BMW Repair: Electrical problems BMW 530d Touring (51 reg), bmw 530d, e39 forum

Question
QUESTION: Hi

I have problems with the electrical system or the computer in my BMW 530d touring (11/2001). Sometimes when I start the car,  the radio, clock, indicator click sound, parking sensors, remote locking and heated seating does not work. Sometimes the heated seats work and the indicator click sound works but the radio does not. Sometimes it all works for 1-5 days and suddenly stops working again. Sometimes the suspension light stays on as well. There are no problems with lights at all, and the computer showing mileage, mpg and so on is fine as well.

Looking forward to hear back from you

Win(last 7): BY83685
Car: BMW 530d Touring (51 reg)
Current Milage: 103000


Best regards

Michael Hansen

ANSWER: Michael, try replacing the electrical portion of the ignition switch give it a week or two and report back.
-Evan

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Evan,

Before I do this I just wan't to add the information that sometimes it all works when the car is started - but stops working after 5 or 10 minuntes sometimes even longer. Do you still think it can be the electrical portion of the ignition switch?

Answer
Michael, when we get odd electrical gremlins like you are describing on your vehicle (E39) and with your mileage, nine times out of ten it ends up being that switch. Usually $40.00 U.S. and it is easy to replace. Changed tons of them with great success. Check out some E39 forum chat rooms and look around.
-Evan