Sun Roof problems of the 2006 BMW 530

This BMW 530xi wagon suffered a complete electrical failure after the sunroof drainage system drained rain water into the compartments where the battery, fuses, various wiring harnesses and computer modules are stored. Approximately 7 hours after the rain storm, the owner (with no knowledge of the improperly drained water) attempted to operate the vehicle. During the drive, the car displayed two system malfunctions, followed shortly thereafter by the message "electronic system malfunction. Continued driving not possible" and multiple warning lights and sounds. The car was parked in a safe area and later towed to the BMW dealer. The BMW dealer confirms that the sunroof drained rain water into the electronics compartments, shorting out at least four computer modules, and destroyed the battery and multiple switches, relays, and wiring harnesses. Certain system components, including an air bag control unit, showed evidence of a fire (presumably due to a short caused by the rain water. ) the BMW dealer states that replacing electronics modules and the battery (approximately $4,000) are required before further diagnostics can be performed to determine if there is damage to other vehicle components.

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 530xi. The contact stated that the sunroof drain plug separated from the vehicle, causing water to flow into the vehicle. The failure caused the electronic components to short. The dealer was notified but denied any assistance with repair to the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.