No start issue, help needed!

[scottgps92]

Hey guys, I tried posting on other boards with no success. So I figured I give this one a try as a last resort.

My wife has a 2011 X5 35i. It was working great aside from occasional cold start which took a couple secs to fire up. After starting it up from 5 days sitting it was fine, then she drove to her appointment shut it off but when she came back out nothing, wouldn't start and malfunctions galore! (transmission, leveling system, transfer case, DSC, 4x4, fuel pump..). I figured with all the issues it had to be a battery and since its original thought it would be a good idea (it was little over half charged after I took it in for testing), went to start and nothing again. It sounded like the starter solenoid try to click, so I replaced the starter. Yet again nothing.


I then ordered BMW ISTA D and P, after it went through its test it came up with communication problems with power supply issues to DME, transmission, leveling system, parking brake, transfer case, fuel pump.

I tried registering the new battery with ISTA D but it cannot communicate with DME.


Now here is the odd thing, fuel pump when ignition is on runs nonstop, parking brake works just fine it engages and disengages. I tested the leveling system with ISTA D and it works. Relay 30G was extremely hot so I replaced it but still gets very hot.

Also another odd thing is, with the ignition on the transmission gear selector and P light in the dash light flickers on and off for awhile then stay on for a few seconds and starts flickering again. I was told possible the gear selector was causing the issue, so replaced it but still the same thing.


I'm stumped, I have never dealt with something like this before. Any help would really be appreciated.

Thanks!- Scott

[ingenieur]

Perhaps a ground problem.
Engine to chassis ground behind L/F wheel corrode and lead to a high voltage drop.

Take the ground leg of a jumper cable - connect it to the engine and then to the chassis - jumper lug or strut bolt - then see if it cranks.

[deansbimmer]

To me it sounds like one of the modules is defective and paralyzing the network.

[scottgps92]

Alright Ill give that a try in the morning with the ground cable.

As for the module, have you guys ever heard of the Junction Box crapping out?

[deansbimmer]

Originally Posted by scottgps92

Alright Ill give that a try in the morning with the ground cable.

As for the module, have you guys ever heard of the Junction Box crapping out?

I remember seeing an open campaign for positive battery terminal replacement at the JBE. If yours failed already then I would imagine it would cause the problems you're seeing. And yes, JBE modules can fail just like any other module could.

[scottgps92]

I tried the ground, no crank.


I did read about that, I checked from the battery positive back to the JBE but the line had no discoloration like in service bulletin . I also check recalls from bmw but there were no listed for my VIN.


Just to clear things up for me the JBE is the module that plugs onto the front fuse box?

[deansbimmer]

Originally Posted by scottgps92

Just to clear things up for me the JBE is the module that plugs onto the front fuse box?

Yes

Does ISTA/D complete the vehicle identification process or does it fail?

[scottgps92]

Yes ISTA/D does complete the vehicle identification process and goes through the tests

Would it not if the JBE was malfunctioning?

[deansbimmer]

Not necessarily. It would error out if there was a bus communication fault. Have you checked all of the fuses and relays? Trunk and under dash? I really think there is some minor grounding, shorting, or power supply issue in one location causing the widespread issues. Honestly, it really needs to be taken to a skilled tech. They would likely quickly locate it and save you the hours of stress.

[scottgps92]

Yeah I have went over all the fuses in the trunk and under dash multiple times, pulled every fuse, checked all fuses with multi meter making sure there was voltage, replaced relay 30G (located in trunk, it was the one that was getting super hot).

Are they any relay locations I am missing?


I agree with you just pinpointing the culprit is becoming a pain.
I have checked the ground points everything is tight nothing loose, tested all the connections on the positive battery terminal to rear and front fuse boxes nothing discolored or shorted and gets power.


The only thing I haven't checked yet was the fuel pump connections/grounding, the fuel pump runs non stop with the ignition on. Will a grounding issue in this area affect everything else like it is?


I really hate to do it but I may have to send her to the dealer.

[deansbimmer]

Originally Posted by scottgps92

Yeah I have went over all the fuses in the trunk and under dash multiple times, pulled every fuse, checked all fuses with multi meter making sure there was voltage, replaced relay 30G (located in trunk, it was the one that was getting super hot).

Are they any relay locations I am missing?


I agree with you just pinpointing the culprit is becoming a pain.
I have checked the ground points everything is tight nothing loose, tested all the connections on the positive battery terminal to rear and front fuse boxes nothing discolored or shorted and gets power.


The only thing I haven't checked yet was the fuel pump connections/grounding, the fuel pump runs non stop with the ignition on. Will a grounding issue in this area affect everything else like it is?


I really hate to do it but I may have to send her to the dealer.

The fuel pump is controlled by the EKP module which receives data from the DME on a bus line.. I believe the EKP will command the fuel pump to run full time if it is not receiving signal from the DME. BMW uses grounding strips that ground multiple systems in the same location. So yes, it is possible that it is one of those grounds, albeit not likely.

It is OK for even the most well armed DIY'er to admit defeat against such a worthy adversary as the E70.

[scottgps92]

I gave in and had it towed to the bmw dealership we bought it from. Received a call today and there tech said its the starter, which I know its not as it has a brand new starter and the original was also good after I tested it. I explained that to them but they are refusing to look into anymore until I give the okay to put the starter in which they want 1200! lol...so its going to another dealer Monday

[Nexo]

im wondering what was the out come