by "PG; the scalpel wielder" (pgr34)
Published 12/14/2017 at 06:18
by "PG; the scalpel wielder" (pgr34)
Published 12/14/2017 at 06:18
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STARS: 3
Only BMW folk will understand the true meaning of no warning messages.
had a big win today. My Steering angle sensor went kapput and I tried a few cheap DIY fixes to clean the optical disc to no avail. Tried to reset and calibrate with tool32 (BMW program in german) with no luck too.
Specialist shop wanted $1600, dealer asks around $2500 for the fix. I decided to just try my luck with a used unit for $160 (its the part which includes all 3 stalks- wiper, turn signals and cruise). Got it replaced in about 15minutes which is simply removing the steering wheel and a few tabs to dislodge.Dash lights still going, I asked the shop about coding, wanted another $250. Decided to DIY that too, required coding the VIN into it (because of course your stalks need to know what VIN your car is).
Anyway the issue is now resolved and I have hill-start assist, self-cancelling turn signals and no more DBC, DSC etc lights. I’m not a computer person, and it really wasn’t that tough.
TL:DR German cars are complex, but the older ones have enough internet support to get you through.
"pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
12/14/2017 at 06:40, STARS: 2
this is why i hate modern cars with all the fancy electronics
"PG; the scalpel wielder" (pgr34)
12/14/2017 at 06:51, STARS: 0
true, but it’s hard to go back when you get used to the power and comfort. Now if this had happened in my Dad’s cx5 I would be lost. No where near as much support for more “mainstream” cars
"kanadanmajava1" (kanadanmajava1)
12/14/2017 at 07:54, STARS: 0
Congratulations!
My E34 has one persistent problem that doesn’t give error messages but it’s still a problem. The outside temperature sensor is giving me a constant -37 °C. It does this because the sensor is missing. But besides the sensor the panes where it should be mounted and the wiring is missing too. I guess the plastic panel has dropped due some incident and the wires separated from the main harness.
But I haven’t been able to located the broken wires. I know roughly where they should be but not where their exact route was. Apparently they have been ripped of so cleanly from some junction that locating them is quite hard.
"Orange Exige" (OrangeExige)
12/14/2017 at 08:23, STARS: 0
I clicked through the link to this post just to reply and say that my Mini has had two dash lights on the entire 2+ years I’ve had the car...
And funny enough, it’s actually (what I’ve been led to believe) the same exact thing as you: the steering angle sensor! The two lights are just TPMS and traction control and honestly, for all the same reasons as you mentioned, it wasn’t going to be worth replacing - particularly because even if I replaced it, I know it needs to be reprogrammed.
My tire pressure is fine - I can manage those like a normal car owner from the 90s - and I think I still have some traction control despite the dash light (but even if I don’t, see statement above). My turn signals still self-cancel (when you straighten the wheel, right?) unlike yours it seems. Ultimately, issues that simply are not worth the money for me to resolve.
Glad to hear you had success though. What was the DIY coding fix? Had to use a special OBD plug and special BMW software on the computer?
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
12/14/2017 at 10:53, STARS: 0
Now is the time of year where I spend a few months getting the stupid frost warning gong every single time I drive my car because I live in Wisconsin and the temperature will stay below 37°F until March. I had my car re-coded to unlock some extra features but the stupid frost warning can’t be coded out.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
12/14/2017 at 10:57, STARS: 0
That 37 degree beep gets me every time. WHAT NOW oh just that.
"PG; the scalpel wielder" (pgr34)
12/14/2017 at 14:17, STARS: 1
Yeah obd2 to usb (dcan) cable that I have anyway for tuning via MHD app on Android, they cost about 30bucks . The programs are called bmwtools which are free on the Web and are same for mini. I did notice a few r56 mini guys asking the same questions.
"PG; the scalpel wielder" (pgr34)
12/14/2017 at 14:18, STARS: 1
Oh BTW this is 37 Celsius. So it’s a bit hot down here in aus land.