diagnostics BMW 528i 1998 E39 User Guide

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I lgnition System
Additional information about DTCs and engine management
system electronic system diagnosis is provided in
OBD On-
Board Diagnostics.
Table a. Engine management systems
Year
l~ngine I Engine type IDME svstem I - I - . . I
Ignition system
1997-1 998
1997
1998
1999-2002
4 All engines use a distributorless ignition system with individ-
ual ignition coils for each cylinder. There is no distributor cap
or ignition rotor.
4 Each coil is controlled and monitored by the Engine Control
Module (ECM) on a cylinder-by-cylinder basis.
1999-2000
1~52 TU 16-cylinder l~iemens MS
42.0
M62
M62
M62TU
Siemens MS 41 .I M52 6-cylinder
V-8
V-8 V-8 Bosch
M 5.2
Bosch M 5.2.1
Bosch ME 7.2

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120-6
lgnition System
lgnition system, troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ignition system faults should begin with an
interrogation of the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD
II) system.
The OBD
II system detects ignition system misfire and other
related faults. When faults are detected, the OBD
II system
stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the Engine Con-
trol Module (ECM) along with other pertinent fault information.
4 In addition, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will come on
if an emissions related fault is detected. Additional OBD
II in-
formation, including a DTC lookup table, can be found in
OED On-Board Diagnostics.
NOTE-
BMWmodels covered in this manual were equipped with one
of three versions of
MIL warning lights (as shown).
Misfire detection
Engine m~sfire in one or more cylinders, may be caused by a
var~ety of malfunctions in various subsystems. The OBD II
system ~ncorporated into the engine management systems is
des~gned to detect and warn of misfire faults during englne
operat~on. See OED On Board Diagnostics.
WARNING -
lgnition misfires can cause high hydrocarbon exhaust emis-
sions andcatalytic converter damage. For this reason, if a se-
vere misfire is detected, the fuel injector
will be turned off to
the specific cylinder and the
MIL will be illuminated. A misfire
may also produce an overheated catalytic converter, which
can be a fire hazard.
Oscilloscope diagnostic diagrams
One way to diagnose a faulty coil is to use an oscilloscope to
analyze spark quality with the engine running.
See Table b. lgnition secondary voltage diagnostics for
list of common ignition
coil voltage faults and related causes.

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120-7
Ignition System
Spark plug electrode gap /Too small /TOO big
Table
b. Ignition secondary voltage diagnostics
Secondary
voltage low
Fuel air mixture
I I Too lean
Secondary
voltage high
Spark plug electrode
Worniburnt
4 The illustration shows normal scope trace of spark at idle.
1. Start of ignition voltage peak
2 Level of ignition voltage
3. Level of combustion voltage
4. Period of combustion
5. Combustion curve characteristics
6. Start of decay process
7. Termination oscillations
Spark plug electrode
temperature
Engine compression
Spark plug wires
4 Short combustion period (indicates large spark plug gap).
Too
high
Too
low
I"" 9, 10 I" to I!, r) i" 21 10 il bW,rn?7G
Too low
Too high
Faulty
4 Ignition spark at idle speed.
A - Normal ignition voltage peak (spark plug is good).
B - Low voltage peak is an indication of a closed plug gap.
C
- High voltage peak indicates an open plug gap.
< Long combustion period (indicates small spark plug gap).
~i,+i!,~,i~tiii~iit~~,t1!lc,',l~~4~l~,~,l,~+~{+',,l 1W W Sl ,@ 10 :o 9 20 21 10 0

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Battery, Starter, Alternator
Water-cooled alternator
The water-cooled alternator, used on 1999 and later M62 TU
engines, is a sealed unit housed inside the engine block wa-
ter jacket. It is cooled via the engine cooling system. It is a
"brushless" sealed unit that cannot be serviced. Maintaining
consistent alternator temperatures increases the life span of
the alternator, and elimination of the alternator cooling fan re-
duces alternator noise
significantly.
The M62 TU water-cooled alternator incorporates load start
reduction. This function is intended to shorten the duration of
engine starting, particularly at low ambienttemperatures. The
current load is limited to
20 amps during starting in order to re-
duce alternator braking torque on the engine. Following the
current limiting phase, full power output is then progressively
reached.
Charging system diagnostics requires special test equip-
ment. If the test equipment is not available, charging system
fault diagnosis can be performed by an authorized
BMW
dealer or other qualified repair shop. See Table a. Battery,
alternator and starter troubleshooting for general electri-
cal component troubleshooting.
Before checking the alternator, make sure the battery is fully
charged and capable of holding a charge. Check that the bat-
tery terminals are clean and tight and the alternator drive belt
is properly tensioned and not severely worn.
NOTE-
Some model require up to 15 second to reacli full alternator
output.
CA UTIOG
If the charge indicator light in the instrument cluster remains
on, the charge warning circuit in the instrument cluster may
be faulty. Check that the ground lead is securely
affached to
the grounding stud on the cylinder head
(A). Replacing the
instrument cluster before repairing the ground lead will both
damage the instrument cluster and cause the failure to
reoccur.

