Please Help! 540i Security/immobilizer Question

[HOPE28017]

I got a 2000 540i this past weekend. I had not driven the car at night and after I turned the ignition off late yesterday, I was messing with the headlights and what I'm assuming was the fog lights (switch to the right side of the steering columm). Will doing this in some type of sequence active the immobilizer? EVERYTHING in the car lost power! No lights, no electirc lock, the key turns but nothing happens or lights up.

Does anybody have a clue? I didn't get an owners manual with the car. It only has 44K miles so I can't imagine it could have too many issues. I did order an PDF file manual, but have not received the link yet and the BMW dealership doesn't open until 9 am.

 

[dinan5i]

to my knowledge, there's no linkage between the lights and security system. seems you have a major electrical issue. let us know what you find out, ok?

thanks

 

[HOPE28017]

You're correct, according to 2 different dealerships. There is no relationship with the lights to the immobilizer.

Have you ever replaced the battery? Did it just go out all of the sudden? With the car being seven years old the battery would need to be replaced soon anyway. But, the fact that the car sat in the garage for the last year makes me hope that it is the battery.

 

[HOPE28017]

The previous owners had replaced the battery recently and the connections had not been secured properly. It was just a loose cable.

 

[selavia]

...I bet that scared the crap out of you? THinking something was majorly wrong with the electronics after buying it two days ago. I bet your glad it turned out to be the battery.

Welcome to the board!