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Vehicle Electronics Failed

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optimistique1
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Vehicle Electronics Failed

Post by optimistique1 » Sun Feb 12, 2017 4:42 pm

Hi all, I have a 59 plate Z4, just had it under 6 month and a few weeks ago the warning light for 'vehicle electronics failed' (manual p 132) popped up when I parked my car on my drive.

Totally forgot about it until today and it did the same after I came out from the shops.

Is there anyway to narrow down exactly what has failed?

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Smartbear
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Vehicle Electronics Failed

Post by Smartbear » Sun Feb 12, 2017 4:44 pm

It could be an idea to get the battery tested, if its original it may be getting a bit tired-do you use your zed often?
Rob
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e89 Sdrive 20i, plenty of mumbo & good economy-the thinking bears z4
e89 Sdrive 30i, this ones busted, pass me another...
e85 3.0si sold

optimistique1
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Vehicle Electronics Failed

Post by optimistique1 » Sun Feb 12, 2017 4:47 pm

Hi Rob, I don't use it for work as I work from home so it's often sat for fours days unused at any time and it's only really used now and again...nipping to shops, family etc..

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Smartbear
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Vehicle Electronics Failed

Post by Smartbear » Sun Feb 12, 2017 5:22 pm

optimistique1 wrote:Hi Rob, I don't use it for work as I work from home so it's often sat for fours days unused at any time and it's only really used now and again...nipping to shops, family etc..
Try charging the battery to see if the issue stops, with infrequent use a battery tender could be useful or maybe you just need a new battery.
Rob
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e89 Sdrive 20i, plenty of mumbo & good economy-the thinking bears z4
e89 Sdrive 30i, this ones busted, pass me another...
e85 3.0si sold

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Vehicle Electronics Failed

Post by firebobby » Sun Feb 12, 2017 5:47 pm

+1 on the battery, these cars don't do well with poor batteries and show up some strange issues
BMW Z4 30i 2003 auto 107's Whippy Toledo Blue
Beige M sport seats, wood dash
Toyota MR2 NA 1995
Triumph GT6 1972 (project)
Land Rover Discovery 1994 TDI (Tow car)
Mini 1000 1981

optimistique1
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Vehicle Electronics Failed

Post by optimistique1 » Sun Feb 12, 2017 5:49 pm

Cool thanks for that guys will take a look at the battery when it stops snowing :D

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Vehicle Electronics Failed

Post by flybobbie » Sun Feb 12, 2017 7:27 pm

There have been discussions on here before about charging.
Having read through a repair manual for the car, it says only to charge from the jumper points in engine compartment.
I think some may have attached direct to battery, which seems a no-no.

6100 TROUBLESHOOTING
61 20... BATTERY REPLACEMENT INFORMATION
A vehicle battery is constructed for the installation location and the individual
power requirements of the particular vehicle. These individual power
requirements depend on the motorization and different types of optional
equipment. The individually assigned vehicle battery is the ideal compromise
between the power requirements of the vehicle electrical system and the weight
and service life of the vehicle battery.
Vehicles with the automatic engine start-stop function or particular motorization
and optional equipment are equipped with a special vehicle battery (AGM
battery), since only this battery type can provide elevated power requirements
over the extended service life. Installing a different vehicle battery can cause
problems with vehicle electronics, can reduce functions or can cause leakage of
battery acid.
In the event of an accident where the airbags are deployed in vehicles with a
vehicle battery in the luggage compartment, the electrical connection between
the vehicle battery and the trigger is automatically disconnected through
pyrotechnics. This prevents a possible short circuit.
Proper operation of all of these safety and convenience functions requires a
battery that conforms with specifications and that is properly registered in
vehicles with energy management systems (IBS, power module).
Vehicles with energy management systems (IBS, power module): Register
battery replacement
The vehicle electrical system is informed about the vehicle battery characteristic
data, such as type, size, age and current power capacity. Therefore, only one
work scope will be provided that is permitted by the current status of
information.
When installing a new vehicle battery, the battery must be registered and thus
must also be registered with the vehicle electrical system.
Diagnosis system:
Register battery replacement
Service functions
Body
Voltage supply
Register battery replacement
Test plan
When retrofitting, a more powerful battery may be used. Standard batteries may
always be replaced by AGM batteries with the same specifications.
When installing a battery of a different size or a different battery type, this
change in vehicle data must be programmed into the vehicle data in accordance
with specifications.
Programming system:
Battery retrofitting
61 12... GENERAL INFORMATION ON INTELLIGENT BATTERY SENSOR (IBS)
NOTE: Do not connect the charger to the 12 V charging socket.
The 12 V charging socket is supplied with voltage by the
rear power distribution box via relay. This relay drops out
after terminal 15 OFF. This means that a trickle charger
connected at the 12 V charging socket will be
disconnected from the battery. Only charge the battery
via the jump start terminal point. Only then can the power
supply be registered by the vehicle.
WARNING: Danger of destruction in event of mechanical
strain
Do not introduce any additional connections
at the battery negative terminal.
Do not modify the grounding cable. The
grounding cable also serves to dissipate heat.
Do not establish any connection between the
IBS and the sensor screw.
Do not use force when disconnecting the pole
shoe from the battery terminal:
Do not pull on the grounding cable.
Do not place any tools under the IBS to
lever off the pole shoe.
Do not use IBS connections as levers.
Use a torque wrench and set tightening torque
in accordance with repair instructions.
Do not release or tighten down sensor screw
(screw with Torx head).
Avoid contact between IBS and ground.
WARNING: Danger of destruction to IBS and cables when
battery is replaced
The IBS and the cables can be destroyed by
mechanical strain when the battery is
replaced. Therefore avoid mechanical strain.
The size (capacity) of the battery required for
the car is coded in the Car Access System
(CAS).
Use the battery size (capacity) installed as
standard when replacing the battery.
Register battery replacement via Service
functions in diagnosis system.
Delete fault entries in the Digital Engine
Electronics (DME) associated with battery
replacement.
Always proceed in accordance with the repair
instructions.
NOTE: Battery draining possible in spite of the intelligent battery
sensor IBS being fault-free.
A battery can be drained (e.g. with lights or radio
switched on) even when the IBS functions perfectly in
conjunction with power management.
For this reason, only replace the IBS when a
corresponding fault entry in the DME or DDE.

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maxman
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Vehicle Electronics Failed

Post by maxman » Sun Feb 12, 2017 9:56 pm

Mine is always charged with a Ctek at the battery via a comfort lead.Never had a problem.

eff1guy
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Vehicle Electronics Failed

Post by eff1guy » Sun Feb 12, 2017 10:53 pm

maxman wrote:Mine is always charged with a Ctek at the battery via a comfort lead.Never had a problem.
+1 but only had it connected for a month or so since I got the car. BMW sell the Ctek as an accessory for the Z4 along with the comfort indicator lead separately. Cut and paste from the website
"A practical combination of indicator and quick connector for hard-to-reach batteries. The battery comfort indicator shows the charge status of the battery simply and clearly. The eyelets are fitted to the battery, thus allowing an effortless connection to the separately available battery charger." :dizzy:
Next Z landed ..... Z3 3.0i Sport Roadster

Z4 35iS ..... Gone to a new home

InvisibleName
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Vehicle Electronics Failed

Post by InvisibleName » Tue Feb 14, 2017 6:25 pm

maxman wrote:Mine is always charged with a Ctek at the battery via a comfort lead.Never had a problem.
Same here, never had a problem
28i M Sport / auto / Mineral Grey - Walnut leather

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