Are you in need of electrical services in your BMW? As much as BMWs are known to be technologically superior and have some of the best features in the market, they also have some of the most complicated electrical systems, and they can sometimes malfunction.
If your BMW is showing random warning lights, having a hard time starting, or experiencing other electronic problems, you may be facing a larger electrical system issue. Let’s quickly look at some of the common electrical problems that BMW owners are likely to encounter, and when you should consult an expert for electrical system repairs.
Common Electrical Problems in BMWs
- iDrive System Failure: The iDrive is a central interface for managing all the car’s infotainment, navigation, and settings. If it malfunctions, the screen may freeze, respond slowly, or may crash completely. These problems can often be attributed to software issues, wiring problems, or simply a low battery.
- Alternator Trouble: The alternator is what charges your car’s battery while the engine is running. When it fails, your battery doesn’t get the energy it needs, meaning your car might start to lose power while on the road. Symptoms of alternator failure include dimming interior lights, a burning smell, or a warning light that says the battery is dead.
- Battery Drain or Failure: Another common electrical issue in BMWs is a dead or weak battery. If your car is hard to start, the interior lights are weak, or the electronic systems shut down unexpectedly, the battery may be drained. And strange as it may sound, a failing battery can also cause other warning lights to light up on your car’s dashboard.
- Power Window and Door Lock Malfunctions: If the windows are not going up and down as they should, or the locks on the doors do not open and close when using the remote key fob, the culprit may be a faulty wire or a fuse. This failure can sometimes be attributed to problems with the control modules.
- Dashboard Warning Lights: Other lights such as the check engine light, ABS light, or airbag light could also indicate that there is a problem with the electrical system. Some of these lights come on when there is a malfunction, and in some cases a faulty sensor or wiring can cause the light to come on when there is no problem.
- Electrical Modules and Sensors: BMWs use several sensors such as parking sensors and oxygen sensors. In some cases, electrical problems can lead to issues such as wrong measurement, poor performance of the engine, or faulty safety systems.
When Should You Consult an Expert for BMW Electrical Problems?
- Blinking Lights: If your car’s dashboard is flashing warning lights such as the battery, check engine, or ABS, the electrical system may have deeper problems. Failure to heed such messages may result in system breakdowns, in which case you’ll need a professional diagnosis.
- Frequent Battery Drain: If your BMW fails to start due to a dead battery, even after replacement, it may be caused by a constant drain. A certified technician can easily diagnose it as either an alternator problem, parasitic drain, or wiring problem.
- Malfunctioning Electronic Systems: Modern BMWs have several electronic systems such as the iDrive, power windows, and a wide variety of sensors. If these features become unresponsive, or if there are problems such as flickering lights, professional help should be sought to avoid deterioration of the situation.
- Burning Smells: Any smell, smoke, or sparks coming from electrical parts means that there is a short circuit or wiring problem. These problems can develop into fire risks, which is why it is important to call for help from professionals as soon as possible.
Come To Our Mechanics For Reliable BMW Electrical System Repairs
At Professional Automotive, we have qualified personnel who can diagnose and fix your BMW’s electrical issues. Our expert technicians ensure that they identify and solve the problems through the use of modern diagnostic equipment. We are based in Marlborough, MA and have been providing BMW repair services to our esteemed clients for quite some time now. Whether you have an alternator problem, an issue with your iDrive system, or various warning lights, we can diagnose your car and fix the problem. Come to us today and book an appointment to have your BMW fixed immediately!