BMW Repair: 2001 BMW 530i; random dashboard lights followed by engine shut-off, cpo warranty, dashboard lights

Question
Hello Evan,

I purchased a 2001 BMW 530i last week from 2nd owner.  It has 44k miles on it and a CPO warranty good until end of 2006.  2nd owner had new batter replaced two weeks ago.

I've had almost identical problem twice so far.  During first time, with keys out of the ignition, wiper blades started moving, radio stayed on, interior fan stayed on.  Remote key would not unlock the car.  Later, while driving, random dashboard lights came on inluding battery, airbag, DSC, etc.  When I turned off the engine and attempted a re-start, car wouldn't start (only selenoid noise). Within about 1 hour, after several start attempts and rear lights staying on (God knows why), battery completely drained out.

BMW service detected "instrument cluster" failure and replaced the unit.

As I drive off from the dealership, I face all of the following within 1 mile distance.

Breaks, ABS signal turn on.  DSC signal follows.  Airbag signal turns on a few seconds later.  In return, Break, ABS signal turns off.  A few seconds fter that, all off a sudden, all warning lights disappear with a "fuse just gone bad" noise.  This also shuts off my turn signal.  Car vibrates a little as if it's not getting enough juice.  And then engine shuts off completely as I idle at the red traffic signal.  Car doesn't re-start (made a very strange noise once as if it was dieing from a stab).

What do you think the problem is?  Please advise.

Thank you sincerely,
Faisal


Answer
Faisal since you are under CPO warranty you are at the mercy of the dealership as to what they diagnose or replace. I personnally think it is the electrical portion of the ignition switch that is causing your woes. Ask the service writer if he can ask the tech to try replacing the switch even if you have to pay out of pocket. You should get an answer to if that is the source since you say it happens all the time and is easy to reproduce.
-Evan