Codes BMW 528i 1998 E39 Workshop Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: BMW, Model Year: 1998, Model line: 528i, Model: BMW 528i 1998 E39Pages: 1002
Page 8 of 1002

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I General Warnings and Cautions
WARNINGS (continued)
. The air conditioning system is filled with chemical refrigerant,
which is hazardous. The AIC system should be serviced only by
trained technicians using approved refrigerant recoverylrecycling
equipment, trained in related safety precautions, and familiar with
regulations governing the discharging and disposal of automotive
chemical refrigerants.
. Do not expose any part of the AIC system to high temperatures
such as open flame. Excessive heat will increase system pres-
sure and may cause the system to burst.
Some aerosol tire inflators are highly flammable. Be extremely
cautious when repairing a tire that may have been inflated using
an aerosol tire inflator. Keep sparks, open flame or other sources
of ignition away
from the tire repair area. Inflate and deflate the
tire at least four
times before breaking the bead from the rim.
Completely remove the tire from the rim before attempting any re-
pair.
Cars covered by this manual are equipped with a supplemental
restraint system (SRS), that automatically deploys
airbags and
pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners
In the event oi a frontal or side
impact. These are explosive devices. Handled improperly or with-
out adequate safeguards, they can be accidently activated and
cause serious injury.
- The ignition system produces high voltages that can be fatal.
Avoid contact with exposed terminals and use extreme care when
working on a car with the engine running or the ignition switched
on.
. Place jack stands only at locations specified by the manufacturer.
The vehicle
illtino iack su~olied with the vehicle is intended fortire -. , . changes only. A heavy duty floor jack should be used lo lift vehicle
before installing
jacl( stands. See 010 General.
- Battery acid (electrolyte) can cause severe burns. Flush contact
area
with water, seek medical attention.
Aerosol cleaners and solvents may contain hazardous or deadly
vapors and are highly flammable. Use only in a well ventilated ar-
ea. Do not use on hot surfaces (engines, brakes, etc.).
Do not remove
coolant reservoir or radiator cap with the engine
hot. Danger of burns and engine damage.
CAUTIONS-
See also WARNINGS
- if you lack the slqills, tools and equipment, or a suitable worl(shop
for any procedure described in this manual, leave such repairs to
an authorized BMW dealer or other qualified shop.
BMW is constantly improving its cars and sometimes these
changes, both in parts and specifications, are made applicable to
earlier models. Therefore, part numbers listed in this manual are
for reference only. Always check with your authorized BMW deal-
er parts department for the latest information.
Before starting a job, make certain that you have all the neces-
sary tools and parts on hand. Read ail the instructions thorough-
ly, and do not attempt shortcuts. Use tools appropriate to the
work and use only replacement parts meeting BMW specifica-
tions.
Use pneumatic and electric tools only to loosen threaded parts
and fasteners. Never use these tools to tighten fasteners, espe-
cially on light alloy parts. Always use a torque wrench to tighten
fasteners to the tightening torque specification listed.
Be mindful of the environment and ecology. Before you drain the
crankcase, find out the proper way to dispose of the
oil. Do not
pour
oil onto the ground, down a drain, or into a stream, pond or
lake. Dispose of waste in accordance with Federal, State and
Local laws.
The control module for the anti-lock brake system
(ABS) cannot
withstand temperatures from a paint-drying booth or a heat
lamp
in excess of 203" F (95°C) and should not be subjected to tem-
peratures in excess of 185°F
(8S°C) for more than two hours.
- Before doing any electrical welding on cars equipped with ABS,
disconnect the battery negative
(-) terminal (ground strap) and
the ABS control module connector.
- Always make sure ignition is off before disconnecting battery.
Label battery cables before disconnecting. On some models, bat-
tery cables are not color coded.
Disconnecting the battery may erase fault code@) stored in control
module memory. Using special BMW diagnoslic equipment, check
lor
iauit codes prior to disconnecting the battery cables. If the mal-
I.mct on ndicator Ignt (MIL) s I. ..minaled. see OBD On-Board
Diaanostics
Tl11s iant is iuenlfted as lne Check Ena~ne oht
(1997-2000 models jor~ervlce Engine Soon light (2061 andlater
models). If any other system iaults have been detected (indicated
by an illuminated warning light), see an authorized BMW dealer.
If a normal
or rapid charger is used to charge battery, the battery
must be disconnected and removed from the vehicle in order to
avoid damaging the vehicle.
- Do not quick-charge the battery (for boost starting) for longer
than one minute. Wait at least one minute before boosting the
battery a second time.
