97 528i odometer light stays on

[Njakalahy]

This happened last week: The odometer readout stays lit even after I cut the engine off. Then if I lock the car, the alarm keeps cutting on (the lights flash on and off). Finally, the car did not turn on anymore, but the warning gauges still light up. Anybody have any guess what might be causing the odometer light to stay on?

[jeffreyb4me]

sounds like your ignition switch is broken. this isn't uncommon on E36's and E39's. Disconnect your battery for it shall go dead since your vehicle 'thinks' theignition is still on.

[Njakalahy]

Guess what. I also thought there was an electrical problem ,so I took it to the DEALER. They found nothing after they hooked it up to the computer. They recharged my battery and I have not have any of the electrical problems.

As soon as I get off work, I am going to buy me a new Dieahard International ($100) and hook it up myself. The dealer was gonna charge me $250 for it.

Guess what else, because the alarm light flickered on and off when I had the electrical problem symptom, the right low beam and the left brake light died. The dealer was gonna charge me $96, I bought the bulbs myself and replace them in less than 2minutes. Even if I made 100/hour, I still ended up saving money on my time because it took me only 2 minutes to replace the damn bulbs.

Cheers!

[Njakalahy]

Guess, what else. The maintenance light turned to "change oil" before my battery died because of the electrical problem with the odomoter light staying on after I kill the engine. I have 4 green lights now after I jump started the BMW.

[jeffreyb4me]

THERE'S NOTHING BETTER THAN A SELF-SATISFIED BMW OWNER.........best fortune to you...jb