LudwigSCH
BMW 3 Multiple Warning Lights & Brake Pedal Issues
Summary of the thread
The conversation revolves around a 2004 BMW 3 series experiencing multiple warning lights and unusual brake pedal feedback. The initial suspicion is worn brakes, but another owner with a similar issue suggests it might be an electrical system problem, specifically undervoltage affecting multiple systems. The suggested solution is to have the electrical system, including the battery and alternator, checked by a mechanic, as these models require stable voltage for their sensitive electronics. Regular maintenance checks on the electrical system are recommended to prevent similar issues.
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4 comment(s)
LudwigSCH (community.author)
Thanks for sharing your experience! My issue started about a week ago, and it happens regardless of engine temperature. Currently at 173227 KM and had my last service about 3 months ago. I didn't notice any battery-related issues, but what you're saying about the electrical system makes sense given all those warning lights coming on simultaneously. I'll definitely mention this to my mechanic when I take it in. Thanks for the tip, guess these older BMWs can be a bit tricky with their electrical systems!
KSchwarz
Hey again! Glad I could help point you in a possible direction. After you mentioned your mileage and the fact that it happens regardless of engine temp, I'm even more convinced it's similar to what I experienced. These electrical gremlins in our BMWs can be sneaky, they don't always show obvious battery-related symptoms before causing havoc with the sensors. In my case, even though the battery seemed fine (lights were bright, engine started normally), the voltage wasn't stable enough for all the sensitive electronics these cars have. My mechanic explained that these models have really finicky sensor systems that need a very specific voltage range to work properly. Since fixing mine, I've actually started paying more attention to the electrical system during regular maintenance. I now get the battery and alternator checked every service just to stay ahead of any potential issues. These preventive checks have saved me from dealing with those annoying warning lights again. Keep us posted about what your mechanic finds! Always interesting to compare notes with fellow BMW owners dealing with similar quirks. And yeah, these older models definitely keep us on our toes with their little peculiarities!
LudwigSCH (community.author)
Thanks for all that detailed info! Really appreciate you taking the time to explain your experience and maintenance approach. I've booked an appointment with my mechanic for tomorrow morning and will definitely have them check the electrical system first. It's actually quite reassuring to know someone else dealt with the same warning light circus and got it sorted without major drama. You're right about staying on top of maintenance, think I'll start including those electrical system checks in my service routine too. Thanks again for your help, and I'll update once I know what's actually causing the problem with my car. Hopefully it'll be as straightforward as your fix was!
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KSchwarz
Hey there! I had a somewhat similar issue with my '02 BMW 5 series diesel (similar to your 3 series). I have some basic experience working on cars, mostly routine maintenance. My car showed those exact same warning lights, and I initially thought it was the brakes too. Turned out it was actually an undervoltage problem affecting multiple systems. My trusted mechanic diagnosed it with their computer system and found that the car's electrical system wasn't getting enough juice. The fix cost me about 240 Euro, and it sorted out all those warning lights and the weird brake pedal feel. Everything's been running smooth since then. Could you share more details about when exactly this started happening? Does it occur when the engine is cold or warm? Also, what's your mileage? This could help pinpoint if we're dealing with the same issue. Just a heads up, better get it checked soon as electrical issues can affect multiple safety systems.