* Connect and disconnect a battery charger only with the battery
charger switched off.
- Sealed or "maintenance free" batteries should be slow-charged
only, at an amperage rate that is approximately 10% of the bat-
tery's ampere-hour (Ah)
rating.
. Do not allow battery charging voltage to exceed 16.5 volts. If the
battery begins producing gas or boiling violently, reduce the
charging rate.
Boosting a sulfated battery at a high charging rate
can cause an explosion.
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002 Vehicie identification and
VlN Decoder
Vehicle identification Number (VIN), decoding
Some of the information in this manual applies only to cars of a parlicuiar model year or range
of vears. For
examole. 1999 refers to the 1999 model vear but does not necessarilv malch the
caiendsr year in which the car was manufactured or sold. To be sure of the model year of a
particular car,
checic the Vehicle ldentification Number (VIN) on the car.
The VIN is a unique sequence of 17 characters assigned by BMW lo identify each individual
car. When decoded, the VIN tells the country and year of manufacture; make, model and serial
number: assembly
plant and some equipment specifications.
The BMW VIN is on a plate mounted on top of the dashboard, on the driver's side where the
number can be seen through the windshield, The 10th character is the model year code. The
letters
I. 0, Q and U are not used for model year designation. Examples: X for 1999, Y for 2000,
1 for 2001,2 for 2002, etc. The table below explains some of the codes in the VIN for 1997
through 2002 BMW
E39 5 Series BMWs covered by this manual.
Sample
VIN: ~~Iz~o~w~B~w~ 13 8 9 1 lposition 1 2 3 zi 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12-17
VIN
position Description Decoding information
1-3 Countrv of WBA B
I J 1 znan~+q ;BT BMW Molorsporl. Gmon, ~;nch Gerrn;!n,
Linc 525 (2UU1 - 2003) 528 (2000-2003. 530; 540 i
5
1
Manual belts with dual airbags Manual belts with advanced airbaos
Series
Body
type
i engine lype . ..
D 5251 (2001 - 2002), 528i (1997 - 2000) E MS. 530i, 540i (1997 - 1998) J 5251 Wagon
M 528i (1999 - 2000) N 5401 Sedan (1999 - 2003) 540i wagon (2001)
P 528i wagon (1999 - 2000) R 540i waaon 12002 - 20031
6,4 Aulomatic 5,3 Manual
Vehicle type 3.4.7 Passenger vehicle
Checlr digit
Model year Restraint
system
1 0 Manual belts
3 Manual belts wilh driver
& passenger airbags 4
Manual belts with advanced passenger B driver airbags
0 - 9 or X, calculated by NHTSA
V 1997 W 1RRR
Assembly plant A, F, K Munich, Germany
B, C, D, G Dingolfing. Germany E, J. P Reqensburq. Germany .
Serial number
Sequential produclion number lor specific vehicle
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01 0-1 2
1 General
Information you need to know
Model
When ordering parts it is important that you know the correct
model designation for your car. Models covered in this E39
manual are the
525i,5281,530i, 540i in Sedan and Station
Wagon body styles.
Model year
This is not necessarily the same as date of manufacture or
date of sale.
A 1999 model may have been manufactured in
late 1998, and perhaps not sold until early 2000. It is still a
1999 model. Model years covered by this manual are 1997 to
2002.
Date of manufacture
This information is necessary when ordering replacement
parts or determining if any of the warranty recalls are applica-
ble to your car. The label on the driver's door below the door
latch will specify the month and year that the car was built.
Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN)
This is a combination of letters and numbers that identify the
particular car. The VIN appears on the state registration doc-
ument, and on the car itself. One location is on the right front
strut tower in the engine compartment (arrow), another in the
lower left corner of the windshield.
Engine code
5 Series car covered in this manual are powered by
6 and 8 - cylinderengines. For information on engine codes and en- -. -
gine applications, see 100 Engine-General. -
Transmission code
The transmission type with its identifying code may be
impor- :
tant when buying clutch parts, seals, gaskets, and other .- transmission-related parts. For information on transmission
codes and applications, see 200 Transmission-General.
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Table b. Inspection I Service (continued)
Checlt transmission and differential for
external lealts.
Check CV joint boots for damage or leaks.
Visually
check fuel tank, fuel lines, and
connections for
leaks.
New parts
Tools Required required
Check condition, position, and mounting
ol
exhaust system. Visually check and adjusl
if necessary.
Check power steering system for lealts.
Check power steering
fluid level and adjust
if necessary.
