V10 M5/M6 E60/E63/E64 engine woes

[aph202]

Hello all,

I have a 2008 E64 M6. Last week when I nailed it, I suddenly got a load of errors, including engine management light, reduced power, DSC failure, DBC failure and start assistant inactive.

Switched car off and on again it was fine and fine on the drive home. Got in it today, starting from cold and same errors occurring rightnfrom start up.

I’ve read the fault codes which are as follows:
520A - not present - SMG: Signal, sterling angle is faulty (DSC)
and
FFFF - CANSYS: Communication fault

I have google’d these and am struggling to find an answer.

Do any of you have any ideas?

Many thanks,
Adrian.

[killysprint]

Had similar issues with my e61 when I had it.

Car ran well, then threw up errors including the red cog of death.

Stop, off, restart, errors cleared

Turned out the battery was not at optimum charge.
Dealers recharged the battery, reset all the fault codes ran perfect.

Hope it’s as simple as that for you.

[aph202]

Subsequent google’ing is leaning towards a new battery - the clock occasionally resets itself due to low charge.
Fingers crossed and cheers!

[AW10]

That's the symptom of a low battery - either it's tired or the car doesn't get driven long enough.

[Mags]

I also had similar weird errors including battery failure as the alternator regulator had failed and wasn't controlling the voltage correctly. I think there were examples on Youtube as it's common.

[spud50000]

I bought an E61 M5 a couple of months back from a BMW dealer.
After a week, all the electrics, warnng signals, internal lights went bonkers, the wipers turned on/off, cog of death, limp mode etc... so the car was then towed back to a dealer for investigation...

They said it was the 10 year old battery which was replaced, then the same happened 10 miles down the road after a week of faffing/diagnostic work.

Having researched it via google (for 2 mins) I suggested it may be the alternator - which was replaced (3 week wait as was on back order) which I think cured it. Apparently the car is very sensitive to voltage output so I would suggest it’s either the battery, alternator or voltage regulator.
I’ve now returned the car to BMW and rejected it rather gutted.
Good luck!

[AW10]

I ha similar on my E61 M5 and driving with a voltmeter connected up to the car showed the christmas lights etc directly related to mementary voltage spikes in the range of 17 volts. New voltage regulator for £60 or so sorted it. Can be replaced without removing the alternator from the car. Spare regulator now rides in the boot.