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130-2
/Fuel Injection
This repair group covers service and repair of the Bosch and
Siemens engine management systems used on
1997
through 2002 E39 models. Additional engine management
service and repair information may also be found in the fol-
lowing repair groups:
0 020 Maintenance
120 Ignition System
160 Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump
610 Electrical Component Locations
OBD On Board Diagnostics
NOTE-
Camshaft position sensor, crankshaft speed sensor and
knoclc sensors are covered in 120 Ignition System.
Table a. Engine management system applications
- - ~ ~
1 ~odellmodel year / Engine IDME system I - I
5281, 1997-1 998 IM52. 2.8 liter ISiemens MS 41 .I I 1
528i. 1999ZO00 1~52 TU, 2.8 liter ]siemens MS 42.0 I I
5251, 2001-2002 1~54, 2.5 liter 1 Siemens MS 43.0 I I
530i, 2001-2002 1~54, 3.0 liter ISiemens MS 43.0
5401 1999-2001 1~62 TU, 4.4 liter l~osch ME 7.2
I
OBI) II software and hardware is incorporated in the engine
management control systems. The
OED II system monitors
components that influence exhaust and evaporative emis-
sions. If a problem is detected, the
OED I1 system stores the
associated fault code and condition.
540i. 1997
4 If vehicle emission levels exceed 1.5 times Federally mandat-
ed criteria, the
OED II system illuminates a malfunction indi-
cator light
(MIL) in the instrument cluster.
For the
E39 cars covered by this manual, three different
MIL symbols were used, depending on year and model.
See illustration.
When faults arise, or if the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is
illuminated, begin troubleshooting by connecting BMW ser-
vice tester
DISplus, MoDiC, GTl or equivalent scan tool. The
capabilities of OBD
II software has the potential to save hours
540i. 1998 IM62, 4.4 liter /Bosch M5.2.1
M62, 4.4 liter Bosch M5.2

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Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump
Evaporative system troubleshooting
- Start by accessing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) using a
BMW or BMW compatible aftermarket scan tool.
For purposes of OBD
II emissions compliance, the DME
system sets a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) when it de-
tects a leak that is equal or larger than minimum
lealc
sensed by system.
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is illuminated upon sec-
ond recurrence of fault. See OBD On-Board Diagnostics.
- When leak testing, observe following conditions to obtain
plausible results:
Fuel tank
'1, to 'I., full.
0 Vehicle parked for at least 2 hours to allow fuel to reach
room temperature.
Ideal fuel temperature is 10"- 20°C
(50"
- 68" F).
Do not refuel immediately before
lealc test.
- If a leak is detected, check the following areas:
* Fuel filter cap (leaking or off).
Fuel tank ventilation lines leaking at fuel
tank or activated
carbon canister.
i
Tank ventilation valve leaking (in engine compartment).
Fuel level
sensorlfuel pump cap leaking.
Evaporative system component replacement is covered later
in
th~s group in Fuel Tank and Fuel Lines.

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160-25
Fuel Tank and Fuel pump1
The 312-way valve is also activated briefly if an engine misfire
is detected. This provides full fuel flow through the fuel rail to
determine if the misfire was caused by a lean fuel condition.
The valve is monitored by the ECM forfaults.
- Using BMW or compatible scan tool, read out fault memory.
See
OBD On-Board Diagnostics.
- Turn off ignition.
- Raise car and support safely.
CA UTIOW
Male sure the car is stable and well suppodedat all times.
Use a professional automotive lift
orjack stands designed for
the purpose.
A floor jack is not adequate support.
- Worlting under car beneath driver's seat, remove protective
panel from fuel filter and 312-way valve.
- Clamp off fuel lines at 312-way valve.
4 To remove 312-way valve (V-8 model shown):
Disconnect electrical harness connector
(A) from valve.
Remove vacuum hose
(B) from fuel pressure regulator.
* Remove hose clamps (arrows) and disconnect fuel lines.
Remove
M6 mounting nuts and lower 312-way valve.
WARNING-
Fuel will be spilled. Use shop rags to capture fuelas fuellines
are disconnected. Do not
smoke or work near heaters or oth-
er fire hazards.
- Installation is reverse of removal. Use new hose clamps
NOTE-
Install protective cover and seals correctly to keep moisture
and road dirt out of underbody fuel system components.
Tightening torques Hose clamps
8 - 13 mm dia.
2 Nm (18 in-lb)
Hose clamps
10 - 16 mm dia.
2 Nm (18 in-lb)
Hose clamps
18 mm dia. 3 Nm (27 in-lb)
Hose clamps 42
- 48 mm dia. 4 Nm 136 in-ib)