Check steering racidbox and tie rods for
tightness. Checit condition of front axle
joints, steering
linkage, and steering shaft
joints.
Check overall thickness of front and rear
bralte pads using
BMW special tool. If
replacement is necessary:
Examine brake disc surface.
Clean brake pad contact points in calipers
Grease wheel centering hubs.
Checlt thickness of parking brake linings
only when replacing rear brake shoes.
Checit operation of pariting brake and
adjust as necessary.
Checlt front control arm bushings for
damage or wear.
Check brake system connections and
lines
for leaks, damage, and incorrect
positioning Warm
engine
(~ealer service Irepair , required recommended lnformat~on
Check parking braite actuator. Adjust if
necessary
Check ail tire pressure (including spare)
and correct if necessary.
Checlt condition of tires (outer tread
surface), tread wear pattern: in case of
uneven wear, perform wheel alignment.
inspect entire body according to terms of
rust oerforation limited warrantv. (Must be
*:
4:
2 ~ perfdrmed at least every two years). I
Read out on-board diagnostic (OBD 11) fault
codes.
Checkengine coolant
system1 heater hose
connections for
leaks.
Checit coolant level and antifreeze
protection level. Add coolant as necessary.
* 100113010BD
I
170
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.-. -
Maintenance
Drive axle joint
(CV joint) boots, inspecting
CVjoint protective boots must be closely inspected forcracks
and any other damage that will allow contaminants to get into
the joint.
If the rubber boots fail, the water and dirt that enter
the joint will quickly damage it.
NOTE-
Replacement of the CVjoint boots and inspection of the
joints are described
in 331 Final Drive.
Exhaust system, inspecting
Exhaust system life varies widely according to driving habits
and environmental conditions. If short-distance driving pre-
dominates, the moisture and condensation in the system will
not fully dry out. This will lead to early corrosion damage and
more frequent replacement.
Scheduled maintenance of the exhaust system is limited to
inspection:
* Check to see that all the hangers (arrow) are in place and
properly supporting the system and that the system does
not strike the body.
Check for restrictions due to dents or
kinlts,
Check for weakness or perforation due to rust.
NOTE-
Alignment of the system and the location of the hangers are
described in
180 Exhaust System.
Fuel filter, replacing
The fuel filter is located beneath the center of the car, approx-
imately under the driver's seat.
A protective cover must be
removed to access the filter.
4 Fuel filter for M62 engine (arrow)
- Disconnect battery negative (-) cable
CAUTIOI\C
Disconnecting the battery cables may erase fault codes
stored
in engine control module memory.
WARNING -
Fuel will be expelled forcibly when the filter is removed. Do
notsmoke or work near heaters orother fire hazards. Keep a
fire extinguisher handy
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I Engine Removal and Installation
Engine removal and installation are covered in this repail
group.
See 100 Engine-General for engine identification details
and engine codes.
Transmission removal is required for all models before the
engine can be removed. This is best accomplished with the
car raised on an automotive lift. For additional procedures re-
quired during engine removal, refer to the following repair
groups:
020 Maintenance
0 121 Battery, Alternator, Starter
170 Radiator and Cooling System
180 Exhaust System
4 230 Manual Transmission
0 240 Automatic Transmission
410 Fenders, Engine Hood
Special tools
Some special tools are required for engine removal and in-
stallation. Be sure to have the necessary equipment on hand
before starting the job.
Engine lifting tool
(Tool No. BMW
11 0 000)
4 Cooling fan counterhold tool
(Tool No. BMW
11 5 030)
< Cool~ng fan wrench
(Tool No. BMW
11 5 040)
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110-3
Engine Removal and lnstallationl
Q Fuel line plugs
(Tool No.
BMW 13 5 281 / 13 5 282)
4 Fuel line removal tool
(Tool No.
BMW 16 1 050)
CAUTION-
Disconnecting the battery may erase fault code@) storedin
memoiy Check for fault codes prior to disconnecting the
battery cables.
If the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light, also may be
called "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light)
is illuminated, see
OBD On-Board Diagnostics for
DME fault code information.
It orhersysrem faults have been detected, as indicated I
by an ~llum~nated ABS, SRS orASC/DSC ~arning light,
see the appropriate repair group in this manual or an
authorized BMW dealer for more information on fault
codes.
NOTE- Engine removal procedures are similar for all 6-cylinder
models. When differences
exist, they are noted at the be-
ginning of each step. Engine are referred to by engine
code. See
100 Engine-General for engine code and appli-
cation information.
