Onboard Computer Goes Nuts

macmook · 06-25-2009, 05:33 PM

I climbed into my 2009 135i (6,000+ miles) this afternoon, fired her up and dropped the top and glanced at the dash.

The lower pane of the computer display was showing a green line randomly flashing across, the upper pane was flashing off and on with random icons. The tach and speedo were pinned at 0 and would occasionally rock up.

I stopped and restarted the engine. Same thing.

I drove to BMW. All the way there the car drove fine, but the instrument cluster was freakin' nuts, mostly off with occasional flashing icons and a random green bar. The tach and speedo would display a rational set of numbers for a few seconds and then 0 for a minute or two. Of course, about 500 yards from the dealer everything mysteriously returned to normal.

The "service engine soon" icon was the only anomaly. Stopping and starting the engine produced a normal display with the service lamp lit. Of course the top would not go up likely indicating that the control system had no clue what the status of the top was. I dropped it off and the dealer gave me a loaner.

Anyone else have a possessed 1'er???

Regards,

Alex

Wakka · 06-25-2009, 05:50 PM

They are beamming transmissions to the on board computer to make your car go on the fritz, so you go to the dealership and they can attempt to impose another car on you. (Hey now that youre here and your car *Is* fine why dont you take a look at this awesome new M5 we just got!

cagekicker · 06-25-2009, 06:26 PM

omg! that's crazy!

jeremyc74 · 06-25-2009, 06:42 PM

Sounds like the data connection between the dash and the ECU dropped out. Probably need to have one or the other replaced.

nordique14 · 06-25-2009, 06:53 PM

The top will only go up if the car is under a certain speed. If the cluster is messed up and the top module cannot determine what speed you are going then it will probably not work.

Should have taken video for the amusement of the 1addict community.

john08135i · 06-25-2009, 08:11 PM

Check the trunk for water

macmook · 06-26-2009, 05:01 AM

As per "nordique14" I SHOULD have taken a video. I just got the new iPhone and have been so used to no video on my cell that I forgot the new version is video capable. DOH!

It would also have been useful to prove to the dealer that I wasn't a total blithering idiot.

Oh well. With the service lamp lit it's likely to throw a code when they look at it this morning.

BTW - after driving the 135i for 2+ months the 5 series loaner feels like a cruise ship...

macmook · 06-26-2009, 08:26 PM

No codes were thrown (rats). BMW NA has nothing similar in their database. I had an appointment for next week to have the alarm installed - so they did that today, so as of 5:PM it was still reprogramming.

So I dumped the 5'er loaner (too damn big) and they gave me a 335xi for the weekend. Not too bad a trade.

Hopefully the reprogramming will solve whatever glitch I experienced.

btw - why does it take 3-5 hours to program this car???

Thanks,

Alex

radiantm3 · 06-26-2009, 08:49 PM

I had the same exact issue with our 335i. There was a water leak in the sunroof and water slowly ran through the frame and into the trunk where the computer is. Fried the computer and iDrive + everything else went nuts.

macmook · 06-27-2009, 04:58 AM

That's 2 fellow owners that have suggested moisture in the trunk (almost sounds like a medical condition). I had not noted any, but NY has received 3X the normal rainfall for June (a new record) so it's worth a shot.

I sent the service department (where hopefully the red devil has finally finished reprogramming) a query.

Thanks for all the input,

Alex

p.s. again - WHY does programming these beasties take so long?

lacrosse · 06-27-2009, 07:35 AM

In December it took my dealer 18 hours to reload the TCU software after replacing the unit. My car is currently getting both turbos replaced and with that will come another software reprogram. When I asked why it takes so long I was told that it is dependant upon the servers at BMW and that they never know how long a download will take.

Looks like BMW has some things to leard about computers............................and turbos.

BTW, my son will be attending Marist this fall. I drive past the BMW dealer on 9N every time we head up. I have never seen a fellow 1er. I'll have to keep an eye out for you.

JB135i · 06-27-2009, 09:21 AM

Similar thing happened to my S2000. It turned out to be a wire (somewhere) that was cut by road debris and that sent the whole display system into a tizzy. The car ran fine, but it was quite a light show. They covered it under warranty too, which I found odd since it was a road hazard, but I was thankful none the less.

BlackjackMulligan · 06-27-2009, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macmook

No codes were thrown (rats). BMW NA has nothing similar in their database. I had an appointment for next week to have the alarm installed - so they did that today, so as of 5:PM it was still reprogramming.

How could there be no codes thrown if the light is still on? Something has to trigger the SES light.

macmook · 06-27-2009, 09:50 AM

That was also my question. Asked repetitively and to various folks at the dealer (service rep, mechanic, service manager).

Not only the service lamp was lit, but the system wouldn't raise the top, so it had to at least know what it didn't know (top status, and as was pointed out by another thread participant - speed).

