Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

houdini1

abacomike said:

About 6 weeks ago, I was at the Boca Raton Town Center Mall taking my daily walk and when returning to my car, I noticed the trunk was open. I went over to the lid, pressed the close/lock button on the top part of the trunk lid and the trunk closed and locked itself, as it should. It happened again about three weeks ago - I was adjusting the blinds in my front bedroom and when I looked out of the window I noticed my trunk deck lid was open. So I went downstairs and closed and locked the trunk. This past Monday afternoon, when looking out of my front window from my Condo, again the trunk was open. Again I went downstairs and closed and relocked the trunk. This afternoon at about 1:00 PM, I was looking out of the window to see if it was going to rain and again the trunk lid was open. After closing the trunk and locking the car again, I decided it was time to do more than pass this off as some fluke - like I was pressing against something in the Condo and inadvertently the key fob was depressed where it unlocks the trunk.

I called the Genius hotline and the Genius at the other end said he's never heard of that happening before. He did mention that maybe I had a poltergeist in my car as he laughed. I said to him that this was, "...no laughing matter considering this is South Florida and the rainy season is not far away - I did not think a trunk filled with rain water was comical!" He quickly apologized when he ascertained that I was serious about this issue. He then said that there was no way he could help me over the phone and that I should bring the car back to the dealer for service. I agreed with him.

I'm surprised at myself for not mentioning this to my Genius at my dealership this week when I over there for the carwash and eventual test drive of the 540i - I never claimed to be smart and this is why! I think it is because I thought I was the one creating the problem by not taking the key fob out of my pocked as soon as I went up to my Condo. But I remember that it happened when I was not at the Condo, but at the Mall, and I was much too far from the car to have the trunk opened by inadvertently pressing the button that opens the trunk.

I called my service advisor and she said she has not had any customers report this issue and when she looked the issue up on her computer, there were no service bulletins about it that she could find. She suggested that when I get out of my car, I should take the fob out of my pocket, lock the car, and when I am several hundred feet from the car, I could then put the fob back into my pocket. She asked me to try opening and locking the car from my window in my bedroom and look for the lights to flash and the "beep" to sound to see if my Condo unit was within range of the fob's ability to unlock doors and the trunk. I did as she asked and the car unlocked itself and emitted the beep and the lights flashed and the same thing happened when I locked the car. So I was well within range of car for the fob to operate (about 75 feet).

She said that if after following her suggestion about taking the key fob out of my pocket did no solve the problem, it would necessitate my bringing the car in for a complete diagnostic evaluation of the remote system and how the car reacts to remote input. In the meantime, she said she would speak with her shop foreman about my issue to see if he or any other advisor has come across anything like what I am experiencing.

I just got off the phone with her and she said that there was a service bulletin issued for the 5 and 7 series vehicles with the issue I described back in August, 2016, for 2016's and recently built 2017's. The fix for this problem is a "software" update that would require a two-step procedure to open the trunk remotely:

1. Unlock the car with the key fob or by the hands-free "touch" area on the door handles, and then,
2. Unlock or open the trunk using the key fob or the rear access button just above the rear license plate area.

She further stated that it would not affect opening the trunk with my foot under the rear of the car.

So, it would seem that I do not have a POLTERGEIST in my new car, but rather a GREMLIN that is causing me a bit of havoc when it comes to the trunk having a "mind of its own!"

I made an appointment for this coming Monday morning at 10:00 AM so I could avoid the morning traffic - it's a 30 mile trip each way. They are going to give me a loaner. She said it would probably be a 5 series vehicle since I own a 7 series car. She also said it takes about 3-4 hours to complete the software download and to test it out. She also wants me to bring all three key fobs with me. I also have a problem with my left side view mirror not defogging - I was going to wait until my first oil change to have that taken care of since I didn't think it was that important to have repaired right away - but she said she wants to have that issue taken care of while the car is in for service.

I am not upset or concerned about this at all. One thing that I was concerned about was a thunderstorm with heavy rain and the trunk being open. That would have created a big mess, to be sure.

So, as all of you know, I am not one to conceal an issue with a brand of car as some of our fellow posters claim happens on surveys or even here on Edmunds.

That is the type of problems I used to have with my 1987 Sterling. I think it was a poltergeist. Windows going up or down, lights going on and off, doors locking and unlocking, etc. Never was fixed. I had to get rid of the car.

isellhondas

andres3 said:

isellhondas said:

fintail said:

I think it is a silly thing, and I understand the aesthetic issue. But I also think it should be enforced equally. To me, it's not like speed, which can be a little subjective and a buffer zone is logical (not to mention the limit existing so often out of revenue vs safety). Most of the time, a plate is simply yes or no. Unfortunately, consistent enforcement for all people is not how this society works.

I've never ran without a front plate FWIW, it's not worth the potential hassle, and none of my cars would really be improved without one. In fact, I like the front plate on the fintail (year of manufacture plate).

andres3 said:

Another worry is defying one stupid law (the front license plate mandate) might get you more scrutiny on another stupid law (say, an under-posted speed limit). I don't think I'd of gotten pulled over by the CHP for going 80 in a 70 zone, but the Sheriff had other ideas, and one of the reasons might be because he noticed no front license plate. Would he have let me go without stopping if I had the front plate? No one knows for sure, But perhaps on borderline cases, it could get you a ticket. I wasn't ticketed for speeding, but the lack of plate.

If you are driving in downtown Issaquah late at night without a front place and a cop spots you, I GUARANTEE you will get pulled over. It's called Probable Cause and the cop needs a reason to pull you over so he can see if you're under the influence! No plate= Great reason!

Great reason for who?

I'd rather the cops spend time preventing murder and rape than wasting it on using one lame law as a probable cause ruse to obtain other fines.

If it has to be traffic related, having their eyes open to traffic infractions that create a hazard, such as left lane camping, or cell phone distraction, would be resources better spent.

Too many bad laws reduce the enforcement of good laws.

