l322 ignition problem

im having some problem with my ignition, at first the key wont turn, then after a few attemps it turns but then there is maybe a 2 or 3 second delay before the engine turns over and starts. is this likely to be just a switch fault or something more sinister? oh, it also throws an air suspension inactive message, but there is no fault with it.

Duff battery ?!

the battery is only 6 months old so it should be ok?

You been doing any short journeys ?

Duff ignition switch not pasing full voltage, seems common on the L322.

ive just tested battery with engine running its around 13.9 volts ,this seems a bit low?

mmm its now getting interesting! all the led's have gone out on the air suspension switch including the middle one. and the message center isnt working. oh joy

datatek said:

duff ignition switch not pasing full voltage, seems common on the l322.

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+1

i hope thats all it is. im going to the ale house!

13.9 at the battery on the L322 at idle is fine - same reading as mine!

I concur with the faulty ignition switch theory, is common on the early L322 unfortunatly.

is the switch a complete unit? or can it be replaced without the need for new keys etc?

Ok, after further investigation I've found the car isn't going to sleep and draining the battery , first question how do I remove the battery without damaging the sat nav ? As it won't power down

Check the light on the Sat Nav, it should extinguish after 2-3 minutes...

If it isn't powering down at all, it could still be the Ignition switch is not operating correctly and not shutting the power off fully and not allowing a full amount through when it is switched on!!

If after 5 minutes the Sat Nav still hasn't powered down..think you may just have to pull the battery as there would be little else to do!

ok saint, it didnt power down so i just pulled the battery and replaced it with a fully charged one. it didnt appear to damage the sat nav brain and it now powers down after two mins as normal. ive now realised when i unlock the car and get in it doesnt wake up, no logo on screen etc and when i put the key near the ignition nothing happens, im sure before there was something happening? ie sound of imobiliser deactivating or something.would this be the transponder coil or the ignition switch?

after a bit of research its looking like the steering column ecu is the most likely cause? anyone got any thoughts on this?

paulvasey said:

after a bit of research its looking like the steering column ecu is the most likely cause? anyone got any thoughts on this?

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Hi Paulvasey,
Sorry to bring back all post.
But did you ever solved this issue? I am dealing with exact same issue.
L322 2003 BMW model. I have changed the steering wheel ecu with no success. Also can’t read car ecus from OBD connector.

Saint.V8 said:

Check the light on the Sat Nav, it should extinguish after 2-3 minutes...

If it isn't powering down at all, it could still be the Ignition switch is not operating correctly and not shutting the power off fully and not allowing a full amount through when it is switched on!!

If after 5 minutes the Sat Nav still hasn't powered down..think you may just have to pull the battery as there would be little else to do!

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Hi Saint.V8,
Sorry to bring back an old post.
Can you please advise? I am dealing with exact same issue as above.
L322 2003 BMW model. I have changed the steering wheel ecu with 2 different just in case without success. Also can’t read car ecus from OBD connector. I thinking now to change the key lock barrel. The situation now is that the steering always free. Not locking. When key inserted no lock sound.
Hopefully for some input. Thanks

i had the same problem last year or someone elses l322, if the lock is stuck open it wont allow the key to turn, changing the ecu without recoding wont work either, if you disconnect the battery reconnect then insert the key and try and turn within 10 seconds it may work, if it does then its the locking plate on the column getting stuck, a small hole and lots of plusgass may free it

badfluffy said:

i had the same problem last year or someone elses l322, if the lock is stuck open it wont allow the key to turn, changing the ecu without recoding wont work either, if you disconnect the battery reconnect then insert the key and try and turn within 10 seconds it may work, if it does then its the locking plate on the column getting stuck, a small hole and lots of plusgass may free it

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Thanks for your input. Didn’t know that steering ecu needs recoding.
When I installed a refurbished steering lock, that already was locked, and used the key, it unlocked the steering. But doesn’t lock anymore. So it is definitely not a mechanical steering lock issue. Is there a easy way to decode it?

bullevard said:

When I installed a refurbished steering lock, that already was locked, and used the key, it unlocked the steering. But doesn’t lock anymore.

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if it already unlocked it wont allow you to turn the key