No adequate explanation followed, but in fairness to technicians everywhere, diagnosing a non-event (as far as the system is concerned) is a real challenge.

Back in the day us shade tree mechanics could listen to an engine and visually look for clues or indirect evidence of the problem. I'm afraid those days are long gone for me. (actually since about 1972 when air pollution systems started to complicate an engine)

Go figure.

Alex

trashcan · 06-27-2009, 10:41 AM

I had a similar problem after my rear bumper was replaced. Turns out they failed to replace a splash guard underneath the car and a whole bunch of electronic wizardry got wet and was shorting out. I did get a service code though so it might be something different.

macmook · 08-24-2009, 05:15 PM

OK, so it happened again today -- 2 months later.

This time the top was only 1/2 way up when it stuck so I was toast - undriveable. Same flashing lights and bouncing needles (although not so high). I stopped the car, restarted and still couldn't raise/lower the top. The idiot lamps were flashing, the green bar was present.

I stopped the car and removed the dongle. I noticed a series of clicks followed by a buzz and the needles bouncing a bit - with the key out. Restarted - still NFG.

Removed key and noted the click/buzz again. Spoke to the dealer and was ready to call BMW Assist when I noticed the click had stopped (about 25 minutes had elapsed). I started the car and the idiot lights and guages were normal / stable, except the "service engine soon" lamp was lit. I was able to raise the top.

Drove to the dealer and got a loaner.

But this time I also took a quick video of the console. It's uploaded to youtube at:

AAARRRGGGHHH!!!

jeremyc74 · 08-24-2009, 05:32 PM

There's a loose connection or bad solder joint in that cluster, or in the data link to the ECU. The techs need to start swapping some parts on that, because it WILL happen again.

lacrosse · 08-24-2009, 06:14 PM

That is scary!

macmook · 08-25-2009, 08:24 AM

OK - the local dealership just called me. BMWNA believes my BMW portable navigation system, installed by BMW, is causing a feedback into the CAS.

From the dealer - "The CAS system also powers up the bus circuit. BMW engineering has experienced these issues on other 1 series with the add on Nav. No determination from BMWNA as to why."

The portable nav system does not integrate into the bus - it only draws power. But they have advised the local dealer to rewire it into the cigarette lighter circuit.

We shall see...

BrokenVert · 08-25-2009, 10:32 AM

That is some scary shit man. With my vert's track record i'm scared that this will happen to me.

Mexicos_135i · 08-25-2009, 12:45 PM

Very similar thing happened to my Coupe on Friday.

I was driving normally, when suddenly all the lights in the dash light up, the needles died and probably 300 yds later the car stopped...

All the lights stayed on, I couldn't start the car again (obviously service light was on)...

Remote didn't work, had to tow it to the dealership.

Yesterday got a call from the SA, saying that the connector to the ECU or to the main module was loose and that they had fixed it.

Got my car back today, hopefully wont happen again.