Well, in our town we don't have murders or rapes very often so cops don't have to deal with that very often. They do have to deal with impaired drivers and cell phone violators and they do an excellent job of this. so, if you are bothered by a "lame" law, just make you install your front plate and don't drink and drive and you'll probably have no problem. In over thirty years of living and driving in this town I have yet to be pulled over....knock on wood!

abacomike

imidazol97 said:

@abacoMike Were you keeping the key fob in your pocket? Is it possible just static electricity from jostling against the cloth in your pocket was causing the circuits to fire to open the trunk?

My GM fob, as has been said, has a very gentle touch needed to operate the trunk release. I keep it in my pocket along with a set of keys for the other car. The pressure from the other things in my pocket would hold the button long enough to release the trunk.

I don't want to sound negative, and this is not intended to be negative - it is intended to be humorous - but where else would I keep the key fob for my car - in my underwear - hanging from my belt - inside my shoes? Of course I keep the key fob for my car in the pocket of my shorts (we wear shorts down here year-round, by the way). When I get home, I remove my keys and wallet and iPhone from my shorts and place them on my dresser in my bedroom. Enough of this personal stuff!!! I don't think anyone wants to know how I prepare for bed at night, do you?

It makes sense, imid, that static electricity might cause an inadvertent signal to be transmitted - who knows why the trunk opens by itself. But when I go into the mall to do my walking and when I return to the car, the trunk is open - that could not be from my transmitter since I was too far away from the car to even inadvertently send a transmitted signal. According to my service advisor at the dealership, there is a BMW service bulletin about inadvertent trunk openings on cars equipped with an automatic hands-free trunk opening and closing option. It's operated by a motor in the rear of the car that opens the trunk fully and closes and even locks the trunk and the car (depending on which button I press).

The supposed fix for this problem is a software update from BMW. But it causes another problem - I can't open or close the trunk using my key fob, my foot moving under the trunk deck, the trunk release button on my driver's door, etc., unless I first unlock the car. Once the car is unlocked, I can then open the trunk. So the car will no longer function as it was designed to function - it will require two steps instead of one. That means when I go food shopping and I need to open the trunk while carrying bags of groceries, I will no longer be able to stick my foot under the rear bumper and get the trunk opened - I will have to place the groceries on the ground, get my key fob and unlock the car, and then use the fob to open the trunk.

So the fix creates another problem - at least in my way of thinking. I am not sure I like the sound of how they solve this problem by creating another problem. Don't lemon laws state that if a new car still under warranty cannot be repaired to factory specifications or the way the car was intended to function that it is a lemon? BMW service told me that this is the only fix for this problem. To avoid the trunk inadvertently opening and getting soaked with rain water (which could have happened this morning and even now as it is raining heavily), I had to go into the glove box and flick a switch to "lock" so the trunk cannot be opened except with a key. That was the temporary fix until I get the car down to the dealership on Monday morning.

The more I think about this issue, the angrier and more upset I get - I will have a brand new 7 series BMW that will not function as it was designed to function. I don't like this one bit!!!

abacomike

Mr_Shiftright said:

Speaking of not playing nice while driving, police in L.A. did an undercover bust for people using disabled parking placards illegally. When people parked in a handicapped spot in a certain large shopping center, the undercover cop approached them and did a 'compliance" check.

result?

The investigators stopped 280 people and found that 42 of them were using their placards fraudulently.

That's a 15% fraud rate.

Shifty, I have two handicap placards for placement in the front of my car under the front rearview mirror. The reason I have two is in case I am driving in someone else's car and I need to use a handicapped spot if I am not feeling well.

It was my doctor who gave me a completed and signed DMV form in order to get handicapped placards so I could us a handicapped spot if I am having pain or am just not feeling well. I don't use the placard unless I go food shopping which totally wears me out, especially in 90+ degree heat. When I go food shopping, I usually have 15-20 bags as I shop for two weeks at a time. Luckily, we have two food baskets in the storeroom of our Condo building so I can put all the groceries in the cart and then go to my apartment without having to lift, which I am not permitted to do so long as the fluid build-up in my abdomen has not dissipated.

Yes, I get upset when I see people using their handicapped placards and physically walk better than I walk. But, people with heart conditions (which I also have) should be avoiding stressful walking in high heat and humidity. I also use oxygen at home if I get short of breath as my oxygen saturation will drop below 90 at times - which then becomes dangerous. I always keep oxygen in the back seat of my car.

I have been stopped several times in the past couple of months by police here in Coconut Creek and at Walmart where I food shop asking to see my handicap registration form. I like the fact that they are beginning to question whether or not people are using handicapped placards that do not belong to the driver.

abacomike

houdini1 said:

abacomike said:

About 6 weeks ago, I was at the Boca Raton Town Center Mall taking my daily walk and when returning to my car, I noticed the trunk was open. I went over to the lid, pressed the close/lock button on the top part of the trunk lid and the trunk closed and locked itself, as it should. It happened again about three weeks ago - I was adjusting the blinds in my front bedroom and when I looked out of the window I noticed my trunk deck lid was open. So I went downstairs and closed and locked the trunk. This past Monday afternoon, when looking out of my front window from my Condo, again the trunk was open. Again I went downstairs and closed and relocked the trunk. This afternoon at about 1:00 PM, I was looking out of the window to see if it was going to rain and again the trunk lid was open. After closing the trunk and locking the car again, I decided it was time to do more than pass this off as some fluke - like I was pressing against something in the Condo and inadvertently the key fob was depressed where it unlocks the trunk.

I called the Genius hotline and the Genius at the other end said he's never heard of that happening before. He did mention that maybe I had a poltergeist in my car as he laughed. I said to him that this was, "...no laughing matter considering this is South Florida and the rainy season is not far away - I did not think a trunk filled with rain water was comical!" He quickly apologized when he ascertained that I was serious about this issue. He then said that there was no way he could help me over the phone and that I should bring the car back to the dealer for service. I agreed with him.

I'm surprised at myself for not mentioning this to my Genius at my dealership this week when I over there for the carwash and eventual test drive of the 540i - I never claimed to be smart and this is why! I think it is because I thought I was the one creating the problem by not taking the key fob out of my pocked as soon as I went up to my Condo. But I remember that it happened when I was not at the Condo, but at the Mall, and I was much too far from the car to have the trunk opened by inadvertently pressing the button that opens the trunk.

