Trans failsafe prog and airbag light

[peaktorque]

Another problem !

I have this code displayed on the dash of my '99 535ia shortly after starting it and turning it off. After starting the car the code pops up and disappears after about a minute then everything is normal, both manual and auto modes are fully operational and driving it performs like normal. I won't see the message again until I turn the engine off.

One other thing I have noticed is that when stationery you can put it into any gear without touching the brake (I'm sure it didn't allow this before).

Also I'm not sure if it's connected but the airbag light is illuminated (at a variable brightness - off) and steering wheel controls have ceased working. I'm thinking that this may be a problem with the contact rings on the wheel? (the brightness off the airbag light seems to vary dependant on the position of the steering wheel, although the control buttons have completely packed up)

I've done a bit of googling on the subject and it seems that a battery issue can throw up this problem although not with all my symptoms.

Any ideas?

Thanks

James.

[peaktorque]

I now have more symptoms...... seems like I need a new ignition switch

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

[Vvroom]

My 8er did this until I replaced the battery, both of them- aargh.