bmw e60 cruise control malfunction

4 Potential Causes of BMW Cruise Control Malfunction

BMW cruise controls are designed to make your driving experience more enjoyable and efficient. However, there might be times when you experience a cruise control malfunction, which could be caused by several factors.

In this article, we’ll explore BMW cruise control malfunctions, their common causes, and how to address them. Stay tuned as we delve into this essential feature of your BMW and provide valuable insights on keeping it in proper working order.

Common Signs of Cruise Control Malfunction

The first sign of a cruise control malfunction in your BMW is typically a warning light appearing on the dashboard. This light serves as a response to an issue detected by the car’s system and could indicate a potential problem. Let’s discuss some common causes of cruise control malfunctions.

One possible cause for a cruise control malfunction is a blown fuse. Fuses protect the electrical system from damage, and if one related to the cruise control system blows, the system becomes non-operational. Replacing the blown fuse may resolve the issue.

Another potential issue is related to the battery. Sometimes, a weak or dying battery may not supply enough power to the cruise control system, leading to a malfunction. In such cases, it’s a good idea to check your battery and replace it if necessary.

A dirty speed sensor can also cause problems with your cruise control system. The speed sensor measures your vehicle’s speed and assists the cruise control in maintaining a constant speed. If this sensor becomes dirty or damaged, it may send incorrect signals to the system. Cleaning or replacing the speed sensor may eliminate the issue.

Wiring problems can also contribute to cruise control malfunctions. Over time, wiring connections may corrode or wear out, affecting the electrical components the cruise control system relies on. Fixing or replacing the wiring is necessary to ensure proper functioning.

A dirty or damaged throttle control may be the culprit. The throttle control helps manage your engine’s speed while in cruise control mode. If it’s dirty or damaged, it won’t work correctly, leading to a malfunction. Cleaning or replacing the throttle control should help solve the problem.

Potential Causes of Cruise Control Malfunction

Failed sensors.

One possible cause of a BMW cruise control malfunction can be attributed to failed or dirty sensors, such as speed sensors. These sensors communicate with your vehicle’s computer, providing crucial information for cruise control to function properly. If any of these sensors become dirty or malfunction, the cruise control may not work correctly. Cleaning or replacing faulty sensors might resolve the issue, but it’s always best to consult with a mechanic or your local BMW dealer to diagnose and fix the problem accurately.

Faulty Fuses

A faulty or blown fuse might be the root cause of the cruise control malfunction. Fuses are responsible for protecting the electrical system, and if one blows, it can cause various components to stop functioning. To check if this is the problem, you can consult your vehicle’s wiring diagram or take it to a garage to have a professional look at it. If a blown fuse is discovered, replacing it might restore the cruise control function.

Communication Mishaps

Occasionally, communication between the vehicle’s computer and the control modules might be interrupted, causing a cruise control malfunction. This issue can result from multiple sources, such as damaged wiring or a faulty control module. To accurately diagnose the problem, it’s recommended to use BMW’s ISTA software or consult with a BMW dealer or professional mechanic who can analyze your vehicle’s communication system and resolve the issue.

Malfunctioning Actuators

Actuators, like vacuum actuators, are responsible for controlling the throttle and maintaining a constant speed while using cruise control. If these components malfunction, your cruise control might not work as expected. This issue can be caused by a worn-out or damaged actuator or problems within the vacuum system. If you suspect that your vehicle might have issues with the actuators, it’s advisable to consult a professional mechanic or your local BMW dealer to diagnose and correct the problem.

Steps to Resolve Cruise Control Issues

In this section, we will discuss how to resolve BMW cruise control malfunctions. We will look at some DIY fixes you can try, along with professional repairs that may be necessary.

First, let’s consider some DIY fixes for your BMW cruise control issues. One common issue is a blown fuse. Check your vehicle’s fuse box to locate the cruise control fuse, and inspect it to see if it’s blown. If so, simply replace it with a new fuse.

