Hi,

I have a 2012 R56 Cooper S. The car doesn't get used a lot and when I went to start it earlier this week it struggled to start and there was a grinding noise (like the starter motor not disengaging). I started it a second time, thinking the noise wouldn't happen again, which it did. On the third attempt to start it (when someone else was with the car to observe/advise) it appears that the battery had died, because it wouldn't start.

So I purchased a new one and fitted it. Then when I inserted the key (ignition not turned on) the wipers started and couldn't be turned off. When the ignition was turned on the car started to display numerous failures (ABS, DSC, Cruise Control, Steering Power Assistance to name some of them). I then started the engine. It struggled, but would run. All the failures were still displayed, wipers were still going. The headlights and hazard lights appeared to still be working correctly. Plugged the car into a code reader and it was displaying numerous faults that pointed to the footwell module.

So after a quick look on Google, found a local guy who said he could repair it the next day. Took it to him and he said there is nothing wrong with the software and there is no visible water damage. So in his opinion it must be something else causing the issues. Came back home and refitted the footwell module. Reconnected the battery and straight away there was clicking sounds (like a relay going mad) from the JBE in the drivers footwell (RHD UK spec car). The only way to stop the clicking was to disconnect the battery. After rechecking the connections on the footwell module, the battery was reconnected. No clicking from the JBE this time, but the car interior is completely dead/dark.

Inserting the key does nothing. Rev counter doesn't turn on like normal, no noises from the steering lock, no sat nav screen. Pressing the start button to turn the ignition on does nothing, which also means the engine can't be started. The boot lid can't be opened. But the horn still works. When the battery is disconnected/reconnected there is still a clicking sound in the engine bay.

 

Can you get a second opinion from this UK electronics expert? Maybe he's too far away from you.

https://www.youtube.com/@LMAutoRepairs

 

So... a major ECU/electronics test and repair company have had my FRM and JBE for just over a week (website says they turnaround parts in 2-3 days). Despite 'advanced testing' they couldn't find any faults with either of them, even though there were fault codes on them when I plugged Bimcom into the car (couldn't read them though and this was before all the interior electrics died) and research on the internet points to them being the problem.

The part number on my JBE doesn't exist on BMW's system and the new JBE listed against my VIN number is heavily back ordered with no firm ETA.