I called my service advisor and she said she has not had any customers report this issue and when she looked the issue up on her computer, there were no service bulletins about it that she could find. She suggested that when I get out of my car, I should take the fob out of my pocket, lock the car, and when I am several hundred feet from the car, I could then put the fob back into my pocket. She asked me to try opening and locking the car from my window in my bedroom and look for the lights to flash and the "beep" to sound to see if my Condo unit was within range of the fob's ability to unlock doors and the trunk. I did as she asked and the car unlocked itself and emitted the beep and the lights flashed and the same thing happened when I locked the car. So I was well within range of car for the fob to operate (about 75 feet).

She said that if after following her suggestion about taking the key fob out of my pocket did no solve the problem, it would necessitate my bringing the car in for a complete diagnostic evaluation of the remote system and how the car reacts to remote input. In the meantime, she said she would speak with her shop foreman about my issue to see if he or any other advisor has come across anything like what I am experiencing.

I just got off the phone with her and she said that there was a service bulletin issued for the 5 and 7 series vehicles with the issue I described back in August, 2016, for 2016's and recently built 2017's. The fix for this problem is a "software" update that would require a two-step procedure to open the trunk remotely:

1. Unlock the car with the key fob or by the hands-free "touch" area on the door handles, and then,
2. Unlock or open the trunk using the key fob or the rear access button just above the rear license plate area.

She further stated that it would not affect opening the trunk with my foot under the rear of the car.

So, it would seem that I do not have a POLTERGEIST in my new car, but rather a GREMLIN that is causing me a bit of havoc when it comes to the trunk having a "mind of its own!"

I made an appointment for this coming Monday morning at 10:00 AM so I could avoid the morning traffic - it's a 30 mile trip each way. They are going to give me a loaner. She said it would probably be a 5 series vehicle since I own a 7 series car. She also said it takes about 3-4 hours to complete the software download and to test it out. She also wants me to bring all three key fobs with me. I also have a problem with my left side view mirror not defogging - I was going to wait until my first oil change to have that taken care of since I didn't think it was that important to have repaired right away - but she said she wants to have that issue taken care of while the car is in for service.

I am not upset or concerned about this at all. One thing that I was concerned about was a thunderstorm with heavy rain and the trunk being open. That would have created a big mess, to be sure.

So, as all of you know, I am not one to conceal an issue with a brand of car as some of our fellow posters claim happens on surveys or even here on Edmunds.

That is the type of problems I used to have with my 1987 Sterling. I think it was a poltergeist. Windows going up or down, lights going on and off, doors locking and unlocking, etc. Never was fixed. I had to get rid of the car.

Now that sounds like you actually had a poltergeist. Any car that does things by itself without my initiating the car to do it would be on a used car lot in less than 4 hours!

jmonroe

@abacomike said:

The supposed fix for this problem is a software update from BMW. But it causes another problem - I can't open or close the trunk using my key fob, my foot moving under the trunk deck, the trunk release button on my driver's door, etc., unless I first unlock the car. Once the car is unlocked, I can then open the trunk. So the car will no longer function as it was designed to function - it will require two steps instead of one. That means when I go food shopping and I need to open the trunk while carrying bags of groceries, I will no longer be able to stick my foot under the rear bumper and get the trunk opened - I will have to place the groceries on the ground, get my key fob and unlock the car, and then use the fob to open the trunk.

I say get a Genny. All I have to do is stand behind my car for about 3 or 4 seconds and the trunk opens. I don't have to balance myself while waving my leg under the rear bumper.

The more I think about this issue, the angrier and more upset I get - I will have a brand new 7 series BMW that will not function as it was designed to function. I don't like this one bit!!!

I don't blame you, I'd get a Genny.

BTW, with our litigious society today, how long do you think it will be before someone files a law suit because BMW is encouraging their owners to balance themselves while holding packages and waving their leg under the rear bumper. Is this really the German engineering we expect?

jmonroe

abacomike

I got a letter yesterday from the Nielsen ratings company - the one that rates how many people are watching a TV show or are listening to a specific radio station.  They state that they selected me to become one of their Nielsen contributors.  If I agree, they send me $15.00 a month and $50.00 after 3 months.  They send me a "receiver" that I wear on my belt that picks up signals of TV and radio stations I am listening/watching.  It looks like a small pager.  When I retire for the evening, you place this gadget in it's charging cradle.

Have any of you participated in this?  If so, what did you think about it?  Before I decide, I wanted to get some input.  Thanks!

jmonroe

abacomike said:

I got a letter yesterday from the Nielsen ratings company - the one that rates how many people are watching a TV show or are listening to a specific radio station.  They state that they selected me to become one of their Nielsen contributors.  If I agree, they send me $15.00 a month and $50.00 after 3 months.  They send me a "receiver" that I wear on my belt that picks up signals of TV and radio stations I am listening/watching.  It looks like a small pager.  When I retire for the evening, you place this gadget in it's charging cradle.

Have any of you participated in this?  If so, what did you think about it?  Before I decide, I wanted to get some input.  Thanks!

FWIW, I wouldn't wear that dog collar for any price.

It's bad enough today that our information is all over the place and we have done nothing to encourage it.

I say let them hire a private investigator with a receiver in THEIR pocket if they want to know what and when I do something.

jmonroe

ab348

oldfarmer50 said:

wow, tried to post a picture and all sorts of problems. Is Edmunds on the fritz or is my internet service slowed down by everybody chatting with grandma.

I noticed the other day that the picture-posting function seemed to have changed. Before you used to click on the little icon that looked like a piece of paper with the corner folded. Now that only lets you attach a file to the post. To get it to display inline with the post you now have to use the icon to the right of it, which supposedly looks like a picture.

driver100

jmonroe said:

abacomike said:

jmonroe said:

abacomike said:

About 6 weeks ago, I was at the Boca Raton Town Center Mall taking my daily walk and when returning to my car, I noticed the trunk was open. I went over to the lid, pressed the close/lock button on the top part of the trunk lid and the trunk closed and locked itself, as it should. It happened again about three weeks ago - I was adjusting the blinds in my front bedroom and when I looked out of the window I noticed my trunk deck lid was open. So I went downstairs and closed and locked the trunk. This past Monday afternoon, when looking out of my front window from my Condo, again the trunk was open. Again I went downstairs and closed and relocked the trunk. This afternoon at about 1:00 PM, I was looking out of the window to see if it was going to rain and again the trunk lid was open. After closing the trunk and locking the car again, I decided it was time to do more than pass this off as some fluke - like I was pressing against something in the Condo and inadvertently the key fob was depressed where it unlocks the trunk.