@ Be sure to cover all painted surfaces before beginning the
removal procedure. As an aid to installation, label all com-
ponents, wires and hoses before removing them. Do not
reuse
gaskets, O-rings or seals during reassembly.
The
intake manifold must be removed on &cylinder mod-
els before the engine can be removed.
WARNING-
Due to risk of personal injury, be sure the engine is cold be-
fore beginning the removal procedure.
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Cylinder Head and valvetrain1
Hydraulic lifters, checking and replacing
Self-adjusting hydraulic lifters (A) keep the valve clearances
within a limited working range. Hydraulic lifters are sealed
units and require no maintenance. Section view of camshaft
(6) and valve with conical valve spring (C) shown.
Under some circumstances, such as a cold start, the cam fol-
lowers may emit noise. Hydraulic lifter noise is usually a
high-
pitched tapping or chattering noise. In most instances, this is
considered normal as long as the noise goes away in a few
minutes (maximum
20 minutes). If the noise does not go
away, either the lifter is faulty or the oil pressure to the lifter is
low. Hydraulic lifter replacement requires that the camshaft
first be removed.
NOTE-
Before checking hydraulic lifters, male sure engine oil is
fresh and at the proper level.
Sticky lifters can be the result of
sludge build up in the cylinder head and lifters.
- Run engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
Shut off engine.
- Working inside luggage compartment, disconnect negative
battery cable.
CAUTION-
Prior to disconnecting battery cable, read the baltery dls-
connection cautions given In 001 General Cautions and
Warnings.
Disconnecting the battery may erase fault
code(s)
stored in control module memory Check for fault codes
4 Remove left and right interior ventilation duct (left side
shown):
Release plastic locking tab
(A) or release loclting tabs on
top of duct (later models).
Rotate duct counterclockwise to
unloclt from bulithead and
remove (arrow).
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Camshaft Timing Chain
4 Crankshaft hub loclting tool. M54 engine
(Tool No.
BMW 11 8 190 11 1 8 200)
4 VANOS test lead, M52 6-cylinder
(Tool No.
BMW 12 6 410)
Crankshaft oil seal, front,
replacing
(M52 engine)
The crankshaft front seal is located in the lower timing cover,
behind the vibration damper.
- Disconnect negative (-) cable from battery.
CAUTIOIG
a Disconnecting the battery may erase fault code(s) stored in
control module memory Check
for fault codes using spe-
cial
BMW diagnostic equipment.
Prior to disconnecting the battery, read
the battery dis-
connection cautions given in
001 General Cautions
and
Warninqs.
- Remove splash guard from beneath engine.
- Remove engine cooling fan assembly. See 170 Radiator
and Cooling System.
NOTE-
Cooling ian nut (32 mm wrench) has left-hand threads.
- Remove drive belts. See 020 Maintenance.
,~R,~",,,~"P,,,,!,.,,,.,"?,,m-A,, P,",,,s
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Camshaft Timing Chain
lnstall vibration damper mounting bolts. Note hub locating
dowel (arrow).
Tightening torque
Vibration damper to crankshaft hub
(ME) 22 Nm (16 ft-lb)
- Installation is reverse of removal noting the following:
Installing drive belts. See 020 Maintenance.
Install cooling fan. See 170 Radiator and Cooling Sys-
tem.
Crankshaft oil seal, replacing
(M52 TU and M54 engines)
The crankshafl front seal IS located in the lower timing cover,
behind the
vibrat~on damper.
- Disconnect negative (-) cable from battery.
Disconnecting the battery may erase fault
code(s) storedin
control module memoy Checlc for fault codes using spe-
cial
BMW diagnostic equipment.
Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery dis-
connection cautions given in
001 General Cautions
and Warnings.
- Remove splash guard from beneath engine
- Remove engine cooling fan assembly. See 170 Radiator
and Cooling System.
NOTE- Cooling fan nut
(32 mm wrench) has left-hand threads.
- Remove drive belts. See 020 Maintenance
NOTE-
Mark direction of belt rotation if reusing belt.
- Install crankshaft holding tool (BMW special tool 11 8 19011 1
8 200). Make sure tool locks into place in openings in damper
assembly. While counterholding crankshafl with special tool,
remove crankshaft center bolt.
CAUTIOI\C
Do not use flywheel locling tool to hold crankshaft station-
ary to loosen or tighten
cranl(shaft hub center bolt. Use
only the special tools specified, or equivalent hub holding
tool.
Use care when removing
damper/hub assembly, as ~t is
easy to damage the radiator