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170-1 0
I Radiator and Cooling System
Combustion chamber leak test
- If you suspect that combustion chamber pressure is leaking
into the cooling system past the cylinder head gasket, use an
exhaust gas analyzer to test the vapors rising from the cool-
ant at the expansion tank.
CAUTIO&
Use an extension tube above the reservoir neclc to main-
tain distance between the top of the coolant and the gas
analyzer
nozzle. The gas analyzer is easily damaged if it is
allowed to inhale liquid coolant.
* While running engine to checlc for causes of overheat-
ing, observe coolant temperature carefully in order to
avoid engine damage.
Thermostat
If the engine overheats or runs too cool and no other cooling
system tests indicate trouble, the thermostat may be faulty.
In
V-8 models and 6-cvlinder models nroduced afler 911 998
(M52TU or M54 eng'ne), rheelecrricaily heated rhermostal IS
mon tored by [he OBD II diagnostlc software The fault may ic
in the DME software or hardware, or it may lie in the wiring to
the thermostat. See
OED On-Board Diagnostics.
Coolant, draining and filling
(6-cylinder models)
WARNING -
Allow the cooling system to cool before opening or draining
the cooling system.
- Raise front of car and support safely.
WARNING -
Make sure the car is stable and well supported at all times.
Use a professional automotive lift
orjack stands designed for
the purpose. A floor jack is not adequate support.
- Remove splash shield from under engine.
4 Loosen radiator bleed screw at top radiator fitting (arrow).
- Remove cap from radiator expansion tank. Set temperature
controls to
full warm.
gallon pail underneath radiator.

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721 -2
l~irba~ System (SRS)
This repair group covers airbag components and replace-
ment.
Airbag system repairand fault diagnosis is not covered.
Diagnostics, component testing, and
airbag system repair
should be carried out by trained BMW service technicians.
Individual
airbag system components can only be tested elec-
tronically when installed in the car. BMW service testers
DIS
or MoDiC or equivalent must be used for diagnostic work.
WARNING-
Special test equipment is required to retrieve airbag fault
codes, diagnose system faults, and
reseffturn off the air-
bag indicator light. The indicator light will remain on until
any problem has been corrected and the fault memory has
been cleared.
Airbags are part of the BMW Multiple Restraint System
(MRS). Three versions of MRS are available in E39 models.
Multiple Restraint Systems
MRS and MRS II include the following restraint components:
311 996-811 997
911
997-311 999
311 999-2002
Driver and passenger front
airbags (MRSIMRS II)
MRS
MRS
II
MRS Ill
Passenger front two-stage airbag (cars manufactured
from
911998).
The seat occupancy sensor (SBE) is used for detection of
a passenger in the right front seat. MRS uses the SBE in-
put to determine seat belt tensioner
and/or front airbag de-
ployment thresholds.
Side impact
airbag for driver and front passenger
(MRSIMRS II)
Leftlright side impact crash sensors (MRSIMRS 11)
Side impact airbag for rear passenger (MRS II) (optional)
Head Protection System (HPS) for driver and front passen-
ger (MRS
II)
Battery Safety Terminal - BST (MRS II)
Hall Sensor seat belt switches (MRS II)
Front pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners
Fuel pump cut off message

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OBD On-Board Diagnostics
I I
General ........................... OBD-1 Diaqnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) . . OBD-9
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD I!) ..... OBD-I
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
........ OBD-2
Scan tools and scan tool display.
........ OBD-3
Diagnostic monitors
.................. OED-4
Drive cycle
......................... OED-6
Readiness codes
.................... OBD-6
Diagnostic trouble codes
(DTCs) ........ OBD-7
-
Automatic transmission diagnostic
trouble codes
....................... OBD-9
Engine diagnostic trouble
codes: M52 engine.
................. OED-13
Engine diagnostic trouble
codes: M54 engine.
................. OBD-17
Engine diagnostic trouble
codes: M62 engine.
................. OBD-24
This chapter outlines the fundamentals and equipment
requirements of On-Board Diagnostics
I1 (OBD 11) standards
as they apply to BMW vehicles. Also covered here is a listing
of BMW and OBD
I1 diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS (QBD !I)
OBD II standards were developed by the SAE (Society of
Automotive Engineers) and CARB (California Air Resources
Board).
OED I1 is the second generation of on-board self-
diagnostic equipment requirements. These standards were
originally mandated for California vehicles. Since
1996 they
have been applied
toall passengervehicles sold in the United
States.
On-board diagnostic capabilities are incorporated into the
hardware and soflwareof the enginecontrol module
(ECM) to
monitor virtually every component that can affect vehicle
emissions. The
OED I1 system works to ensure that
emissions remain as clean as possible over the life of the
vehicle.
Each emission-influencing component is checked by a
diagnostic routine (called a monitor) to verify that it is
functioning properly.
If a problem or malfunction is detected,
the
diagnostic executive built into the OBD I1 system
illuminates a malfunction indicator light (MIL) on the
instrument panel.
The OBD
I1 system also stores diagnostic trouble codes
(DTCs) about the detected malfunction in the ECM so that a
repair technician can accurately find and fix the problem.