I called the Genius hotline and the Genius at the other end said he's never heard of that happening before. He did mention that maybe I had a poltergeist in my car as he laughed. I said to him that this was, "...no laughing matter considering this is South Florida and the rainy season is not far away - I did not think a trunk filled with rain water was comical!" He quickly apologized when he ascertained that I was serious about this issue. He then said that there was no way he could help me over the phone and that I should bring the car back to the dealer for service. I agreed with him.

I'm surprised at myself for not mentioning this to my Genius at my dealership this week when I over there for the carwash and eventual test drive of the 540i - I never claimed to be smart and this is why! I think it is because I thought I was the one creating the problem by not taking the key fob out of my pocked as soon as I went up to my Condo. But I remember that it happened when I was not at the Condo, but at the Mall, and I was much too far from the car to have the trunk opened by inadvertently pressing the button that opens the trunk.

I called my service advisor and she said she has not had any customers report this issue and when she looked the issue up on her computer, there were no service bulletins about it that she could find. She suggested that when I get out of my car, I should take the fob out of my pocket, lock the car, and when I am several hundred feet from the car, I could then put the fob back into my pocket. She asked me to try opening and locking the car from my window in my bedroom and look for the lights to flash and the "beep" to sound to see if my Condo unit was within range of the fob's ability to unlock doors and the trunk. I did as she asked and the car unlocked itself and emitted the beep and the lights flashed and the same thing happened when I locked the car. So I was well within range of car for the fob to operate (about 75 feet).

She said that if after following her suggestion about taking the key fob out of my pocket did no solve the problem, it would necessitate my bringing the car in for a complete diagnostic evaluation of the remote system and how the car reacts to remote input. In the meantime, she said she would speak with her shop foreman about my issue to see if he or any other advisor has come across anything like what I am experiencing.

I just got off the phone with her and she said that there was a service bulletin issued for the 5 and 7 series vehicles with the issue I described back in August, 2016, for 2016's and recently built 2017's. The fix for this problem is a "software" update that would require a two-step procedure to open the trunk remotely:

1. Unlock the car with the key fob or by the hands-free "touch" area on the door handles, and then,
2. Unlock or open the trunk using the key fob or the rear access button just above the rear license plate area.

She further stated that it would not affect opening the trunk with my foot under the rear of the car.

So, it would seem that I do not have a POLTERGEIST in my new car, but rather a GREMLIN that is causing me a bit of havoc when it comes to the trunk having a "mind of its own!"

I made an appointment for this coming Monday morning at 10:00 AM so I could avoid the morning traffic - it's a 30 mile trip each way. They are going to give me a loaner. She said it would probably be a 5 series vehicle since I own a 7 series car. She also said it takes about 3-4 hours to complete the software download and to test it out. She also wants me to bring all three key fobs with me. I also have a problem with my left side view mirror not defogging - I was going to wait until my first oil change to have that taken care of since I didn't think it was that important to have repaired right away - but she said she wants to have that issue taken care of while the car is in for service.

I am not upset or concerned about this at all. One thing that I was concerned about was a thunderstorm with heavy rain and the trunk being open. That would have created a big mess, to be sure.

So, as all of you know, I am not one to conceal an issue with a brand of car as some of our fellow posters claim happens on surveys or even here on Edmunds.

You know that post was more than 150 words don't you? :@

BUT, I understood every thing you said.

We haven't had a good story in here since I cut back.

jmonroe

Sorry, JM, I did not realize I had written such a long post until you mentioned it. But only 150 words? Are you sure it wasn't longer than that? Oh well, next time I'll count my words and if it hits 150, I'll go back and try to edit so it stays under.

I'm not the Word Cop in here. That distinction belongs to @driver100. He was probably in bed and I figured I'd point it out to you before he got up and jumped you for it.

Good stories HAVE to be more than 150 words.

At only 150 words you're just barely at the warm up period.

jmonroe

I think you lose half your audience at the 100 word mark, about 75% by the 150 word mark, but if you like entertaining yourself be my guest. It is the next generation that will have to pay if you use up all the cyberspace.

driver100

oldfarmer50 said:

wow, tried to post a picture and all sorts of problems. Is Edmunds on the fritz or is my internet service slowed down by everybody chatting with grandma.

Just do a link if you have to.

driver100

houdini1 said:

abacomike said:

About 6 weeks ago, I was at the Boca Raton Town Center Mall taking my daily walk and when returning to my car, I noticed the trunk was open. I went over to the lid, pressed the close/lock button on the top part of the trunk lid and the trunk closed and locked itself, as it should. It happened again about three weeks ago - I was adjusting the blinds in my front bedroom and when I looked out of the window I noticed my trunk deck lid was open. So I went downstairs and closed and locked the trunk. This past Monday afternoon, when looking out of my front window from my Condo, again the trunk was open. Again I went downstairs and closed and relocked the trunk. This afternoon at about 1:00 PM, I was looking out of the window to see if it was going to rain and again the trunk lid was open. After closing the trunk and locking the car again, I decided it was time to do more than pass this off as some fluke - like I was pressing against something in the Condo and inadvertently the key fob was depressed where it unlocks the trunk.

I called the Genius hotline and the Genius at the other end said he's never heard of that happening before. He did mention that maybe I had a poltergeist in my car as he laughed. I said to him that this was, "...no laughing matter considering this is South Florida and the rainy season is not far away - I did not think a trunk filled with rain water was comical!" He quickly apologized when he ascertained that I was serious about this issue. He then said that there was no way he could help me over the phone and that I should bring the car back to the dealer for service. I agreed with him.

