525 tdi cruise control not working - BMW Forum

martinwillmott · 02-22-2009, 05:52 AM

Hi all, just joined and this is my first post, i just bought a S reg 1998 525tdi se, business, when i press the i/o button the cruise icon lights up but the
+ / - does nothing and the car does not go to cruise, anyone got any ideas about this? thanks Martin

marti5 · 02-22-2009, 07:21 AM

Make sure you havent got a blown stop light this will stop it from working, clean the throttle body. I presume you have checked the fuse.

It may also be the cruise actuator.

martinwillmott · 02-22-2009, 09:11 AM

I checked the brake lights, all ok, fuses all seem to be ok but can't find one related to cruise control, if the fuse had blown would I still get the green cruise telltale on the dash? What n where is the actuator?, thanks, just a thought, I bet the main dealers hate sites like this, or maybe they use them for the info!

marti5 · 02-22-2009, 09:27 AM

This should help you out, actuator

DIY Cruise control actuator FIXED! - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

martinwillmott · 02-22-2009, 09:44 AM

Looks favorite to me, thanks

martinwillmott · 02-27-2009, 05:21 AM

thanks for the link marti5, had a look, can't locate the actuator, my engine layout is different, it's a 1998 S reg 525 turbo diesel, Can't even see the throttle cables. Have posted photos at bmw can anyone tell me what E number this car is and where the actuator is located, thanks,

marti5 · 02-27-2009, 06:00 AM

You have an E39.

Stoph900 · 03-25-2009, 11:41 AM

Hi Martin.... did you get the cruise control sorted... My TDS suffering same fate nad wondered how you got on... I cant find a fuse for cruise either!!

Chris

martinwillmott · 03-25-2009, 11:56 AM

I posted some pics of the engine, can't find cables or anything, think it's fly by wire accelerator, I would have thought if it was a fuse the light wouldn't come on, The speed sensor must be ok as the average speed display works, brake lights are fine. Just a button that makes a light come on, maybe it's an option not fitted but part of the wiring is as standard? dunno, was hoping some genius on here would advise me...really nice car though even without cruise

Stoph900 · 03-25-2009, 12:13 PM

Aaah the joys of computers controlling everything!
Just bought my TDS and whilst I was waiting for a new MAF sensor to turn up the battery died! So thats £157 for a new MAF and £95 for a battery today... even then there seemed to be an airlock in the fuel supply so wouldnt start... eventually got going after nearly flattening the brand new battery.....and now it seems ok... certainly drives better with a new MAF fitted anyway...
Now just the pulsing brakes/nonexistant handbrake/cruise/remote radio controls and numerous broken bits of plastic to sort out.. I hope its worth it.. need a long journey to convince me

martinwillmott · 03-25-2009, 12:49 PM

pulsing brakes are likely to be a sensor failure, car thinks it's locked up and is switching on the abs, handbrake uses seperate shoes within the rear wheel assy, probably been driven with the handbrake on, shoes die in about 5 mins. mines fine but i have to pull a muscle to stop it rolling away on a slope, that's quite normal for a bmw.trim and plastic bits, ebay, radio, ebay. good luck, it will be worth it, 40 mpg if you drive like granny, 34 if you drive like a loony, smart car with street cred.