kai66
12-01-2004, 10:18 PM
Hi everyone...I am usually a lurker, but I've got a serious problem with my 1998 528i. Although from reading the posts I feel it may be an ignition switch, I want to run my probs by you guys.
Last week, my battery died. We naturally jumped it, following BMW's manual's guidelines. After learning the battery was bad, I replaced it with a new one (non-BMW brand.)
Everything seemed smooth until that night when the AIR BAG light began randomly appearing on the dashboard. Well, a few more days past and then the AIR BAG light stayed on. Yesterday, the mulit-function steering wheel began not to work, so no radio controls, horn, etc...
Today, I took it to a local European import shop (non-dealer) mechanic. They tried to hook a diagnostic machine up, but the diagnostic machine displayed error after a few seconds. So the mechanics told me that it was likely that whomever jumped started my car, short circuited something and there is burnt wire somewhere. They want to charge me about $300 to find the wire.
Well, I told them I'd think about it. So I get back in my car and start it to head home and find the radio and clock no longer work.
So I am clueless to my problem...any help would be very much appreciated.
And if it is the ignition switch, is there a website that details how to replace it? I need help because a $300 repair bill is way too much during the holiday season to swallow.
Last week, my battery died. We naturally jumped it, following BMW's manual's guidelines. After learning the battery was bad, I replaced it with a new one (non-BMW brand.)
Everything seemed smooth until that night when the AIR BAG light began randomly appearing on the dashboard. Well, a few more days past and then the AIR BAG light stayed on. Yesterday, the mulit-function steering wheel began not to work, so no radio controls, horn, etc...
Today, I took it to a local European import shop (non-dealer) mechanic. They tried to hook a diagnostic machine up, but the diagnostic machine displayed error after a few seconds. So the mechanics told me that it was likely that whomever jumped started my car, short circuited something and there is burnt wire somewhere. They want to charge me about $300 to find the wire.
Well, I told them I'd think about it. So I get back in my car and start it to head home and find the radio and clock no longer work.
So I am clueless to my problem...any help would be very much appreciated.
And if it is the ignition switch, is there a website that details how to replace it? I need help because a $300 repair bill is way too much during the holiday season to swallow.