2004 BMW Z4 electrical problems

Filed Jul 24, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · 145,000 miles · VA

Reoccuring issue: -door locks not functioning by remote or central button -wipers not functioning -trunk release not functioning by remote or button -windows not functioning -lighting of interior not working, to include gauge cluster -top not functioning issues intensify on days of low/higher temperatures. Seems to reset by disconnecting battery and reconnecting after several minutes. Issues points to gm5 module being faulty/failing this is not discovered until you start the car, seems to be a random occurrence, but happens at least once weekly. Sometimes it is multiple times a day.

Filed May 7, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · 64,043 miles · NY

I had this car built and I am the only owner and driver. I have had a personal mechanic take meticulous care of it over the years and the car is stored for approximately 6 months/year because I do not drive it in the snow, and frankly, hardly drive it even when raining. However, it never fails that each year some warning light goes on for no apparent reason. Last fall it was the ABS light and the brake light. My mechanic put the car on the computer, and found no issues. Now again, this spring it started out as not being on, but within 5- 25 minutes (varies each time when I start the car up and drive) those two lights come on. Every year there seems to be new lights that come on for no apparent reason. I haven't driven the car more than a few times before a light comes on. It's cost me so much in diagnostic time. Also another problem is that often the radio doesn't turn on. When this happens, the screen also does not pop up. I have to stop the car, turn it off and then restart. Most times the electrical system seems to 'restart' itself so that the radio turns on and the screen pops up. The electrical system in this car has never been right.

Filed Jan 21, 2020 · Brakes, Electrical · 40,395 miles · NY

I previously filed a report about the electronic steering wheel column, poor steering, sticking prior to having it fixed on this date. I had not found the paperwork for it until after I submitted the report. The tracking # 11300634.

Filed Apr 12, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · 135,850 miles · VA

Gm5 module fail. When the gm5 module fauls windshield wipers won't work (this could be a big problem if it rains!), interior lights won't work, windows won't go up or down, no alarm functions and of course no automatic door lock control (doors can manually be locked and unlocked as long as the double lock is open.)

Filed Nov 3, 2017 · Electrical · 26,000 miles · IL

26000 miles on car. Always in garage. Never driven in winter and use a battery tender during winter.replaced 2 batteries this summer recently after not driving it for about 2-3 weeks. This tells me that there is an electrical problem somewhere but where? It's pulling power from somewhere. Can't be trusted

Filed Jan 8, 2016 · Electrical, Steering · 88,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw z4. While driving 10 MPH, the eps light illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000. Updated 02/26/16*lj updated 02/29/16.

Filed Jul 26, 2015 · Body, Electrical · 56,000 miles · AZ

I left my bmw in the sun all day and now my locks wont work. Many resources link this problem to the gm5 which controls the lighting and locks. Bad locks can be a safety and security issue on parked cars but also for moving cars as children may open vehicle doors in traffic.

Filed Sep 9, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 20,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw z4. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure occurred several times. The dealer determined that the vehicle experienced an electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000. Updated 10/07/14*lj updated 3/23/2015

Filed Jul 10, 2014 · Electrical · 36,136 miles · FL

Just purchased this car from a private owner. Didn't notice but the passenger side door will not unlock by either using the key fob or the central locking/unlocking switch inside. Did a google search and found that the gm-5 board needs to be replaced. I also heard that this gm-5 can cause failure on other functions with the car - wipers, lights etc. The car is 10 years old but only has 36,000 miles on it. This part should not fail so quickly.

Filed Nov 22, 2012 · Electrical, Steering · 78,000 miles · NY

While driving the steering light comes on and the steering locks in place. When u try to force it the car stalls out and the steering stays locked .. Extremely dangerous!!!