[L8nit3]

Hello all,
I am a new member, with a new (to me) BMW, and a number of the previous owners issues (like many here).

I purchased a 2004 ...... wait for it..... 745I N62B44A :yikes::yikes::yikes: as my first personal vehicle (ive shared for years, but never enjoyed my own). I know, from reading a few different forums, that this seems to be the most hated of all, except maybe the 2003 version. However, I must have my Bimmer!

My first issue I need to tackle is a strange one. When turning off the car, removing the fob, and locking the doors, my center console "seat adjustment" lights remain on, my "start/stop" button does aswell, and occasionally all the buttons on my stearing wheel do aswell. Even after waiting 16+ minutes (suggestion from a forum post)

To me this seems like a short somewhere, or possibly an issue with the ignition switch/power button module.... but thought I would reach out here before i just go ripping apart the dash and replacing things. (This will be a DIY car as much as possible, also a first for me).

I searched the forums and found similar posts that suggest a faulty alternator (i dont understand how this could keep power going without the fob) or possibly even fuses (again, blown fuse = no power.......) ,battery registration was also suggested in a forum post, mine is aftermarket from previous owner, so no idea if it was ever registered properly. I wasn't ready to do every one of these things "trial and error" style, so here i am for advice

Thank you in advance for any suggestions

 

[csmeance]

not that familiar with the 2004 but do you have comfort access? If yes are you checking the car with the key in pocket? If yes that could re-awaken it.

If you don't, there is a module keeping the car on and preventing sleep. Be careful as this can drain the battery flat if there is a large parasitic drain.

 

[L8nit3]

not that familiar with the 2004 but do you have comfort access? If yes are you checking the car with the key in pocket? If yes that could re-awaken it.

If you don't, there is a module keeping the car on and preventing sleep. Be careful as this can drain the battery flat if there is a large parasitic drain.

Yes, I believe I have the "comfort access" option, however I definitely have the power drain issue you've mentioned.

I have charged my battery twice this week (luckily I work at a local auto part recycling yard, JUST matching stock numbers lol) , after a successful load test, and have tried checking the vehicle hours after use, with the key a good distance away in my house.

I guess what I'm after is any advice as to what could be the cause of the "parasitic drain" , and possibly an explanation as to how anything could remain on without the key in?

<edit>
I have purchased an official BMW battery, and a K-DCAN cable to properly register it. Once making the swap and properly registering the battery all is now well!