technical Strange electrical issue

[LYFGP]

I posted this either here or on Facebook (BMWFanatics) a few years ago — I think it was on Facebook as I can’t find the thread here.

See video below (it seems to be an issue, but not common)

The first time my dash did this was about 4 years ago. It fixed itself and I never bothered checking it. Over the years it would randomly happen for a few minutes and “fix” itself.
On Saturday I drove the car probably over 100kms and parked in my garage, Sunday the car was not driven. Monday morning after starting the car, the same thing happened again, only now it seems to be permanent.

Has anyone else ever experienced this?
Any known things to lookout for before having to spend money?

Edit: Tuesday evening I disconnected the battery (I made sure to lock the boot lock and I put something in the ‘boot catch’ so I don’t have an issue getting into the boot🤣)
Wednesday morning, connected the battery and started the car, everything worked 100% and I thought I fixed it, but 10 minutes later, it started again.


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[Solo Man]

I had a will not say, similar, problem when i had a 2006 120d a while back. When driving the speedo would suddenly fall to zero and then back up to the speed and some other problems i cannot remember now, and the problem was the alternator not charging as it should. Check the charge rate of the alternator. It should charge between 14 and 14.8 volts when idling. Keep your multimeter on the for a minute or two and check if there are any fluctuations in the charge rate. Mine would charge constantly at say 14.2 and then suddenly for a split second fall to 11 volts (or thereabouts) and then back to 14.2 volts. I replaced the alternator with a new one but i believe one can replace the rectifier/regulator (not sure what it is called) that is on the back of the alternator. And comes with a new set of brushes as well! It seems to be a common problem on the 1 series at the time. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Tinuva]

If thats true, its a nice feature of the car, to let you know, there is a charging problem, as opposed to getting stuck with a flat battery

 

[1 Eyed Monkey]

Im sure SW can sort it out...

 

[LYFGP]

If thats true, its a nice feature of the car, to let you know, there is a charging problem, as opposed to getting stuck with a flat battery

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[LYFGP]

Im sure SW can sort it out...

Can admins please ban this person, he’s stalking me


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[LYFGP]

I had a will not say, similar, problem when i had a 2006 120d a while back. When driving the speedo would suddenly fall to zero and then back up to the speed and some other problems i cannot remember now, and the problem was the alternator not charging as it should. Check the charge rate of the alternator. It should charge between 14 and 14.8 volts when idling. Keep your multimeter on the for a minute or two and check if there are any fluctuations in the charge rate. Mine would charge constantly at say 14.2 and then suddenly for a split second fall to 11 volts (or thereabouts) and then back to 14.2 volts. I replaced the alternator with a new one but i believe one can replace the rectifier/regulator (not sure what it is called) that is on the back of the alternator. And comes with a new set of brushes as well! It seems to be a common problem on the 1 series at the time. Just my 2 cents.

From the research I’ve been doing, some people suggest that it’s a charging issue, others suggest alternative fixes etc.

Just to note, this is on my ‘10 E90 320d

Alternator was replaced last year, although with a second hand one, so let me check the warranty on that item and maybe also just have a test done still.


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[AshG108]

From the research I’ve been doing, some people suggest that it’s a charging issue, others suggest alternative fixes etc.

Just to note, this is on my ‘10 E90 320d

Alternator was replaced last year, although with a second hand one, so let me check the warranty on that item and maybe also just have a test done still.


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Hey dude,

Your steering column has that clock spring thingy, have you checked if it will cause these symptoms? It normally disrupts electric connections between the steering and car.

 

[Solo Man]

If you are looking for a clock spring i think i might have one. Will have to check though!

 

[LYFGP]

Hey dude,

Your steering column has that clock spring thingy, have you checked if it will cause these symptoms? It normally disrupts electric connections between the steering and car.

Thank you sir.

Two workshops I went to are convinced it’s the FRM and don’t want to so a diagnostic scan so as to save me a few hundreds (which I think is fair)


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[LYFGP]

If you are looking for a clock spring i think i might have one. Will have to check though!

Dm me with a price please, incase I might need it.


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[Solo Man]

LYFGP, first let me find it and then we can discuss a price. Will keep you posted as it is at my son's house but i know exactly where i put it so just have to get to my son's house.

 

[Solo Man]

If it is the FRM there is a guy in Springs or Benoni that fixes them for about R1500. Guy's name is Gert from OBDWorx. Can provide contact number if you are interested.