I'm surprised at myself for not mentioning this to my Genius at my dealership this week when I over there for the carwash and eventual test drive of the 540i - I never claimed to be smart and this is why! I think it is because I thought I was the one creating the problem by not taking the key fob out of my pocked as soon as I went up to my Condo. But I remember that it happened when I was not at the Condo, but at the Mall, and I was much too far from the car to have the trunk opened by inadvertently pressing the button that opens the trunk.

I called my service advisor and she said she has not had any customers report this issue and when she looked the issue up on her computer, there were no service bulletins about it that she could find. She suggested that when I get out of my car, I should take the fob out of my pocket, lock the car, and when I am several hundred feet from the car, I could then put the fob back into my pocket. She asked me to try opening and locking the car from my window in my bedroom and look for the lights to flash and the "beep" to sound to see if my Condo unit was within range of the fob's ability to unlock doors and the trunk. I did as she asked and the car unlocked itself and emitted the beep and the lights flashed and the same thing happened when I locked the car. So I was well within range of car for the fob to operate (about 75 feet).

She said that if after following her suggestion about taking the key fob out of my pocket did no solve the problem, it would necessitate my bringing the car in for a complete diagnostic evaluation of the remote system and how the car reacts to remote input. In the meantime, she said she would speak with her shop foreman about my issue to see if he or any other advisor has come across anything like what I am experiencing.

I just got off the phone with her and she said that there was a service bulletin issued for the 5 and 7 series vehicles with the issue I described back in August, 2016, for 2016's and recently built 2017's. The fix for this problem is a "software" update that would require a two-step procedure to open the trunk remotely:

1. Unlock the car with the key fob or by the hands-free "touch" area on the door handles, and then,
2. Unlock or open the trunk using the key fob or the rear access button just above the rear license plate area.

She further stated that it would not affect opening the trunk with my foot under the rear of the car.

So, it would seem that I do not have a POLTERGEIST in my new car, but rather a GREMLIN that is causing me a bit of havoc when it comes to the trunk having a "mind of its own!"

I made an appointment for this coming Monday morning at 10:00 AM so I could avoid the morning traffic - it's a 30 mile trip each way. They are going to give me a loaner. She said it would probably be a 5 series vehicle since I own a 7 series car. She also said it takes about 3-4 hours to complete the software download and to test it out. She also wants me to bring all three key fobs with me. I also have a problem with my left side view mirror not defogging - I was going to wait until my first oil change to have that taken care of since I didn't think it was that important to have repaired right away - but she said she wants to have that issue taken care of while the car is in for service.

I am not upset or concerned about this at all. One thing that I was concerned about was a thunderstorm with heavy rain and the trunk being open. That would have created a big mess, to be sure.

So, as all of you know, I am not one to conceal an issue with a brand of car as some of our fellow posters claim happens on surveys or even here on Edmunds.

That is the type of problems I used to have with my 1987 Sterling. I think it was a poltergeist. Windows going up or down, lights going on and off, doors locking and unlocking, etc. Never was fixed. I had to get rid of the car.

Another odd ball car that was hard to get fixed. These oddballs are adding up.....along with Andre's Audi. It is nice to have something different, but, when these cars have problems....it is hard to get them fixed. Another strike against the Chevy SS IMO... like I say, I don't want to take an unnecessary risk on a $40k+ vehicle.

oldfarmer50

jmonroe said:

@abacomike said:

The supposed fix for this problem is a software update from BMW. But it causes another problem - I can't open or close the trunk using my key fob, my foot moving under the trunk deck, the trunk release button on my driver's door, etc., unless I first unlock the car. Once the car is unlocked, I can then open the trunk. So the car will no longer function as it was designed to function - it will require two steps instead of one. That means when I go food shopping and I need to open the trunk while carrying bags of groceries, I will no longer be able to stick my foot under the rear bumper and get the trunk opened - I will have to place the groceries on the ground, get my key fob and unlock the car, and then use the fob to open the trunk.

I say get a Genny. All I have to do is stand behind my car for about 3 or 4 seconds and the trunk opens. I don't have to balance myself while waving my leg under the rear bumper.

The more I think about this issue, the angrier and more upset I get - I will have a brand new 7 series BMW that will not function as it was designed to function. I don't like this one bit!!!

I don't blame you, I'd get a Genny.

BTW, with our litigious society today, how long do you think it will be before someone files a law suit because BMW is encouraging their owners to balance themselves while holding packages and waving their leg under the rear bumper. Is this really the German engineering we expect?

jmonroe

I think Ford came out with it first.

Mr_Shiftright

@oldfarmer50: I posted your photo for you

oldfarmer50

abacomike said:

I got a letter yesterday from the Nielsen ratings company - the one that rates how many people are watching a TV show or are listening to a specific radio station.  They state that they selected me to become one of their Nielsen contributors.  If I agree, they send me $15.00 a month and $50.00 after 3 months.  They send me a "receiver" that I wear on my belt that picks up signals of TV and radio stations I am listening/watching.  It looks like a small pager.  When I retire for the evening, you place this gadget in it's charging cradle.

Have any of you participated in this?  If so, what did you think about it?  Before I decide, I wanted to get some input.  Thanks!

Don't do it! Probably the CIA trying to track you to see where a school teacher makes enough to afford a BMW.

Come to think of it, that could explain your trunk mystery.

Better check next time the trunk is open to see if a spy is riding back there!

driver100

Mike said That means when I go food shopping and I need to open the trunk while carrying bags of groceries, I will no longer be able to stick my foot under the rear bumper and get the trunk opened - I will have to place the groceries on the ground, get my key fob and unlock the car, and then use the fob to open the trunk.

Before I start out, I gave you an lol for explaining that of course you keep your key FOB in your pocket...and not in your underwear.....though that might be worth a try. However, and I don't mean to be mocking or anything, but it is funny that you are talking about putting groceries on the ground and getting out your FOB like we are going back to caveman days....I mean this trunk leg waving thing is only a few years old....we had to get out our FOBs for decades and we all survived.

I am just joking and I understand how frustrating that is for you on a new car. I am not sure why you just don't lock the car with the FOB as you walk away....a pain, but, it should get fixed in a few days.

oldfarmer50

Hey, your suggestions worked. Thanks guys!

Anyway, I was checking out that new Dodge Demon to figure out just what 840hp would do for my manhood when I spotted THIS:



1000hp with 1000+ torque?

