Choose Comfort Access under control unit tree then Ecu function, read live data. See if the doors signal that you're trying to open/close, see if there is any difference between left and right side.

 

Choose Comfort Access under control unit tree then Ecu function, read live data. See if the doors signal that you're trying to open/close, see if there is any difference between left and right side.

Hi Markst,

Thank you for your intent to help, I realy appreciate that!
When it comes to the E series, the CA (Comfort Access) and CAS (Car Access System) modules lack the capability to check the Live Data status of the door handles. This is primarily because the system was introduced for the first time in these vehicles and has not been fully developed, particularly on the E60/61 and E65 models (IMHO).

In the F series, there is no CA module at all, and the Comfort Access function is managed by the CAS module. Only there is the possibility to check the Live Data of the door handles. I've attached screenshots below for your reference.

However, as I said, I appreciate your suggestion. Maybe you have any other ideas, or advices?

CA & CAS modules diagnosis scan on E61:

Status for all door contacts are OK.

CAS module diagnosis scan on F25:

Here I have the door handle sensor check, live data.

 

Search for Comfort Access ABLs under vehicle management. There should even be door specific ones.

 

Indeed, on F series there is, but not on the E series. This system is very primitive here. Here is the video, this guy is trying to fix same issue, and shows that there is no way to scan or diagnose it. I'll put the specific time code:

Actually, after doing some research, I'm pretty sure it is the door handles I'm having problem with. According to ISTA, they have electric capacitor in the circuit, which capacity you change putting your hand in range of its antenna. That change is detected by ECU as an attempt to open/close the door.
Capacitor + time (13 years) + summer sun and temperature = Dead capacitor 😂😂😂 IMHO

Will try to disassemble on this weekend and see, what can be done. 🤞

 

None of these work on your car?

 

None of these work on your car?

So Markst, you were right, there is a buch of ABL's for comfort access on E series too. Here are the results:

The problem is, when I activating ABL "Outside door handle electronics, front passenger door" it come to the following conclusion: That no fault code storet, continue wih Comfort Access K-TAGE test module.

And in the K-TAGE test module there is explanation that I pointed in red:

Since, as I said, on E series there is no option to read status (live data) of the door handle, it's up to wire checking I guess. In the first place. It's gonna be looooong weekend.

Thanks for pointing this up to me! Good info!

 

Very interesting, I have low mileage F22 and CA defective on both doors of this coupe. ISTA shows aerial line disconnect issue. I removed both rockers to access the aerials and discovered the incredibly cheap wiring, insulation gone in several spots, phone cable thin wires terribly insulated, and replaced with better copper wire, silver solder. Also bought new aerials, (there are two kinds!) Swapped from side to side, No joy Key fobs fully functional. Did not use ISTA to call up ECU functions which is very useful info... Why BMW used such cheap wire is insane.

 

So did you managed to fix it? Does CA work?

 

no, must pull out laptop again and try the ISTA call up ECU. Thanks for pointing this out. For the record I am very unimpressed with ISTA and how complex it is. Should be easy to dx and repair, it is not.
Many think CA is a theft liabitity and disable it in theft prone areas especially in England across the pond. Have not heard of that being an issue locally. It was convenient when it was working but
to be honest the key fob is not that bad. I just hate things not working properly.

 

no, must pull out laptop again and try the ISTA call up ECU. Thanks for pointing this out. For the record I am very unimpressed with ISTA and how complex it is. Should be easy to dx and repair, it is not.

Yes, you should scan it with ISTA, this software is not so bad and complicated when you get used to it. Furthermore there is far more options to diagnose CA on the F series, live data and the whole bunch of ABL's, as Markst mentioned earlier. (I have tried that on my F25 though the CA work perfectly there, I was able to completly scan and diagnose the system). I'm sure you'll be capable to find the problem. If you already changed the aerials with new (working ones) don't forget to Reset the CAS and CA modules under the Call up ECU functions -> Component triggering -> Reset module, before trying if it works.

On my E61 series, I'll try to find launch the same ABL's later today, but I don't actually remember if they are there, I will post later.

Many think CA is a theft liabitity and disable it in theft prone areas especially in England across the pond. Have not heard of that being an issue locally.

Nah, I think for those who really wants to steal your car, will do so, regardless there is CA or not, won't make a big difference.

 

Yes, you should scan it with ISTA, this software is not so bad and complicated when you get used to it. Furthermore there is far more options to diagnose CA on the F series, live data and the whole bunch of ABL's, as Markst mentioned earlier. (I have tried that on my F25 though the CA work perfectly there, I was able to completly scan and diagnose the system). I'm sure you'll be capable to find the problem. If you already changed the aerials with new (working ones) don't forget to Reset the CAS and CA modules under the Call up ECU functions -> Component triggering -> Reset module, before trying if it works.

