Two lots of trouble

[abh29]

I seem to have developed two completly different faults in the last few weeks

1 -- A few times ( not ever time or frequently) when brakeing from 70ish I get a vibration through the streering wheel , can just about feel it via seat. This does not always occur or occur the next time I brake. It has never occured at below about 55/60 mph . The front discs and calipers have been changed around 1000 miles ago.

2 -- Completly different . On some occasions when I get in the car , put key in ,start up the 4 flashers all flash - they carry on until I switch them on using the switch then swich them off. They then stop.

Any ideas please

 

[Nodzed]

Number 1. Check track rod ends, and all other bushes on the front. When you replaced the calipers were new sliders rubbers used? If not they should have been replaced. And could be a pad issue I've had new pads that were just made wrong, red stuff as well. Changed them all then it was OK, was the judder there before the brake work? If not I'd start there.
Number 2. No idea.

 

[mrscalex]

There is a crash detection system which amongst other things turns the hazards on. So it’s possible this is not functioning properly.

But that’s a guess. I can’t join the dots up. Other than to check your battery is not on the way out which also keeps springing to mind.

As always I’d read off error codes in the first instance.

 

[FRANKIE]

There is a crash detection system which amongst other things turns the hazards on. So it’s possible this is not functioning properly.

But that’s a guess. I can’t join the dots up. Other than to check your battery is not on the way out which also keeps springing to mind.

As always I’d read off error codes in the first instance.

I had a low battery that was going bad on a 325ci that kept triggering the 4 ways to start flashing. New battery stopped that......Frankie

 

[abh29]

I am happy the battery is OK ,follows advice from Mrscalex last March I fitted a new Varta obtained ,at his recommendation , at very reasonable cost

 

[mrscalex]

Can you read the codes?

 

[abh29]

thats this weekends job , i just need to get the unit back. trouble is I am not familiar with interpreting the cades.

 

[t-tony]

Just google the codes for some background info.

Tony.

 

[mrscalex]

thats this weekends job , i just need to get the unit back. trouble is I am not familiar with interpreting the cades.

I don't think anyone knows more than a handful of common errors off the top of their head. And even then the accompanying words are usually more meaningful than an anonymous code.

The key as Tony says is googling as it's unusual someone somewhere hasn't had the issue before. If not on a Z3 then on a similar vintage BMW running the same systems. For googling the code rather than the words is usually more useful.

Just remember the error code can be expressed as decimal or hex. The hex code tends to be the more referenced format, eg 5EF8. Depending on your scanner it may also give a P error. These are generic x-manufacturer codes which I tend to find less helpful.

That said you also need to be able to cut through the BS that a lot of people talk (on other forums - not this one of course ). I tend to find the correct advice is usually accompanied with a range of observations that strike a firm chord with you.

I've only found 1 error out of many that I've never been able to understand and resolve in this way. And thankfully it was not an important one.

And of course come back here if you can't track down anything.

 

[Rha]

With the hazards flashing when you start up I would think that could be the car alarm system maybe not fully sensing the ignition key, so I would try your spare key to check that it’s not your main key related. Just a thought.
As for the vibration on braking, I would go back to the recent brake overhaul as that would be the best starting point after checking fault codes as has already been suggested. Hope your able to sort it soon, good luck.

RHA,Roy.