[Supersham]

Hi Everyone,

So I'm a total noob to this. I bought my first BMW last year as we were expecting our first kid so I wanted a nice big safe car so I got a 2011 BMW 5 series estate f10. It's been a great car but it has been having loads and loads of electrical gremlins of late. It started with the drivetrain error that would come on exactly(I timed it) 10 minutes into every journey, then the low battery replace warning. I didn't take much notice of the battery warning as it was starting fine every morning /day. Then the engine cooling fan warning and the air conditioning and heating fans went. I was sure that it was the battery at this stage and it was unable to power everything so I replaced it and registered it with bimmerlink. However all the errors are still there. The idrive push button has stopped working now although up and down and left to right still work. It's beginning to worry me now as I'm afraid to send it to a garage or auto electrician and get a huge bill! As I said I'm a total noob so I'm grateful for any help. I'll attach all the error codes that came up on the bimmerlink app. I'm not sure if I have screenshots of them all so if you need more info let me know. Thanks in advance. Dave

[Supersham]

Would it be a grounding issue? Can anyone tell me where the ground cables are, or how to get at them because I can't find it for an f10 on any forums.

[95blkmax]

having replaced the battery already (first thing I thought of when modules aren't communicating and you have an undervoltage error), that now opens up a Pandora's box.

It is not too dificult to narrow down but you need the right stuff. IN THIS CASE being that it is mostly module/ KLAN related, you need something more than just a code reader. I suggest you get ISTA+ because that will have test plans for multiple items to help you narrow this down. If you are unable to download it on your own, you should then go to an Indy that uses ISTA or unfortunately- take it to the dealer.

My SUSPISION just based on the modules listed and the communication faults is that you have a problem with the junction box, or the central gateway module.

[Supersham]

Thanks very much for the reply, I'm going to download ista so and order an enet cable for my laptop as all I have is the Bluetooth obd. Is it OK to drive the car in the meantime do you think while I wait a few days for delivery? The car is driving fine itself. I live in Ireland also so the ac isn't needed too much here! ��

[95blkmax]

Originally Posted by Supersham

Thanks very much for the reply, I'm going to download ista so and order an enet cable for my laptop as all I have is the Bluetooth obd. Is it OK to drive the car in the meantime do you think while I wait a few days for delivery? The car is driving fine itself. I live in Ireland also so the ac isn't needed too much here! ��

I'd advise against driving it. If the junction box randomly fails on you (fully) the car will leave you stranded wherever you are at the time (parking lot, or highway). It is up to your own risk-tolerance, after all. But I'd say if you don't HAVE to drive it, don't drive it

[Supersham]

OK, thank you again. I'll keep you posted on how I get on.

[Supersham]

Anyone have a good torrent link for insta d?

[claykin]

You didn't mention which engine you have.

First, let's get out of the way that 2011 was the first year of the F10. I'd look into the version of iStep installed on your car and if old, get it updated (if a tech can safely do so).

Check your battery and charging system to be sure the alternator output is sufficient and that your battery is maintaining 12V+ while engine is running. Check cables to battery terminals and the ground on trunk floor as well as ground points under hood.

Check service history for this car to see if you can identify past issues contributing to what you're experiencing now.

[Supersham]

Thanks very much for your reply. Sorry, it's a 520d. I will check the grounds, if I can find them. I searched for diagrams online but can't find one for the f10. I have managed to download ista to a laptop and the enet cable should be with me by the middle of next week so I will provide screenshots of the diagnostics. Thanks again.

[Hoa]

AC fan is also the engine fan so I'd strongly recommend not driving it until you get it sorted out. You don't want it to overheat and then cause more problem.

It sounds like you may have a software issue. For something like this, BMW test plan is to update the software to the latest version and then do further diagnostic. It may fix all of your issues just from the update. If you have a volt meter, check and see what it is reading with the engine on. It typically should read around 13.5V-14.5V

[Supersham]

Im still waiting for my Enet cable to come from Amazon. Just a question in relation to the software. I went onto the bmw website to check for a software update using my VIN. However when I put it in it says "an error occurred. Please try again later." Is there somewhere I can check for the latest software for an f10 and do it via USB?

[Supersham]

Also, the select button on the idrive has stopped working. The toggle and left to right work and all the other buttons but the selection one is doing nothing. Another software gremlin I presume.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Supersham

Im still waiting for my Enet cable to come from Amazon. Just a question in relation to the software. I went onto the bmw website to check for a software update using my VIN. However when I put it in it says "an error occurred. Please try again later." Is there somewhere I can check for the latest software for an f10 and do it via USB?

The BMW update is just a media update.

[Supersham]

OK, so I downloaded ISTA and my enet cable came this morning. This is what my tree shows. Any help greatly greatly appreciated!

[Supersham]

More codes

[Supersham]

I'm downloading e-sys and psdzdata at the moment and I'm going to try to update the modules firmware and see what that does then run diagnostics again.

[Supersham]

So, I updated ALL of the modules to the latest firmware via esys and the very very helpful ShawnSheridan. Unfortunately I'm still getting errors. Can anyone lead me in the right direction with my current control unit tree and errors? You can disregard the gear switch, it was jammed by accident when I ran the test. Thanks in advance.