Questions and Answers

BMW 325is Has Erratic Cruise Control Q. Dear Mr. Ciulla, The cruise control unit was replaced at 100,000. The cruise control operates intermittently, sometimes engaging immediately, then releasing shortly afterward; or "fading", losing speed, but re-setting itself if helped along by pressing the accelerator for a while, or not setting immediately but activating suddenly and unexpectedly sometime later.

• 1994 BMW 325is
• 2.5 liter DOHC
• Manual transmission
• 180,000 miles
• Fuel Injection
• ABS brakes
• P/S, A/C, Cruise control
• Rack and pinion steering

I have a Haynes manual, and just purchased a Bentley manual, but seems there's not much discussion about diagnosing or repair. Help?

Jim
Fort Worth, TX

A. There was a recall on the cruise control cables. I would check with your BMW Dealer and see if it the recall was performed. If not, it should be performed before we do anything else.

If it has been done, then the cable is probably in need of adjustment.

Check the amount of free play in the cruise control bowden cable. There should be a maximum of 2 mm of play past the throttle lever. Measure the play by pulling out the mushroom head of the cable end and checking the distance from the tip to the edge of the white plastic saddle piece. Refer to the illustration below:

If the cable cannot be adjusted to 2 mm or less free play, the cruise control bowden cable must be replaced with a shorter cable, P/N 65 71 8 36 39 26.