Who'd need Viagra if you drove that?

thebean

abacomike said:

I got a letter yesterday from the Nielsen ratings company - the one that rates how many people are watching a TV show or are listening to a specific radio station.  They state that they selected me to become one of their Nielsen contributors.  If I agree, they send me $15.00 a month and $50.00 after 3 months.  They send me a "receiver" that I wear on my belt that picks up signals of TV and radio stations I am listening/watching.  It looks like a small pager.  When I retire for the evening, you place this gadget in it's charging cradle.

Have any of you participated in this?  If so, what did you think about it?  Before I decide, I wanted to get some input.  Thanks!

If you do this, and even think of tuning into any Kardashian related programming, I will personally come down to Florida and smash they receiver to smithereens.  

abacomike

thebean said:

abacomike said:

I got a letter yesterday from the Nielsen ratings company - the one that rates how many people are watching a TV show or are listening to a specific radio station.  They state that they selected me to become one of their Nielsen contributors.  If I agree, they send me $15.00 a month and $50.00 after 3 months.  They send me a "receiver" that I wear on my belt that picks up signals of TV and radio stations I am listening/watching.  It looks like a small pager.  When I retire for the evening, you place this gadget in it's charging cradle.

Have any of you participated in this?  If so, what did you think about it?  Before I decide, I wanted to get some input.  Thanks!

If you do this, and even think of tuning into any Kardashian related programming, I will personally come down to Florida and smash they receiver to smithereens.  

Not a chance!!! 

berri

That is the type of problems I used to have with my 1987 Sterling. I think it was a poltergeist.
Houdini. Had a friend back in the 60's who liked British offbeat cars. Had a Ford Anglia and then a Hillman. Both were a little nuts at times. The Hillman was the worst. Hitting the brakes would sometimes cause the wiper to go on for a moment and the radio had a mind of its own (but luckily not in a Christine sort of way). I believe the Sterling had British involvement with Honda. So I think your poltergeist was actually called Lucas electronics.

Mr_Shiftright

The Sterling was supposed to combine British driver comforts with Japanese reliability, but you got British reliability with Japanese driver comforts.

berri

I got a letter yesterday from the Nielsen ratings company

Aba - Did this years back when we still had kids in the house. They wanted each TV tracked, but in those days it was manual, fill in forms. Personally, I thought it was more hassle than the money was worth. Also had a run with Price Waterhouse Coopers doing a similar survey on US mail performance. You think I would have learned, but it too was a pain in the rear. Don't think it will take me three times before I'm out

As for big brother spying - if you are on the Internet they probably already have you pretty much figured out through various algorithms from your cookies, logs and the like.

qbrozen

oldfarmer50 said:

@abacomike said:

The supposed fix for this problem is a software update from BMW. But it causes another problem - I can't open or close the trunk using my key fob, my foot moving under the trunk deck, the trunk release button on my driver's door, etc., unless I first unlock the car. Once the car is unlocked, I can then open the trunk. So the car will no longer function as it was designed to function - it will require two steps instead of one. That means when I go food shopping and I need to open the trunk while carrying bags of groceries, I will no longer be able to stick my foot under the rear bumper and get the trunk opened - I will have to place the groceries on the ground, get my key fob and unlock the car, and then use the fob to open the trunk.

I say get a Genny. All I have to do is stand behind my car for about 3 or 4 seconds and the trunk opens. I don't have to balance myself while waving my leg under the rear bumper.

The more I think about this issue, the angrier and more upset I get - I will have a brand new 7 series BMW that will not function as it was designed to function. I don't like this one bit!!!

I don't blame you, I'd get a Genny.

BTW, with our litigious society today, how long do you think it will be before someone files a law suit because BMW is encouraging their owners to balance themselves while holding packages and waving their leg under the rear bumper. Is this really the German engineering we expect?

jmonroe

I think Ford came out with it first.

Hmmm...I think Chrysler did.

driver100

Ford's idea!

It says it is made so animals don't set it off. I have walked behind the car and somehow Gigi ran just under the bumper and opened the trunk. Another time it opened when I was at the do it yourself car wash, but I think I hit the key FOB. Never works when I actually want to do it.

Someday JMonroe will be standing behind his car talking to a neighbor and his automatic trunk opener will raise the trunk, hit his neighbor in the head, and he will get sued.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe said:

@abacomike said:



The supposed fix for this problem is a software update from BMW. But it causes another problem - I can't open or close the trunk using my key fob, my foot moving under the trunk deck, the trunk release button on my driver's door, etc., unless I first unlock the car. Once the car is unlocked, I can then open the trunk. So the car will no longer function as it was designed to function - it will require two steps instead of one. That means when I go food shopping and I need to open the trunk while carrying bags of groceries, I will no longer be able to stick my foot under the rear bumper and get the trunk opened - I will have to place the groceries on the ground, get my key fob and unlock the car, and then use the fob to open the trunk.



I say get a Genny. All I have to do is stand behind my car for about 3 or 4 seconds and the trunk opens. I don't have to balance myself while waving my leg under the rear bumper.



The more I think about this issue, the angrier and more upset I get - I will have a brand new 7 series BMW that will not function as it was designed to function. I don't like this one bit!!!



I don't blame you, I'd get a Genny.



BTW, with our litigious society today, how long do you think it will be before someone files a law suit because BMW is encouraging their owners to balance themselves while holding packages and waving their leg under the rear bumper. Is this really the German engineering we expect?



jmonroe

I think Ford came out with it first.

Hmmm...I think Chrysler did.

What? Stinky old Chrysler had innovations before the noble euro crowd? Nah, you're making that up!

driver100

thebean said:

abacomike said:

I got a letter yesterday from the Nielsen ratings company - the one that rates how many people are watching a TV show or are listening to a specific radio station.  They state that they selected me to become one of their Nielsen contributors.  If I agree, they send me $15.00 a month and $50.00 after 3 months.  They send me a "receiver" that I wear on my belt that picks up signals of TV and radio stations I am listening/watching.  It looks like a small pager.  When I retire for the evening, you place this gadget in it's charging cradle.

Have any of you participated in this?  If so, what did you think about it?  Before I decide, I wanted to get some input.  Thanks!

