98 540i question

[MBruns]

I looked at a very clean 540i today, the orig.owner disclosed all that knew to be an issue with the car and most were very common issues for the model and mileage,one of the odd issues with the car running turning the steering wheel to the right full lock then returning to center it will die and all electrical quits, if you slowly continue back to center from where it quits the dash and electrics come back to life and you can restart it, You can repeat the problem so I am thinking a connection at the ign. switch or bad switch , he also mentioned a battery draining issue over a week or so surfaced about the same time. Any thoughts
Mike

[harryinsaudi]

Well i'd be thinking that you've some sort of interference between the steering column and the ignition switch cable.... Can't see any other connection.... good luck with it.

[marti5]

Could possibly be the ignition switch or more likely to the slip ring, hard to say until taken apart, buts it nothing to serious, easy fix I would say, of course be careful driving it if it cuts out when you turn the wheel.

[MBruns]

Thanks, Is there a site with an exploded view of the the column and switch assy., With the telescoping steering is there a slip ring for the contacts from the switch ? When I purchase this thing I will remove the plastic and do the wiggle test on the switch/wiring, as abrupt as the condition is it should be obvious, plus there is no smoke so the chances of a direct short look slim.

Thanks again, Mike Bruns

[marti5]

Try here:

RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog

Just click on enter site and key in the details....

As for the slip ring its part of the steering wheel, this is how all the buttons get their power etc, the switch is a black rectangular box which you will see when you drop the cowl.