On my E61 series, I'll try to find launch the same ABL's later today, but I don't actually remember if they are there, I will post later.


Nah, I think for those who really wants to steal your car, will do so, regardless there is CA or not, won't make a big difference.

you are right if a pro thief really wants it, it will be gone. I listen in to this discussion on Baby BMW an English site for the F22. Theft is a big issue there and they are trying not to be low hanging fruit from curb theft that can detect an unshielded FOB that not only unlocks the car through the CA frequency, but also allows push button starting. As you point out there are other ways...

 

MORE than likly, its a faulty door handle, I had an E88 with similar, run an ABL on the CA, and yes it's there for e88 / e series in ista, it will confirm and probably tell you to change the handle first

 

Yes, if I continue on the K-TAGE test module it asks to check the sub-bus line of the handle and if you choose the answer that it's OK, then the conclusion is - replace the door handle.
THE END of the test module .

So, probably it is the door hande, both right side door handles. I will check it on the weekend.

 

most common issue is that the handle goes short and messes with the others, "sometimes" you can feel a slight warmth on the handle "apparently" couldnt on mine

PROBLEM is this, CA handles are bucking expensive, what I found
BMW are special order from Germany, come either white or body coloured for another $100, making one handle $400+tax.
You cant buy a white one and spray it as they use a special paint due to the capacitive effect, you spray it, it wont work
you COULD wrap it, but not sure if it would still work.

ONLY option was ebay or kijiji, but couldnt find the same red one, and again, were like 2-300

I didnt wanna risk changing it out in case it was also something else, in the end I passed the fault down the line and traded her in
I LOVE CA, but when it goes wrong its a bitch

 

another tell tale sign is it causes a current drain, and the car keeps waking up, look at the Closed Current Violations in ista under battery section
if it reads more than 80ma and multiple wake ups... bobs your uncle !
another common issue with battery drain is CA handles which go faulty

 

I can confirm that. All my story with the faulty CA system began with service message on the CIC one morning that there is "increased battery discharge" detected. Scanning the IBS battery sensor history, it showed that drain was between 80mA and 200mA which triggered the service message. Also found an error code for aerial in the rear bumper, went to check the trunk passive opening, that didn't work. Neither all the right side of the car. There I started my journey Because.. the winter is coming 😁😁😁 and I don't want to find my battery dead in the morning.

 

Wondering if a faulty handle on a coupe could cause both handles to malfunction? I have an aerial line disconnect massage on ISTA, both doors.

I think the handles are all on one bus, so i think it's possible.

Silver quick you should really check the diagram of your F22 CA in ISTA. On my E61 despite the handles have separate lines in the beginning, eventually, they all come to one bus, as jaye944 mentioned. If bus is damaged, that could cause all handles not to work. But if one of the handles is faulty (shortened for example) the the 7.5A fuse would be fried, which is easy to check under your glovebox.

 

SOLVED. So, it was faulty door handle after all. Thank you jaye944, you were right! Today I've disassembled the passengers door and started with wiring checking, thought maybe the bus was broken. But the wires and connection sockets were OK. Had no other suggestions, I went and purchased new handle inner part with the sensor. Assembled all back together, maid reset of the CA and CAS modules and.... it WORKS! God damn it, lousy system, could've given me the error code in the beginning...
Now only left is the second door in the back, will have to order one more handle and finish the work on the week.

Conclusion:
1. Faulty aerials of CA system - will trigger the error code, marking the specific aerial. Faulty door handles - won't !!!
2. Faulty door handle didn't affect other handles. Before the replacement worked 2 of 4, after the replacement works 3 of 4 now.
3. Faulty door handle causes battery drain over the night, triggering the fault massage on the dash in the morning.
4. Faulty door handle (in my case) didn't heat up.

Hope this helps someone who is facing the same issue.

 

s'all good man,

I did a big indepth Youtube video series on CA for my 1 series, did a whole heap of diagnostics and taught myself CA, I deleted the video's so I couldnt point you to what I had done. which WOULD have helped you, I used ista a lot to diagnose along with a lot of research. Took a lot to figure it out. For me, it was replacing the handle and I was 90% sure that would fix it, but 10% of me didnt want to fork out over $400 for a handle.

your conclusions are bang on, I didn't have heated up handles, may be some do, it could I guess have failed OC and not SC, perhaps OC only effects the door handle, but SC effects other things, on me I only had 2 doors, one worked other didn't. I troubleshooted every part of the CA and everything worked.

It's horrible that the bloody thing doesnt throw a code right ? like "0000625 right door handle comfort access faulty" ? cmon BMW really. I was getting NO bus errors either.

Luckily Ista can and will test the aerials and in my case all of them were working and no other codes, I didnt have all the right probing tools to check for voltages etc that Ista asked for.

