dbsimpkins
05-05-2012, 04:38 PM
i've got a 2002 530i. Recently, we unknowingly ran it out of gas (the gauge showed 1/4 tank). I attempted to start it and run it a few times, with no luck. in the midst of trying to start it, I noticed that the lights would flicker a bit, the radio wouldn't automatically come on, and the motorized steering column continued to go up and down on its own. In effort to get the car to forget about why it's not starting, I disconnected the negative side of the battery and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Once I put it back on, I tried to start it again, but noticed the fuel gauge now registered empty. We put gas in the car and it started right up. The odd part is that the steering column is still moving up and down while running (and being driven,) and when I shut the car off, the radio stays on. I've searched and searched for threads about these problems, but haven't found anything about the steering column, and the only thing that I found like that about the radio is an ignition switch issue. Can anyone please help me? It's my wife's car and I'd love to get it back on the road for her.