Anyone on here work on BMWs?
#22
Registered

Take the OBD plug out of the beemer and look at the back side. There's only 3 or 4 wires connected. It is NOT a full OBD connection.
Round plug is the only way if in limp.
Round plug is the only way if in limp.
#23
Registered

Wifey has same car and I have an E38. The E38 went into safe mode because the battery voltage was low. I bought a new battery and monitored voltage across the terminals when running. Should be 13.5V or thereabouts. Turned out to be the $500 water cooled alternator which I replaced.
Anyway it may never just reset because either your battery or alt is shot. Monitor voltage at the battery and confirm system is charging...
I googled my problem at the time..some shops replaced the tranny as they try and lock in 1st or 2nd in safe mode
and..have fun!
I was thinking again
about the E46..I had similar issues with that car but not sure it went fully into safe mode. First thing I did was replace the battery..about a year ago. Anyway a place to start if it has the original batt which is 10 yrs old. Testing it may be a pain since its buried in the trrunk..putting it on the charger may elevate its voltage and perhaps clear the safe mode..if it is the battery. Hopefully not a hard lock from something else as Bill suggested..
Lane
Anyway it may never just reset because either your battery or alt is shot. Monitor voltage at the battery and confirm system is charging...
I googled my problem at the time..some shops replaced the tranny as they try and lock in 1st or 2nd in safe mode

and..have fun!
I was thinking again

Lane
Last edited by 28 V; 01-26-2012 at 03:27 PM. Reason: more info
#24
Registered

im a factory trained tech for bmw 8years at the dealer, with my own shop after hrs for everyone at a way way lower labor rate..pm me if you need a hand..im in Novi/walled lake area