will keep you posted

06-25-2009, 05:33 PM	#1
macmook Semi-Geezer 6 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Fishkill, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i [0.00]	Onboard Computer Goes Nuts I climbed into my 2009 135i (6,000+ miles) this afternoon, fired her up and dropped the top and glanced at the dash. The lower pane of the computer display was showing a green line randomly flashing across, the upper pane was flashing off and on with random icons. The tach and speedo were pinned at 0 and would occasionally rock up. I stopped and restarted the engine. Same thing. I drove to BMW. All the way there the car drove fine, but the instrument cluster was freakin' nuts, mostly off with occasional flashing icons and a random green bar. The tach and speedo would display a rational set of numbers for a few seconds and then 0 for a minute or two. Of course, about 500 yards from the dealer everything mysteriously returned to normal. The "service engine soon" icon was the only anomaly. Stopping and starting the engine produced a normal display with the service lamp lit. Of course the top would not go up likely indicating that the control system had no clue what the status of the top was. I dropped it off and the dealer gave me a loaner. Anyone else have a possessed 1'er??? Regards, Alex __________________ *'09 135i ragtop, 6MT, Crimson, Sport*
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06-25-2009, 05:50 PM	#2
Wakka but no flokka 523 Rep 717 Posts Drives: M2C Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tampa iTrader: (2)	They are beamming transmissions to the on board computer to make your car go on the fritz, so you go to the dealership and they can attempt to impose another car on you. (Hey now that youre here and your car Is fine why dont you take a look at this awesome new M5 we just got!
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06-25-2009, 06:26 PM	#3
cagekicker Major 16 Rep 1,335 Posts Drives: '09 crimson red 135i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: miami (vice city) fl. iTrader: (0)	omg! that's crazy! __________________ 6MT/ Sport Package/ N54/ Asa wheels/ Eibach pro kit springs/ Active autowerke Exhaust/ 35% tint
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06-25-2009, 06:42 PM	#4
jeremyc74 Banned 76 Rep 5,970 Posts Drives: '08 135i Montego/Terra Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Evansville, IN iTrader: (0)	Sounds like the data connection between the dash and the ECU dropped out. Probably need to have one or the other replaced.
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06-25-2009, 06:53 PM	#5
nordique14 Major 53 Rep 1,477 Posts Drives: SGM 135i 'vert Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sharks Territory iTrader: (5)	The top will only go up if the car is under a certain speed. If the cluster is messed up and the top module cannot determine what speed you are going then it will probably not work. Should have taken video for the amusement of the 1addict community.
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06-25-2009, 08:11 PM	#6
john08135i Major 77 Rep 1,027 Posts Drives: 2013 M Sport, 2010 bmw S1000RR Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orlando iTrader: (0)	Check the trunk for water __________________ M Sport Line Estoril Blue
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06-26-2009, 05:01 AM	#7
macmook Semi-Geezer 6 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Fishkill, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i [0.00]	As per "nordique14" I SHOULD have taken a video. I just got the new iPhone and have been so used to no video on my cell that I forgot the new version is video capable. DOH! It would also have been useful to prove to the dealer that I wasn't a total blithering idiot. Oh well. With the service lamp lit it's likely to throw a code when they look at it this morning. BTW - after driving the 135i for 2+ months the 5 series loaner feels like a cruise ship... __________________ *'09 135i ragtop, 6MT, Crimson, Sport*
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06-26-2009, 08:26 PM	#8
macmook Semi-Geezer 6 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Fishkill, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i [0.00]	No codes were thrown (rats). BMW NA has nothing similar in their database. I had an appointment for next week to have the alarm installed - so they did that today, so as of 5:PM it was still reprogramming. So I dumped the 5'er loaner (too damn big) and they gave me a 335xi for the weekend. Not too bad a trade. Hopefully the reprogramming will solve whatever glitch I experienced. btw - why does it take 3-5 hours to program this car??? Thanks, Alex __________________ *'09 135i ragtop, 6MT, Crimson, Sport*
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06-26-2009, 08:49 PM	#9
radiantm3 Apex Everything! 976 Rep 4,378 Posts Drives: 2007 Honda S2000, 2017 GT350 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cedar Park, TX iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 E92 M3 [9.35] 2014 BMW i3 [10.00]	I had the same exact issue with our 335i. There was a water leak in the sunroof and water slowly ran through the frame and into the trunk where the computer is. Fried the computer and iDrive + everything else went nuts. __________________ 2011 E92 M3(Sold). 2007 Honda S2000 (Track Car). 2016 Cayman GT4 (Sold). 2017 Shelby GT350 (AKA Crowd Killer). My pet project: https://stickershift.com
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06-27-2009, 04:58 AM	#10
macmook Semi-Geezer 6 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Fishkill, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i [0.00]	That's 2 fellow owners that have suggested moisture in the trunk (almost sounds like a medical condition). I had not noted any, but NY has received 3X the normal rainfall for June (a new record) so it's worth a shot. I sent the service department (where hopefully the red devil has finally finished reprogramming) a query. Thanks for all the input, Alex p.s. again - WHY does programming these beasties take so long? __________________ *'09 135i ragtop, 6MT, Crimson, Sport*
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06-27-2009, 07:35 AM	#11
