2003 BMW 530I Electrical system Problems

“I was driving my 2003 Bmw 530I, while I was driving I used the volume control on the steering wheel to turn the radio down, after depressing the button immediately I smelled and recognized there was smoke coming from the steering wheel. I pulled over, and turned the car off. After several minutes I turned the ignition and proceeded to inspect the car. The volume controls did not work any more along with the horn does not blow anymore. Actually when I depress the horn it makes the steering wheel rise up and down. The airbag light flickers off and on. My radio works sporadically. …”

“Car has needed to be jumpstarted at least 6 times this year. I've taken it to my local dealer sonnen Bmw and they said they would not replace battery because they were able to get it to take a charge. I've recently found a recall (opening campaign #610504) on the control module which I just reported to the dealer. Bmw refuses to replace the battery unless the car is so dead it can't be jump started and needs to be towed.”

“I have a 2003 530I Bmw with 100k miles on it the heated seat on the drivers side has burned thought the seat, this was an issue with the 7 series seats (which are the same seats and they were recalled.) the issue happened while driving the vehicles. There was a very strong burning smell, researched the issue on the internet and it is very common with this model. I also have found that it is a very well known safety concern that the pixels go out on the instrument cluster and the mid. Also the back doors have a structural problem where water pools in the back seat.”

“The car caught on fire on 9/4/18, and caused extensive damage inside the engine bay. Car was driven several miles to a store. The passengers were exiting the car when they smelled something burning. Then they noticed smoke and flames extending from the front of the car. The fire started in the passenger side and was extinguished before the drivers side also caught on fire. The insulation on passenger side wiring harness is completely burnt, and numerous other items including the fiberglass body. The vehicle had approximately 215000 miles on it, and was well maintained. …”

“Problems throughout ownership of vehicle with plastic parts and wiring of vehicle, a 2003 Bmw 530I. Wiring to brake lights which were repaired early on under warranty. The vehicle now has approximately 97,000 miles. Most of these issues have been going on since the 50,000 mile mark. I drive 20,000 miles per year to and from work. Another problem included the vehicle suddenly dropping acceleration to just a few miles per hour. With my pedal to the floor, I made it up a hill and pulled over. After shutting down the engine and restarting, my vehicle performed normally. …”