2009 BMW 535I

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 535i. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for servicing, he was informed that the vehicle was leaking oil. The oil filter housing and the valve cover gaskets were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs and the coil pack needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the coil pack needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the turn signals and the horn were no longer operatives. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the steering column had failed. The contact also stated that the rear passenger's side and the rear driver's side windows were no longer operating as needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,600. The consumer stated there is a recall for this vehicle.

WITHIN 15 MIN OF ARRIVING HOME IN SAID VEHICLE, WIFE STARTED CAR IN DRIVEWAY TO GO SHOPPING. IMMEDIATELY, DENSE BLACK SMOKE BEGAN POURING FROM UNDER THE DASH. SHE TURNED THE CAR OFF, BUT LEFT KEY FOB IN COLUMN. SHE SUMMONED ME FROM INSIDE OUR HOUSE AND WHEN I ARRIVED THE SMOKE WAS STILL POURING OUT FROM UNDER CENTER TO DRIVER SIDE OF DASH. I REMOVED THE KEY FOB FROM COLUMN AND APPROX. 1 TO 2 MIN LATER THE SMOKE STOPPED - WAS GOING TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY, BUT SMOKE STOPPED BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO OPEN GARAGE AND GATHER TOOLS. NO FLAMES WERE EVER SEEN AND ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKE FROM UNDER HOOD AREA - ALL INSIDE CAR. MANY WARNING LIGHTS ARE NOW ILLUMINATED - AWD SYS, DSC, ABS, 4X4, LIGHTING SYS (CHECK DISPLAYS, TURN SIGNALS, HIGH BEAMS, HEADLAMP FLASHER AND FOG LAMPS). NONE OF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS SEEM TO FUNCTION. THIS ALL OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING AND FORTUNATELY HAPPENED WHILE STOPPED IN THE DRIVEWAY. CHECKED RECALL LOG ON NHTSA FOR VIN AND FOUND "0" RECALLS. THE VEHICLE ALSO INCLUDES "X-DRIVE" (ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM).