Car acting funny...

lesha · 12-06-2010, 01:16 PM

Gave me a warning that my break light was out, which I thought was unusual because my car is relatively new. Warning came up few times i started the car in a day and half period. Then every time I would press the heater steering wheel button, it would automatically shut off in about 10 sec. As I was about to take the car to the dealer this morning, no more warning about the break light, steering wheel heating works just fine. I'm glad that all is back to normal but something is obviously wrong. What could be causing something like this?

Also, my car has only 10K miles and the breaks squeak. My first bmw and I'm not impressed.

galahad05 · 12-06-2010, 01:17 PM

Could be battery-related. A weak battery can cause electronics to glitch occasionally. then again, it probably isn't.

Problem is that the symptoms are so vague and sporadic, it would be hard to a) reproduce the problem, and b) get a tech to recognize that there is a problem in the first place.
Under these circumstances, you have to hope that the computer stored an error code(s).

Deltari09 · 12-06-2010, 08:07 PM

well, nothing you can do about squeaky brakes. i don't really mind them, because they are doing their job correctly. the noise is made from scratches and dust, etc. and i don't recommend putting brake quieting liquid, because that stuff can impede the braking power

fdriller9 · 12-06-2010, 08:14 PM

There is a TSB out for a faulty bulb holder in the taillight....show this to your SA.

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B630208g.htm

Have your battery voltage checked. Mine needs replacement, holding 11.7v when off. However, with an '09 it's unlikely your battery is going. Your alternator should be checked as well.

The only way to remedy the squeaky brakes is to pull out the pad sensor and tie it off to the side. The sensor will rub against the rotor and cause the squealing. It's common on our cars. If you do pull the sensor, make sure to keep an eye on you pads, as the sensor obviously won't indicate worn pads.

12-06-2010, 01:16 PM	#1
lesha Lieutenant 79 Rep 399 Posts Drives: 2009 - 335 coupe Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (1)	Car acting funny... Gave me a warning that my break light was out, which I thought was unusual because my car is relatively new. Warning came up few times i started the car in a day and half period. Then every time I would press the heater steering wheel button, it would automatically shut off in about 10 sec. As I was about to take the car to the dealer this morning, no more warning about the break light, steering wheel heating works just fine. I'm glad that all is back to normal but something is obviously wrong. What could be causing something like this? Also, my car has only 10K miles and the breaks squeak. My first bmw and I'm not impressed.
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12-06-2010, 01:17 PM	#2
galahad05 Brigadier General 158 Rep 3,158 Posts Drives: '07 335i e90 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (0)	Could be battery-related. A weak battery can cause electronics to glitch occasionally. then again, it probably isn't. Problem is that the symptoms are so vague and sporadic, it would be hard to a) reproduce the problem, and b) get a tech to recognize that there is a problem in the first place. Under these circumstances, you have to hope that the computer stored an error code(s). __________________ Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. --Mark Twain
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12-06-2010, 08:07 PM	#3
Deltari09 Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 291 Posts Drives: 2011 3-Series Coupe Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Hawaii, USA iTrader: (0)	well, nothing you can do about squeaky brakes. i don't really mind them, because they are doing their job correctly. the noise is made from scratches and dust, etc. and i don't recommend putting brake quieting liquid, because that stuff can impede the braking power
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12-06-2010, 08:14 PM	#4
fdriller9 Banned 255 Rep 7,089 Posts Drives: '06 AW 330xi Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Jersey/Philly/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330xi [6.44]	There is a TSB out for a faulty bulb holder in the taillight....show this to your SA. http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B630208g.htm Have your battery voltage checked. Mine needs replacement, holding 11.7v when off. However, with an '09 it's unlikely your battery is going. Your alternator should be checked as well. The only way to remedy the squeaky brakes is to pull out the pad sensor and tie it off to the side. The sensor will rub against the rotor and cause the squealing. It's common on our cars. If you do pull the sensor, make sure to keep an eye on you pads, as the sensor obviously won't indicate worn pads.
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