If you do this, and even think of tuning into any Kardashian related programming, I will personally come down to Florida and smash they receiver to smithereens.  

At one time I would have done it, but there are too many annoying scams around these days. This is probably real though, not much to gain with this kind of information, but, I am tired of trying to figure out if these things are scams or not....so I just say NO!. You asked............

I see some companies will do your taxes online for free. In the report I saw it is because they hope to use the information they can glean from someone's tax forms. They may not sell the list, but they may sell the information.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe said:

@abacomike said:

The supposed fix for this problem is a software update from BMW. But it causes another problem - I can't open or close the trunk using my key fob, my foot moving under the trunk deck, the trunk release button on my driver's door, etc., unless I first unlock the car. Once the car is unlocked, I can then open the trunk. So the car will no longer function as it was designed to function - it will require two steps instead of one. That means when I go food shopping and I need to open the trunk while carrying bags of groceries, I will no longer be able to stick my foot under the rear bumper and get the trunk opened - I will have to place the groceries on the ground, get my key fob and unlock the car, and then use the fob to open the trunk.

I say get a Genny. All I have to do is stand behind my car for about 3 or 4 seconds and the trunk opens. I don't have to balance myself while waving my leg under the rear bumper.

The more I think about this issue, the angrier and more upset I get - I will have a brand new 7 series BMW that will not function as it was designed to function. I don't like this one bit!!!

I don't blame you, I'd get a Genny.

BTW, with our litigious society today, how long do you think it will be before someone files a law suit because BMW is encouraging their owners to balance themselves while holding packages and waving their leg under the rear bumper. Is this really the German engineering we expect?

jmonroe

I think Ford came out with it first.

OK, then tell @abacomike to get a Ford. Good luck with that suggestion. There ain't no way in hell that he'd ever buy a Genny, so a Ford has no chance either.

FWIW, does it really matter who did it first?

All I know is, going through contortions to open your trunk is not the best way to do it. Another case of trying to be too cute and it backfires on you.

If Genesis calls their trunk opening feature "Smart Trunk", it's only fair to call BMW's feature "Dumb Trunk". But there is no denying that there is a huge difference in the trunk badge.

jmonroe

jmonroe

oldfarmer50 said:

Hey, your suggestions worked. Thanks guys!

Anyway, I was checking out that new Dodge Demon to figure out just what 840hp would do for my manhood when I spotted THIS:



1000hp with 1000+ torque?

Who'd need Viagra if you drove that?

Yeah, and the car will run for more than 4 hours.

jmonroe

fintail

British electrics - those are considered "features". Like how a CEL is considered extra dashboard illumination on VAG products

I've been to the Hofbrauhaus in Vegas, I'd rather go to one in Germany

houdini1 said:

abacomike said:

About 6 weeks ago, I was at the Boca Raton Town Center Mall tak
That is the type of problems I used to have with my 1987 Sterling. I think it was a poltergeist. Windows going up or down, lights going on and off, doors locking and unlocking, etc. Never was fixed. I had to get rid of the car.

oldfarmer50

jmonroe said:

oldfarmer50 said:

Hey, your suggestions worked. Thanks guys!

Anyway, I was checking out that new Dodge Demon to figure out just what 840hp would do for my manhood when I spotted THIS:



1000hp with 1000+ torque?

Who'd need Viagra if you drove that?

Yeah, and the car will run for more than 4 hours.

jmonroe

If the effects of Viagra ever lasted more than 4 hours I would be running to the bar to brag. I wouldn't be running to no doctor!

Similar to what you'd do if you owned a 1000hp car.

driver100

jmonroe said:

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe said:

@abacomike said:

The supposed fix for this problem is a software update from BMW. But it causes another problem - I can't open or close the trunk using my key fob, my foot moving under the trunk deck, the trunk release button on my driver's door, etc., unless I first unlock the car. Once the car is unlocked, I can then open the trunk. So the car will no longer function as it was designed to function - it will require two steps instead of one. That means when I go food shopping and I need to open the trunk while carrying bags of groceries, I will no longer be able to stick my foot under the rear bumper and get the trunk opened - I will have to place the groceries on the ground, get my key fob and unlock the car, and then use the fob to open the trunk.

I say get a Genny. All I have to do is stand behind my car for about 3 or 4 seconds and the trunk opens. I don't have to balance myself while waving my leg under the rear bumper.

The more I think about this issue, the angrier and more upset I get - I will have a brand new 7 series BMW that will not function as it was designed to function. I don't like this one bit!!!

I don't blame you, I'd get a Genny.

BTW, with our litigious society today, how long do you think it will be before someone files a law suit because BMW is encouraging their owners to balance themselves while holding packages and waving their leg under the rear bumper. Is this really the German engineering we expect?

jmonroe

I think Ford came out with it first.

OK, then tell @abacomike to get a Ford. Good luck with that suggestion. There ain't no way in hell that he'd ever buy a Genny, so a Ford has no chance either.

FWIW, does it really matter who did it first?

All I know is, going through contortions to open your trunk is not the best way to do it. Another case of trying to be too cute and it backfires on you.

If Genesis calls their trunk opening feature "Smart Trunk", it's only fair to call BMW's feature "Dumb Trunk". But there is no denying that there is a huge difference in the trunk badge.

jmonroe

BMW's should be called the "Smart Trunk" Since you have to stand on one leg it also tests you to make sure you haven't been drinking. That is probably the real reason you bought the Gennie with the fancy trunk opener where you just have to stand there.

houdini1

Mr_Shiftright said:

The Sterling was supposed to combine British driver comforts with Japanese reliability, but you got British reliability with Japanese driver comforts.

Pretty much !

Michaell

The AC in the Jetta doesn't want to blow cold air. Took it to the dealer this morning, and I'm currently driving this:

murphydog

Just back from spring break in Arizona - must have brought some sun with me back up here to Seattle, only about 40 degrees cooler.

Anyway each time we visit Arizona we seem to like it more and more. So much to see and do outside. We went to an old mining town (Crown King) that was 27 miles in on a forest service road. In Washington most of the forest service roads are becoming impassible, and the local tree huggers seem to like that as one should not drive a car into the wild anyway.