CA for me is a very LOVE/HATE relationship, I would NOT buy a car without it and if it goes wrong would be a real bitch.

SOLVED. So, it was faulty door handle after all. Thank you jaye944, you were right! Today I've disassembled the passengers door and started with wiring checking, though maybe the bus was broken. But the wires and connection sockets were OK. Had no other suggestions, I went and purchased new handle inner part with the sensor. Assembled all back together, maid reset of the CA and CAS modules and.... it WOKRS! God damn it, lousy system, could've given me the error code in the beginning...
Now only left is the second door in the back, will have to order one more handle and finish the work on the week.

Conclusion:
1. Faulty aerials of CA system - will trigger the error code, marking the specific aerial. Faulty door handles - won't !!!
2. Faulty door handle didn't affect other handles. Before the replacement worked 2 of 4, after the replacement works 3 of 4 now.
3. Faulty door handle causes battery drain over the night, triggering the fault massage on the dash in the morning.
4. Faulty door handle (in my case) didn't heat up.

Hope this helps someone who is facing the same issue.

 

SOLVED. So, it was faulty door handle after all. Thank you jaye944, you were right! Today I've disassembled the passengers door and started with wiring checking, though maybe the bus was broken. But the wires and connection sockets were OK. Had no other suggestions, I went and purchased new handle inner part with the sensor. Assembled all back together, maid reset of the CA and CAS modules and.... it WOKRS! God damn it, lousy system, could've given me the error code in the beginning...
Now only left is the second door in the back, will have to order one more handle and finish the work on the week.

Conclusion:
1. Faulty aerials of CA system - will trigger the error code, marking the specific aerial. Faulty door handles - won't !!!
2. Faulty door handle didn't affect other handles. Before the replacement worked 2 of 4, after the replacement works 3 of 4 now.
3. Faulty door handle causes battery drain over the night, triggering the fault massage on the dash in the morning.
4. Faulty door handle (in my case) didn't heat up.

Hope this helps someone who is facing the same issue.

s'all good man,

I did a big indepth Youtube video series on CA for my 1 series, did a whole heap of diagnostics and taught myself CA, I deleted the video's so I couldnt point you to what I had done. which WOULD have helped you, I used ista a lot to diagnose along with a lot of research. Took a lot to figure it out. For me, it was replacing the handle and I was 90% sure that would fix it, but 10% of me didnt want to fork out over $400 for a handle.

your conclusions are bang on, I didn't have heated up handles, may be some do, it could I guess have failed OC and not SC, perhaps OC only effects the door handle, but SC effects other things, on me I only had 2 doors, one worked other didn't. I troubleshooted every part of the CA and everything worked.

It's horrible that the bloody thing doesnt throw a code right ? like "0000625 right door handle comfort access faulty" ? cmon BMW really. I was getting NO bus errors either.

Luckily Ista can and will test the aerials and in my case all of them were working and no other codes, I didnt have all the right probing tools to check for voltages etc that Ista asked for.

CA for me is a very LOVE/HATE relationship, I would NOT buy a car without it and if it goes wrong would be a real bitch.


View attachment 1105002

great news excepting the cost, Is it easy to dis-assemble the handle? I would think it could be repaired but that is wishful thinking...

 

On the 1 series, it is dead simple, I'm suspecting on others the same, it involves removing a screw, and pulling out, there is a knack to it, but it's a 5 minute job, if you google youtube, multiple people have videos, not sure if I still have mine

 

s'all good man,

I did a big indepth Youtube video series on CA for my 1 series, did a whole heap of diagnostics and taught myself CA, I deleted the video's so I couldnt point you to what I had done. which WOULD have helped you, I used ista a lot to diagnose along with a lot of research. Took a lot to figure it out.

That's great! If you have your own YouTube channel on BMW theme, please share it. It'd be interesting to watch.

It's horrible that the bloody thing doesnt throw a code right ? like "0000625 right door handle comfort access faulty" ? cmon BMW really. I was getting NO bus errors either.
CA for me is a very LOVE/HATE relationship, I would NOT buy a car without it and if it goes wrong would be a real bitch.

Yeah, that's right! 😂 But as long as this car brand annoys me only with such type of malfunctions, not the AOG ones (if you are familiar with aviation terminology) till then this is one heck of a deal. 😁😁
I believe on the F series, I would've received an error for the handles, due to to it's a completely different system there.

great news excepting the cost, Is it easy to dis-assemble the handle? I would think it could be repaired but that is wishful thinking...

Since on E60/61 the electronic part of the handle is only on the it's inner part, I had to buy only that one, marked as No.1 and it was around 280$.

If you are asking about removing the handle from the door, yes it's quite easy, but it takes to remove the inner door panel completely to pull the handle mechanism out.

BE CAREFUL WITH THE AIRBAG IN IT. DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FIRST !

