Beeping on '02 BMW 520i

[macdanger]

Hi

New poster on here - Three weeks ago my brother left his 2002 BMW 520i estate at my house as he's away. Haven't started or driven it since.

Today, a continuous beeping noise started from the rear right hand side of the car where the battery is. Any idea what's causing this? I suspected that it might be something to do with the battery running low but I don't want to take it out until I get some advice. The car starts first time and the beeping is still there while the car is running.

Thanks in advance

[brettski]

Welcome to the Werkz.

The alarm beeper is sometimes positioned near the right rear wheel, but if you are starting the car and the noise keeps going, thats strange. Are there any lights flashing or other symptoms of the this issue?

[macdanger]

No, no lights or anything else associated with the beeping, just a continuous beep.

[Jack Dabsy]

It will be the alarm as Brett says... Maybe a faulty alarm-sensor combined with anti-hijack. This should be the only scenario where the alarm sounds while ignition is on !
Use your key-fob to alter the alarm modes... Just an idea !

[macdanger]

Just to note that the alarm is not sounding - this is a low level continuous beep coming from the area around the battery at the rear of the car. While driving the car with the radio on you can't even hear it.

[Jack Dabsy]

Hmmm Could it be the trunk release motor? Just a thought !

[macdanger]

I had another look this evening and it turns out its coming froma little black box which appears to be something to do with the towbar connection. I've disconnected it and it's fine now!! He never uses the towbar so it should be ok

Thanks