E70 X5 playing up

[JohnBRG]

A couple of weird things have happened with my X5 2012 40d. First, a warning that a reversing light bulb was out (it wasn't). Happened a few times then disappeared. Then, a warning that the electronic handbrake had failed. Car wouldn't let me select a gear. Turned it off, locked it then unlocked it, problem solved.

What's going on? Car us running great otherwise. Maybe a battery issue?

Any help appreciated.....

[JohnBRG]

Bump....anyone had a similar experience? John

[helix402]

As you suggested, get the battery tested. Not just voltage, but with a battery tester.

[JohnBRG]

helix402 said:

As you suggested, get the battery tested. Not just voltage, but with a battery tester.

Cheers

[Sn1ckers]

helix402 said:

As you suggested, get the battery tested. Not just voltage, but with a battery tester.

x2.

Odd errors usually is the result of a failing battery ime.

[rayyan171]

Almost always battery first with the X5. Telltale sign is the car not remembering the time and showing dashes (--:--) for the time in the centre screen on the dashboard cluster.

[JohnBRG]

Thanks all. In at BMW for diagnostic today.

[JohnBRG]

Update - main dealer did a diagnostic and the car is showing “dozens” of faults, some of which don’t exist e.g. reversing light failure. The car seems absolutely fine. The dealer is suggesting replacing a whole load of sensors for ££££. But the car is running fine and there seems no imperative to spend the cash.

Any views welcomed......

[Origin Unknown]

And a test of the battery? As above, a weak battery gave my X5 all sort s of weird and wonderful errors that never reappeared when the battery was changed.

[RUSSELLM]

Good shouts above for the battery.

Could be enough to crank the engine, but whilst it’s doing so, the voltage to either the modules or sensors, is dropping enough to log faults.

[JohnBRG]

Service dept claiming 'there is no way it can be the battery'.

Looking for an Indie to give me a second opinion. Battery was my first instinct too, had phantom dash lights with my Porsche and it was the battery in that case.

[JohnBRG]

I asked them to test the battery, but I don't think they did. They were evasive on the point.

What I really dislike about main dealer servicing is that there is a buffer person between you and the mechanics, and they're looking after 20 people each day and aren't really interested in helping you. Meantime, the mechanics are not getting the details of the faults directly from you, and instead are following a playbook aimed at getting you to open your wallet.

It's my last time going back to them.

[RUSSELLM]

FWIW... Any spurious faults that I don’t think are genuine, always get the battery reset (Disconnect/reconnect) treatment