As for the handle module it self, it looked like it could be disassembled with intend of fixing things, as it has the aerial and capacitive sensor in it. And earlier I thought I could probably do something with the capacitor electronic board. But now I see that the handle module has a some kind of filling gap in it and looks like its insides completely filled with some white epoxy. So now, I doubt it's fixable. Pointed the filling gap.

Later I'll try to crack it open and see what's inside and how fixable it is. I will post the photos.

 

Well would you believe, I found my Comfort access videos, including how to remove the handles...
LOL enjoy

 

Well would you believe, I found my Comfort access videos, including how to remove the handles...
LOL enjoy

That's a neat videos! If only I have found those in the beginning... PS. especially I like the cherry colored epiphone es335 guitar in the back )))) I'm a little fan on those kind..

As for the door handles, I think those are already some kind of second generation of CA, 'cause it has all the capacitive sensorics in the handle itself. Whereas mine e61, handle - it's just a peace of plastic, and all the electronics are inside the door. Here's the module:

As I said, it is solid, weighs like peace of metal and as you can see - it is filled with epoxy filler. So I tried to open it with no luck, broke its plastic clips and almost pierced own hand with the screwdriver.

With no doubt - it can't be disassembled and can't be fixed. Also it can't be purchased separate from the door handle mechanism. Hooray for the BMW marketing!!!! 😂

 

sad to move away, I was like that when my battery broke on my brand new BMW, but it took me a while to re-fall in love with my BMW

 

I have decided this is my last BMW for this and many other reasons. They drive a charm, have great fit and finish, but the ownership experience leaves alot to be desired...

sad to move away, I was like that when my battery broke on my brand new BMW, but it took me a while to re-fall in love with my BMW

Silver quick, I've been through this. Next thing you'll be thinking after seating in diffrent car rather then bmw will be - ...DFAQ IS THIS..?!
The only brand you'll feel near the same will be MB or Porsche. But believe me, DIY there will be MUCH less

As they say, you will change bmw.. - to a newer bmw 😂

 

I did open the damn module, completely filled. Non-fixable.

 

 

totally correct, I've often thought about going 'stang vert, but BMW has all the toys !
plus its a BMW

yup I'm a snob

 

oh Louis, yup the guy is a legend

 

what garbage! I went to Real OEM to try and locate a CA module as this is also likely my issue. I am not able to identify the CA door module in electrical diagrams they provide.
Direct link here: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partgrp?id=1J73-USA-05-2015-F22-BMW-M235i&mg=61

Do you know how to find the right part # and cost?

 

Why do you need to find the control module? I'm pretty sure it's the handles you are having problem with, if it's not wiring and no faults on aerials.

Your car doesn't have separate CA module, the comfort access function is operated by the FEM (front electronic module), as long as a bunch of other things it does.
Here it is: FEM module

Your CA system includes 2 electronic door handles with sensors, here: Door handles , the part No.4 that marked S322A=Yes

and 6 aerials for passive opening, here: Aerials

All these parts are connected to the FEM module, wiring diagram you can easily find in ISTA -> Vehicle management -> Repair/maintenance -> Text search -> type: comfort access -> look for: SSP Comfort access

From there you can find exact installation location of these parts by clicking on their code in the diagram.

For the correct price, look up to your local OD website, there you should be able to find New Parts section, enter your VIN and search for specific part like in "realoem" only it should have prices listed. That's how I do it.

 

sorry, misuse of words, as you mention likely one of the handles on coupe causing both to show aerial line disconnect
Was thinking the sensor was in a module that was separate

Also did not go that far into ISTA to see location of CA antenna but found it another way
Thanks for the assistance. If and when I resolve will post.

 

Was thinking the sensor was in a module that was separate

No, your system due to it's the F series is slightly different. Less modules, more simple and convenient

 

I just came back from the garage, been replacing the second handle. Now everything works, all handles around the car and trunk lid are "comfort accessing" 🤞 🤞

 

always feels good to figure things out, even when the learning curve is steep, so far have not taken my car into dealership for anything. BMW sends ominous warnings for what are often simple fixes like the wheel speed sensor. The issue is figuring out the problem...

 

correct, the older ones had a separate model, as did my E88

 

Thanks to both of you for the intel. It is likely a handle failure. If I followed this correctly they are over $400 apiece and simple to replace.
Just wondering if they need to be coded to car or if auto recognize?

 

Thanks to both of you for the intel. It is likely a handle failure. If I followed this correctly they are over $400 apiece and simple to replace.
Just wondering if they need to be coded to car or if auto recognize?

I've tried to look the price for your handle at my OD in europe, just for a heck, but there is no price and it's sais - Item not available. Sorry.
But I doubt it costs over 400$, I'm guessing it should be somewhere 250-300$.