Next, you should inspect the speed sensor, as a dirty or damaged sensor can cause cruise control malfunctions. Gently clean the sensor with a cloth to remove any debris or dirt. If you notice damage or suspect a faulty sensor, consult your BMW owner’s manual or a garage for guidance on replacing it.

Wiring issues might also lead to a malfunctioning cruise control system. Inspect the wiring harness for any visible damage or signs of wear. If you’re comfortable with automotive repairs, you may be able to fix any wiring issues yourself; otherwise, seek professional assistance.

Professional Repairs

If the DIY fixes above don’t resolve the cruise control malfunction, it’s time to consult a professional. Make an appointment at your local BMW dealer, as they will have access to specialized diagnostic tools, such as ISTA, to identify the issue.

In some cases, your BMW’s cruise control malfunction may be covered under warranty. Consult your vehicle’s warranty documentation to see if you’re eligible for coverage. Even if the repair isn’t covered, it’s wise to have your BMW dealer handle the repairs to ensure the problem is properly diagnosed and resolved.

Some issues that may require professional repairs include faulty actuators, communication problems between your vehicle’s modules, and software updates. Remember, it’s always best to trust the experts when it comes to your BMW’s advanced systems, to ensure a safe and reliable driving experience.

In conclusion, it’s essential to diagnose the problem of a BMW cruise control malfunction accurately. Some common reasons include a blown fuse, battery issues, dirty speed sensor, wiring issues, or a damaged throttle control.

It’s always best to consult with a professional mechanic or visit a BMW service center to resolve the issue. By taking the necessary steps, you can maintain the optimal performance of your BMW cruise control system and enjoy a safe and comfortable driving experience.

I'm the founder of Daily Car Tips. I wrote articles in the automotive industry for more than 10 years, published in USA and Europe. I love sharing my knowledge and insights with fellow enthusiasts. Join me on this journey as we explore the exciting world of cars together!

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Cruise control stopped working - solved

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I lost cruise control functionality. Any suggestions as to what to check next? All fuses are intact and there is power to the connector side of the cruise control module.Thanks for your help.

Cable, brake light switch

+1 above and also id like to add, in rare cases I have heard that bad brake light bulb connection on the rear can cause issues with cruise control. I know this is an issue in the E28s and seems to affect some E32s.

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check the bushings of throttle cable and cruise control https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...epair-for-1-72

Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

Xalt, Shogun: I get to look at everything mechanical and they're ok. Basing on the schematic diagram, I see all voltages going to the connector that plugs into the cruise control module except pin 3 which is B+ and comes from the shifter position P or N. I did not lose cruise control while the car was moving but it's like today I used it and then tomorrow it's gone and it was that time when I have to drive 800 miles with no cruise control and stiffer than normal gas pedal. way too much exercise for my right foot ... �� - - - Updated - - - SergeBMW: I didn't have and still don't have a brake lights warning but I'll check them just to make sure. Thanks.

I once had an intermittent cruise control actuator that had a bad solder joint. It would stop working when the engine bay was too hot. Will your cruise sometimes resume working during your 800 mile trip?

E32Fan: It's dead ever since and that's more than a week now. How did you find out that it's the actuator that was bad?

Originally Posted by joleonie E32Fan:How did you find out that it's the actuator that was bad? 12V applied to pins 1 and 4 will turn the gearmotor and you will hear it running, CW or CCW as you like. But nothing happens until 12V is applied to the clutch solenoid at pins 2 and 3. You will hear the snap of the armature, which pushes the gearmotor pinion onto the red capstan gear, which winds the Bowden cable and the coiled spring. Don't force travel past the limits. If these parts work OK then you can check the potentiometer at pins 5, 6, and 8. You can pry off the round black inspection cover and you will see the pinion. No need to open the cover - just look through the inspection hole.

You have a 1990 M30. I do also and I don't have EML. I have two cables together. One going to the gas pedal and one going to the cruise control box. A few years ago my cruise control cable snapped so I replaced them both. Are you sure your problem is nothing more than a broken cable? Click my youtube video below and at the very beginning you'll see both cables.

Last edited by CroughtonE32; 09-25-2017 at 08:53 PM .

