventilation worked (airco not tested), seat warmers too.
Turn signals just make one click sound but after that didn't made a sound, but they worked (outside the car I mean).
Drove to the dealer, parked, tried to start it, worked(but no instrument lights).. tried it again, but the same problem (no power). They jumpstarted it, still no instrument lights. Drove it inside, tried to read it with the computer, but it couldn't make a connection..
It was late so the car will be looked at tomorrow or monday, maybe someone here had the same problem (could't find it in a topic) so maybe I can advise the dealer (much cheaper) Thanks in advance!

 

[firebobby]

It seems that these cars have to have a very good battery, if not, then you get all sorts of issues and it sounds like you are suffering because of the battery condition.

Get a new battery

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Seconded, get a new battery and fit it yourself. I have a Varta E44 that I am happy with which was about £60 delivered. Once a battery has fully discharged it will never be the same again so is worth changing. It is worth checking your alternator output to make sure that is good, then might be worth thinking about what caused the initial drain.

 

[Prickaerts]

Solved! New battery and no problem anymore!

 

[[email protected]]

I had the exact same problem after my battery drained (had the lights on too long while testing my headlights in the garage). I jump started it, but then no instrument cluster. I disconnected my battery, and when I reattached, the instruments lit up and worked again. So, you may have not needed to replace your battery to get the cluster to work again, all you need to do is just temporarily disconnect the battery to reset it.

 

[tja623]

SOLVED!!! I had all the same exact symptoms described and discovered my airbag module was corroded!!! All part of the KBUS!!! the pics I'm posting this thread may help... Advise all to at least check it out.. Just unplug it and everything works properly !!! Be advised your airbags won't work unless you replace the module. Also, you don't have to remove the entire center console to just unplug the airbag module, just need to remove the upper portion between the seat backs...kinda tough if you cant get the top down, otherwise it can be accomplished at home. There are some YouTube videos on removing the center console, but watch the latter portion to see how to remove only what you need to move...I learned the hard way!!! Good luck.

 

[tja623]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xkj6WF7SPsQ

 

[Jfgoldfish]

my airbag module was corroded!!!

Do you know if these are the modules that are referred to as satellite b pillar left and right?
When I plug my car into ISTA, the two satellite airbag modules are unresponsive.

There is no airbag light on, I am not too interested in fixing the issue. I am just curious to know what the problem might be. I am assuming they will be corroded in some way, like yours were.

 

[BumpyZ4]

No, the Satellite modules are mounted on the side of the car just aft of the seats.