HELP...A Nasty Gremlin Attach

[erikkai]

Hi everyone...I am usually a lurker, but I've got a serious problem with my 1998 528i. Although from reading the posts I feel it may be an ignition switch, I want to run my probs by you guys.

Last week, my battery died. We naturally jumped it, following BMW's manual's guidelines. After learning the battery was bad, I replaced it with a new one (non-BMW brand.)

Everything seemed smooth until that night when the AIR BAG light began randomly appearing on the dashboard. Well, a few more days past and then the AIR BAG light stayed on. Yesterday, the mulit-function steering wheel began not to work, so no radio controls, horn, etc...

Today, I took it to a local European import shop (non-dealer) mechanic. They tried to hook a diagnostic machine up, but the diagnostic machine displayed error after a few seconds. So the mechanics told me that it was likely that whomever jumped started my car, short circuited something and there is burnt wire somewhere. They want to charge me about $300 to find the wire.

Well, I told them I'd think about it. So I get back in my car and start it to head home and find the radio and clock no longer work.

So I am clueless to my problem...any help would be very much appreciated.

And if it is the ignition switch, is there a website that details how to replace it? I need help because a $300 repair bill is way too much during the holiday season to swallow.

[jeffreyb4me]

These Ignition Switches are fairly easy to replace [the electrical portion, not the steering lock]. Remove the lower dash covers and lower column cover to gain access. The switch portion is held to the steering lock assembly by two tiny set screws sealed with red paint. It will pull right off the steering lock after unscrewing those two screws.

Your 'Import Shop', did they have a "MoDiC" or GT1 Diagnostic Computer [these are the Factory Units], if not find another shop! ! ! Generic Scan Tools are of little use on the later cars.

[erikkai]

A big thanks to all of you because it was the ignition switch. Changing it out cured all my woes.

[nickyseee]

Originally Posted by erikkai

A big thanks to all of you because it was the ignition switch. Changing it out cured all my woes.

Hi,I have same symptoms on my 98 540i.Did you change the ignition switch yourself? If so was it difficult?Thank you.