Car not recognizing entry

MARK CLAYTON

MEMBER
2012 BMW 320D
2.0L
2WD
MANUAL
33,000 MILES

Hi, I have had intermittent faults for past few months. Some examples, first time, opened the car did not enter for five to ten minutes then when I did the car did not recognize I was in the car with the key and would not start and nothing on dashboard. Second time, car had been running, I stopped at a shop for couple of minutes and when I got back into the car I had the same issue. Third time, opened the boot, loaded some stuff, left for ten minutes and when I got back into the car had the same issue. After each occasion the car starts every time I leave it for an hour and try it again. Had into BMW and no faults are bring recorded as if the car never even recognized I was in, and once it "powers down" I have no issue. Any ideas as it is driving me crazy?

5 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

The only thing I can think off it the remote control. The next time this occurs, hold the remote over the push start button for fifteen seconds and test if you could start.

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Tuesday, October 31st, 2017 AT 1:17 AM

MARK CLAYTON

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks, I will try if it happens again. The first time it happened before I found it was okay after an hour it was towed to BMW, they said it could also be a faulty stop-start/ignition switch. But could prove it. It is just very strange that it only happens when the car is used soon after being previously driven or recently opened.

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Tuesday, October 31st, 2017 AT 2:50 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Yes a faulty switch would cause the problem but it would usually leave a record in the Engine Control Unit.

We would be waiting for your reply on the outcome.

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Wednesday, November 1st, 2017 AT 6:54 AM

MARK CLAYTON

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Yes, I'm thinking it could be linked to the car not "powering down" quickly enough after using?

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Friday, November 3rd, 2017 AT 6:24 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

It sounds like to me the comfort access control module is going out and needs to be replaced. Here is a wiring diagram so you can see how the system works.

Here is the location as well, you will need to have the dealer program it for you.

Please let us know what happens so it will help others.

Cheers, Ken

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