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E32FAN: I will test the motor and clutch of the actuator today and we'll see what happens. I am actually leaning towards electrical problem maybe on the module side. I had this car for the 3rd week now and slowly I am coming across intermittent problems here and there including transmission not shifting to 3rd gear yesterday on city streets, from a stand still on a red light and parking light warning and license plate light warning etc. I love this car. - - - Updated - - - CroughtonE32: I checked the cruise control cable and it is okay but I will check again just to make sure. Thanks.

Update: Cruise control is working again. I tried what E32FAN did to the actuator and it's the clutch that got stuck or something. I tried to energize it and only on the 4th try did I hear a fairly loud click. Took the car for a test drive and confirmed it's working. Thanks for all your help. Much appreciated.

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Check out Moscow’s NEW electric river trams (PHOTOS)

Water transportation has become another sector for the eco-friendly improvements the Moscow government is implementing. And it means business. On July 15, 2021, on the dock of Moscow’s ‘Zaryadye’ park, mayor Sergey Sobyanin was shown the first model of the upcoming river cruise boat.

The model of the electrical boat with panoramic windows measures 22 meters in length. The river tram - as Muscovites call them - has a passenger capacity of 42, including two disabled seats. The trams will also get cutting edge info panels, USB docking stations, Wi-Fi, spaces for scooters and bicycles, as well as chairs and desks for working on the go. The boats will be available all year round, according to ‘Mosgortrans’, the regional transport agency. 

Passengers will be able to pay with their ‘Troika’ public transport card, credit cards or bank cards. 

The main clientele targeted are people living in Moscow’s river districts - the upcoming trams will shorten their travel time in comparison to buses and other transportation by five times, Mosgortrans stated. 

As the river trams are being rolled out, Moscow docks will also see mini-stations, some of which will also be outfitted with charging docks for speed-charging the boats.  

Moscow is set to announce the start of the tender for construction and supply in September 2021. The first trams are scheduled to launch in June 2022 on two routes - from Kievskaya Station, through Moscow City, into Fili; and from ZIL to Pechatniki. 

“Two full-scale routes will be created in 2022-2023, serviced by 20 river trams and a number of river stations. We’ll continue to develop them further if they prove to be popular with the citizens,” the Moscow mayor said .

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Shooter Files by f.d. walker

Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

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• E60 / E61 (2004 - 2010)

Active Cruise Control (Malfunction)

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I just coded and enabled every option that deals with ACC there were a few lines in modules KOMBI, CAPPL that needed to be set aktiv And after coding I drive says there's a malfunction, even when I press the cruise control stalk no lights or symbols light up even before coding I tried using the regular cruise control which works but there isn't a symbol that lights up in the cluster (is that normal?) I also have the little radar antenna inside my front bumper (does that at least clarify that I do have ACC?) Any help is appreciated thanks Info of car model and year is in my sig Thanks PS - I never had this option enabled but I tried playing with the tire pressure monitor earlier today it worked I saw green tires in idrive etc, but not when I go into idrive the TPM column is greyed out  

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With the regular cruise control, the indication of a set speed is a green/red LED in the perimeter of the speedo. In addition, the speed is indicated in the upper center display for a few seconds after setting it (duration can be changed by coding). No idea how that is solved with ACC, though. There are a few websites that give you the options on your car when you punch in the VIN. Use forum search!  

I did use the search forum also Google nothing explained the problem in having on source said it can be the radar in a diff position but I checked it and it's sitting pretty straight and tight no signs of water corrosion or anything on the plug etc Also the regular cruise control works but no indicator lights up on the cluster Check my vin order and it doesn't say I have acc but I do have cruise control but that's weird because I have the radar in my bumper Is that for the adaptive cruise control ? I read this is completely different than acc  

A quick Google search gave me the E60 manual . On page 61ff of the PDF, you get plenty of detail of what you should be seeing in the instrument cluster, including the "Stored desired speed display" I mentioned in my previous message. If your cruise control stalk has that rotary dial, you have Active Cruise Control. If it doesn't, you don't.  

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