Also spend a day up in Sedona, a day driving a Can-An Maverick (totally fun!) and a couple of rounds of golf.

Yes I have been there in August and September, perfect for visiting places like Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon, and trust me the 3 month hot season is shorter than the 9 month gray and rain season in the Pacific Northwest.

Don't get me wrong, love my home town and amazed how the economy is just on full boil up here! I wish I was in a financial position to visit AZ once a month October - May just to keep my spirits up.

One other observation, yesterday on the trek up I-17 to Sedona. Speed limit is 75 nearly the whole way, but there was just enough stupid people who refused the yield the left lane to drive speeds down to as low as 35 at times. Several of the "look at me I am going 80...uh-oh about to pass some scary looking semi-trucks, better stay in the left lane, but slow down to 40 till I pass 'em..." Never understood that logic. I alway try to minimize the time I am next to a big rig - no need to dilly-dally in their blind spots

Michaell

@murphydog - been to Sedona a few times over the years. Love the golf courses there. Arizona is one of the places we are thinking of relocating to.

imidazol97

We've done Nielson several times. But we were given log books to fill in for whatever was watched on the two televisions or VCRs.

It would be easier to do it electronically bypassing filling in the times and items watched. I thought it was fun to be able to determine ratings for the things I liked and thought it was interesting that my watching was increasing their cost for advertising on that show to the sponsors.

driver100

Michaell said:

The AC in the Jetta doesn't want to blow cold air. Took it to the dealer this morning, and I'm currently driving this:

How did you like the Passat? The back seat seems like a limo, it is pretty large. I was amazed at the features and the build quality considering the price. The 2013 was pretty gutless though, I think the new one's come with much needed turbos though.

Guess the Jetta is under warranty?

abacomike

imidazol97 said:

We've done Nielson several times. But we were given log books to fill in for whatever was watched on the two televisions or VCRs.

It would be easier to do it electronically bypassing filling in the times and items watched. I thought it was fun to be able to determine ratings for the things I liked and thought it was interesting that my watching was increasing their cost for advertising on that show to the sponsors.

I've decided to try it out for a couple of months.  They send two transmitters that I plug in which send the data to the Nielsen company.  Also, they send this data collector (like a beeper) that I wear when out of the house.  It picks up satellite radio selections, FM broadcasts I listen to in the car, and even an adapter for my iPhone when I listen to music.  Of course it picks up cable channels I watch.  At night, I put the data collector into its cradle and it not only charges the collector, but also sends the data collected to Nielsen every night.  So, we'll try it out - I can cancel at any time.

oldfarmer50

Michaell said:

The AC in the Jetta doesn't want to blow cold air. Took it to the dealer this morning, and I'm currently driving this:

AC problems on a new car? Let me know what they find out, I turned the AC on in the Ford the other day and it didn't seem as screaming cold as I remember. Thought it was my imagination.

Funny, it was always GM products that I had AC problems with.

berri

Better be careful on some of those movies

berri

They had several Passat's among the full sized offerings in Hertz Gold when I was in San Diego last month. The open spaces looked like a few people chose them. There were actually quite a few choices. In general, if the open spaces were legitimate indicators, the Japanese stuff seemed to move, the Korean not so much. The Malibu, Fusion and Passat seemed in between.

cdnpinhead

For my money, Phoenix has six months of summer, 15 Apr to 15 Oct. It can be 100 degrees or higher any of those days and it's virtually guaranteed to be 90 or higher. When the humidity increases in July-Sept is when it stays 100 or above until midnight and the low for the day, usually about 6 am, is 90-94. Some like it. I don't.

The weather's quite pleasant from November to March, but the days are shorter and everything (particularly the roads) is clogged up with masses of tourists.

http://southwestweather.com/wx/wx100degreeday.php

abacomike

cdnpinhead said:

For my money, Phoenix has six months of summer, 15 Apr to 15 Oct. It can be 100 degrees or higher any of those days and it's virtually guaranteed to be 90 or higher. When the humidity increases in July-Sept is when it stays 100 or above until midnight and the low for the day, usually about 6 am, is 90-94. Some like it. I don't.

The weather's quite pleasant from November to March, but the days are shorter and everything (particularly the roads) is clogged up with masses of tourists.

http://southwestweather.com/wx/wx100degreeday.php

Yes, pinhead, I agree with your assessment. I lived in Palm Desert for many years and we were much dryer, but hotter, than Phoenix. Phoenix gets the monsoonal rains from the Baja (Gulf of California) and the Pacific coast of the Baja with major amounts of rain and lots of thunderstorms from late July through September. My son lived in Phoenix for a few years and when I visited him, the humidity was worse than South Florida and the Temps were in the 100's. As you said, the late Fall and Winter and Early Spring months are gorgeous, but the months of July, August and September can be brutal.

Michaell

It was a 2016 Passat SE with the 1.8T engine. Yes, the back seat and trunk were huge. Easily swallowed the groceries needed for breakfast and dinner tomorrow for 5. 

And, the wife actually liked it. Could see it as a replacement for the Jetta when the lease is up. 

The Jetta has 3800 miles on it and needed a couple of new valves and a drain / refill of the refrigerant. All under warranty. 

ab348

That engine in the Passat is rated at 170hp I believe. Doesn't seem like much for a car that size. How did it move?

thebean

We stayed in Flagstaff when we visited the Grand Canyon last spring.  Loved the weather there.  Looks like it doesn't get that hot in the summer.  I'd like to try it for a year or so to see if we like it more than Texas.  The summers here are brutal.

Michaell

ab348 said:

That engine in the Passat is rated at 170hp I believe. Doesn't seem like much for a car that size. How did it move?

The wife wanted to know how it moved. She was impressed when I floored it.

qbrozen

Could have sworn I saw a commercial years ago for a minivan having that foot waving thing, but google is turning up nothing so maybe my memory is failing me.

tjc78

Pretty sure Ford started it with the Escape.  

fordfool

abacomike said:

(we wear shorts down here year-round, by the way).

Compulsory plaid with white shoes and black socks.

There is a possibility that the trunk receptor is overly sensitive and is being activated by other folk's remotes as they open or lock their cars.