325xiT Breakdown

[mbushnell]

I went to see a movie this afternoon, and when I went to leave the theater's parking lot, my 325xiT would not run above idle, and all of the dashboard lights were on ("Service Engine Soon", "EML", the yellow "Brake" light, "ABS", etc.)

Fortunately, the BMW Dealer that I bought the car from is right next door to the theater, so I was able to drive it to the dealer (just barely). They share a common side street, so I didn't have to drive on the highway (U.S. Rt 22 in Springlfield, NJ).

Actually, before I went into the movie theater, I walked to the dealer form the theater parking lot & scheduled an appointment for the Electronic Control Box recall (the window "anti=pinch" problem). I got the recall notice yesterday.

[machmeter]

Are you saying that the ECB was the source of the problem?

[mbushnell]

Originally posted by machmeter
Are you saying that the ECB was the source of the problem?

No, I'am not - sorry for the confusion. I only made an appointment for the recall. I guess that it is possible that the OLD ECB is the source of the problem, but I won't know until they take a look at it. It was too late in the day for them to work on it today - around 3:30 PM

[thebeam]

It sounds like the problem I had. The dealer had it 11 days and I was back and forth to the dealer three times before they got it right! first thing, the had to replace the engine harness, 7 days delivery from Germany! then , they tried the DK motors, get the Christmas lights again after 24 miles, then it was the throtle valve assembly, 7 miles from the dealership, christmas lights again. they finally called the tech support line at BMW and they suggested reprogramming the DME.
I've had the car back for about 2 weeks now! and everything seems to be in order. God i hope so.

[bmw325]

In general, The symptoms you described are usually caused by a bad EDK (electronic throttle body assembly). The poster with the 325ci mentioned that his DME had to be reprogrammed to solve the problem-- but he'd also had the EDK replaced by that point.

[mbushnell]

It turns out that it was the Engine Harness.

It appears that there is a Service Bulletin on it, dated 12/10/02.