Gauges/Sensors all messed up, what to do?

[Black96m3]

For some reason the gauges on my car sometimes completely shut off. The engine and the car run fine but all the gauges (Fuel, Speed, RPM ect) drop to ZERO. Then sporadically they will come back on. They may or may not do the same thing again. Sometimes nothing happens at all, sometimes it will shut off and on multiple times.

Also the Sensors in the car seem to be going nuts. Just today the comp said check the brake sensors but I'm 99% sure there is nothing wrong with it. Every once in a while something funny comes up telling me that the car needs service, then it goes away.

Keep in mind the car runs very smooth. Does anyone have any experience with these electrical problems.

Could anyone recommend a good shop that specializes in BMW electronics in NYC area (other than dealers)?

I am very weary of auto shops, I've had so many bad experiences in the past.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!

[jgerry2002]

To start with, check your battery for low voltage. My cars electronics started to act strangely when my battery was going. If it is the original battery you are overdue for a new one.

Otherwise you could have a couple of other issues (old style brake light switch which causes a OBC message), and perhaps a faulty gauge cluster which may explain the dead guages and the messed up SI lights. A new cluster will require recoding via a MODIC at a dealer or a good independent. Not a 100% sure, but you might be able to dismantle the cluster and check for a faulty connector.

-Justin

[rwindleyme02]

For some reason the gauges on my car sometimes completely shut off. The engine and the car run fine but all the gauges (Fuel, Speed, RPM ect) drop to ZERO. Then sporadically they will come back on. They may or may not do the same thing again. Sometimes nothing happens at all, sometimes it will shut off and on multiple times.

Also the Sensors in the car seem to be going nuts. Just today the comp said check the brake sensors but I'm 99% sure there is nothing wrong with it. Every once in a while something funny comes up telling me that the car needs service, then it goes away.

Keep in mind the car runs very smooth. Does anyone have any experience with these electrical problems.

Could anyone recommend a good shop that specializes in BMW electronics in NYC area (other than dealers)?

I am very weary of auto shops, I've had so many bad experiences in the past.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!
Another member of our club... Search for my name and MLOVE and "dead gauges." We've spend about a year or so trying to troubleshoot it.

[Black96m3]

Jesus Christ, I read the whole thread and did not learn a damn thing. Looks like you guys replaced every damn wire and it seems to still happen. I'll bring it to a shop to see if they have experience with it and I'll jot down some possible solutions, but I guess I have to get myself ready to live with this problem :(