lacrosse Captain 11 Rep 817 Posts Drives: 2006 997 C2 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Island iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Carrera C2 [0.00] 2008 135i [0.00] 2002 Mercedes ML 320 [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	In December it took my dealer 18 hours to reload the TCU software after replacing the unit. My car is currently getting both turbos replaced and with that will come another software reprogram. When I asked why it takes so long I was told that it is dependant upon the servers at BMW and that they never know how long a download will take. Looks like BMW has some things to leard about computers............................and turbos. BTW, my son will be attending Marist this fall. I drive past the BMW dealer on 9N every time we head up. I have never seen a fellow 1er. I'll have to keep an eye out for you. __________________ Gone: 2008 135i/2006 330i Arrived: 2006 997/Black/Sand Beige Leather/6MT/Sports Chrono Plus/19" Vorsteiner V-308s/Factory Nav/Sports Steering Wheel/Contrasting Mats/Heated Seats/Bose /V1/iPod adapter/Parrot Bluetooth/50% all around/Black "911" script/"Gundo Hack"/AWE black chrome tips/H&R adjustable front and rear sways/Rennline shift knob
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06-27-2009, 09:21 AM	#12
JB135i Lieutenant 17 Rep 478 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SW burbs iTrader: (0)	Similar thing happened to my S2000. It turned out to be a wire (somewhere) that was cut by road debris and that sent the whole display system into a tizzy. The car ran fine, but it was quite a light show. They covered it under warranty too, which I found odd since it was a road hazard, but I was thankful none the less.
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06-27-2009, 09:50 AM	#14
macmook Semi-Geezer 6 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Fishkill, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i [0.00]	That was also my question. Asked repetitively and to various folks at the dealer (service rep, mechanic, service manager). Not only the service lamp was lit, but the system wouldn't raise the top, so it had to at least know what it didn't know (top status, and as was pointed out by another thread participant - speed). No adequate explanation followed, but in fairness to technicians everywhere, diagnosing a non-event (as far as the system is concerned) is a real challenge. Back in the day us shade tree mechanics could listen to an engine and visually look for clues or indirect evidence of the problem. I'm afraid those days are long gone for me. (actually since about 1972 when air pollution systems started to complicate an engine) Go figure. Alex __________________ *'09 135i ragtop, 6MT, Crimson, Sport*
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06-27-2009, 10:41 AM	#15
trashcan Private First Class 12 Rep 128 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	I had a similar problem after my rear bumper was replaced. Turns out they failed to replace a splash guard underneath the car and a whole bunch of electronic wizardry got wet and was shorting out. I did get a service code though so it might be something different.
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08-24-2009, 05:15 PM	#16
macmook Semi-Geezer 6 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Fishkill, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i [0.00]	OK, so it happened again today -- 2 months later. This time the top was only 1/2 way up when it stuck so I was toast - undriveable. Same flashing lights and bouncing needles (although not so high). I stopped the car, restarted and still couldn't raise/lower the top. The idiot lamps were flashing, the green bar was present. I stopped the car and removed the dongle. I noticed a series of clicks followed by a buzz and the needles bouncing a bit - with the key out. Restarted - still NFG. Removed key and noted the click/buzz again. Spoke to the dealer and was ready to call BMW Assist when I noticed the click had stopped (about 25 minutes had elapsed). I started the car and the idiot lights and guages were normal / stable, except the "service engine soon" lamp was lit. I was able to raise the top. Drove to the dealer and got a loaner. But this time I also took a quick video of the console. It's uploaded to youtube at: AAARRRGGGHHH!!! __________________ *'09 135i ragtop, 6MT, Crimson, Sport*
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08-24-2009, 05:32 PM	#17
jeremyc74 Banned 76 Rep 5,970 Posts Drives: '08 135i Montego/Terra Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Evansville, IN iTrader: (0)	There's a loose connection or bad solder joint in that cluster, or in the data link to the ECU. The techs need to start swapping some parts on that, because it WILL happen again.
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08-24-2009, 06:14 PM	#18
lacrosse Captain 11 Rep 817 Posts Drives: 2006 997 C2 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Island iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Carrera C2 [0.00] 2008 135i [0.00] 2002 Mercedes ML 320 [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	That is scary! __________________ Gone: 2008 135i/2006 330i Arrived: 2006 997/Black/Sand Beige Leather/6MT/Sports Chrono Plus/19" Vorsteiner V-308s/Factory Nav/Sports Steering Wheel/Contrasting Mats/Heated Seats/Bose /V1/iPod adapter/Parrot Bluetooth/50% all around/Black "911" script/"Gundo Hack"/AWE black chrome tips/H&R adjustable front and rear sways/Rennline shift knob
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08-25-2009, 08:24 AM	#19
macmook Semi-Geezer 6 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Fishkill, NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i [0.00]	OK - the local dealership just called me. BMWNA believes my BMW portable navigation system, installed by BMW, is causing a feedback into the CAS. From the dealer - "The CAS system also powers up the bus circuit. BMW engineering has experienced these issues on other 1 series with the add on Nav. No determination from BMWNA as to why." The portable nav system does not integrate into the bus - it only draws power. But they have advised the local dealer to rewire it into the cigarette lighter circuit. We shall see... __________________ *'09 135i ragtop, 6MT, Crimson, Sport*
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08-25-2009, 10:32 AM	#20
BrokenVert Resident Kerbalnaut 477 Rep 10,703 Posts Drives: Topless Brute/Hybrid Boogaloo Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fahrvergnügen/NY iTrader: (0)	That is some scary shit man. With my vert's track record i'm scared that this will happen to me. __________________
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08-25-2009, 12:45 PM	#21
Mexicos_135i Registered 2 Rep 3 Posts Drives: Join Date: Sep 2008 iTrader: (0)	Very similar thing happened to my Coupe on Friday. I was driving normally, when suddenly all the lights in the dash light up, the needles died and probably 300 yds later the car stopped... All the lights stayed on, I couldn't start the car again (obviously service light was on)... Remote didn't work, had to tow it to the dealership. Yesterday got a call from the SA, saying that the connector to the ECU or to the main module was loose and that they had fixed it. Got my car back today, hopefully wont happen again. will keep you posted
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