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121-9
Battery, Starter, ~lternatorl
Battery charging
Discharged batteries can be recharged using a batterycharg-
er. Remove the battery from the trunk during charging.
Prolonged charging causes electrolyte evaporation to a level
that can damage the battery. It is best to use a low-current
charger
(6 amperes or less) to prevent battery damage
caused by overheating.
WARNING -
Hydrogen gas given off by the battery during charging is ex-
plosive. Do not smoke.
Keep open flames away from the top
ofthe batte~ and prevent electrical sparks by turning off the
battery charger before connecting or disconnecting it.
Battery electrolyte (sulfuric acid) can damage the car. If
electrolyte is spilled, clean the area with a solution
ofbak-
ing soda and water.
Always allow a frozen battery to thaw before attempting
to recharge it.
Always disconnect both battery cables and remove bat-
tery from vehicle during battery charging. Do not ex-
ceed
16.5 charging voltage at the battery
Battery safety terminal, replacing
If the battery safety terminal has been triggered, investigate
and correct the cause prior to replacement.
- Working in right side of luggage compartment, remove bat-
tery trim panel.
- Disconnect negative (-) battery terminal and cover with
insulator.
- Disconnect positive (+) cable from battery.
- Release positive (+) cable from cable brackets on luggage
compartment wall. Lay new repair cable parallel to positive
cable.
- Mark off length of new cable on old cable. Allow 10 cm
(2.5 in) of slack.
- Saw through old cable.
Do not use bolt cutters or similar tools to cut through cable.
A cable end that has been squashed
flat will not fit into the
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I Fuel Injection
Release injector locking clips at each injector and pry injector
wiring duct up off injectors.
Clamp off fuel supply line and fuel return line at end of fuel
rail. Disconnect fuel supply fuel return lines from fuel rail.
WARNING -
Clamp off the fuel lines and then wrap a clean shop towel
around the lines before removing them. Residual
fuelpres-
sure is present in the lines.
Fuel is discharged. Do not disconnect any wires that
could cause electrical
sparks. Do not smoke or work
near heaters or other fire hazards. Keep an approved
I fire extinguisher handy. I
- Remove fuel rail mounting fasteners
- Pull up on fuel rail and remove individual injectors by remov-
ing injector retaining clip and pulling injector from rail.
- Installation is reverse of removal. Fit new O-rings when in-
stalling injectors. For ease of installation, lightly lubricate in-
jector O-ring with
SAE9O gear lube.
Tightening torque Fuel rail to
intake manifold 10 Nm (89 in-lb)
Evaporative emissions, overview
On E39 MS 41 .I cars, the evaporative emissions system is
combined with the tank ventilation system. The evaporative
system is monitored by the ECM for correct purge operation
and leak detection.
The carbon (purge) canister is purged using engine vacuum
via the
purgevalve.The purgevalve (located nextto the mass
airflow sensor) is ECM controlled and regulates the purge
flow into the intake manifold. The valve is powered open and
closed by an internal spring.
If the evaporative emission valve circuit is faulty, a fault code
is set and the MIL is illuminated when OBD
II fault criteria are
exceeded. If the valve is mechanically faulty, poor driveability
may result and a mixture adaptation fault is stored in the
ECM.
The leak diagnosis pump (LDP) is activated by the ECM and
pressurizes the fuel tank and evaporative system as apart of
theOED I1 leakdetection monitor. If the LDP orthe LDP circuit
is defective, afault code is set and the MIL is illuminated when
OBD
I1 fault criteria are exceeded. The LDP is mounted the
left rear wheel well behind the fender liner.
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130-67
Fuel Injection /
ME 7.2 system overview
The Bosch ME 7.2 system is used on 1999 - 2002 540i mod-
els.
1 4 The ME 7.2 enaine control module (ECM). located on the
l and a combined total of 134 pins.
--__-- 1 I. 9 pin connector
12 3 4 5 2 24 pin connector
0lliC;nii, 3. 52 pin connector
4. 40 pin connector
5. 9 pin connector
The ME 7.2 system has the following functions or capabilities:
Electronic throttle control (EDK) integrates idle and cruise
control functions. ECM carries out all throttle and idle con-
trol functions directly via EDK system.
Leak diagnosis pump
(LDP) control and feedback monitor-
ing for evaporative system leak testing.
Batterylalternator charge logic (idle speed varies with bat-
tery state of charge).
CAN-Bus communications with instrument cluster.
EWS
111 (3.3) "rolling code" ISN interface.
Ignition
knock sensors.
DSC (dynamic stability control) torque reduction.
Monitoring and control of VANOS
(camshaft timing) with
active Hail sensor for camshaft position monitoring.
Integrated altitude sensor.
One touch engine start control
Single speed secondary air injection system.
Long life spark plugs.
IHKA auxiliary (electric) cooling fan control.
All emissions-related ME 7.2 electrical components are mon-
itored for faults. if driveability complaints are encountered or
the malfunction indicator
light (MIL) is illuminated, interrogate
fault memory using a compatible scan tool.
4 Use a break-out box for ME 7.2 system testing and diagnosis
at the control module
(break out box set: BMW special tool
90
88 6 121 300).
Electrically heated (characteristic
map) cooling system
DME Harness Connector thermostat.
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Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump
Warnings and cautions
Observe the following warnings and cautions when servicing
the fuel system.
WARNING-
* The fuel system is designed to retain pressure even when
the ignition is off. When working with the fuelsystem, loos-
en the fuel lines slowly to allow residual
fuel pressure to
dissipate. Avoid spraying fuel. Use shop rags to capture
leaking fuel.
Before beginning any work on the fuel system, place a
fire extinguisher in the vicinity of the work area.
Fuel is highly flammable. When working around fuel, do
not disconnect any wires that could cause electrical
sparks. Do not smoke or worknearheaters or other fire
hazards.
* Always unscrew the fuel tank cap to release pressure
in the
tanlc before working on the tank or lines.
When disconnecting a fuel hose, wrap shop rag around
end of hose to prevent spray of fuel under pressure.
Do not use a work light with an incandescent bulb near
any fuel. Fuel may spray on the hot bulb causing a fire.
0 Make sure the worlc area is properly ventilated.
CAUTION-
- Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery discon-
nection cautions given in
001 General Cautions an4
Warnings.
Before
making any electrical tests with the ignition
turned on, disable the ignition system as described in
120 Ignition System. Be sure the battery is discon-
nected when replacing components.
To prevent damage to the ignition system or other DME
components, including the engine control module
(ECM), always connect and disconnect wires and test
equipment with the ignition off.
Cleanliness is essential when
worl~ing with the fuel sys-
tem. Thoroughly clean the fuel line unions before dis-
connecting any of the lines.
Use only clean tools. Keep removed parts clean and
sealed or covered with a clean, lint-free cloth, especial-
ly if completion of the repair is delayed.
Do not move the car while the fuel system is open.
Avoid using high pressure compressed air to blow out
lines and components. High pressure can rupture inter-
nal seals and gaskets.
Always replace seals, O-rings and hose clamps.
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[~us~ension, Steering and Brakes - General
This section of the manual covers front and rear suspension,
braking and steering systems, and contains wheel, tire and
wheel alignment information and specifications. Also covered
here are the integrated braking and suspension systems in-
cluding
antilock braking (ABS), traction control (ASCIDSC),
and electronic height control (EHC).
Vehicle ride height information is at the end of this repair
group. Alignment information is in
320 Steering and Wheel
Alignment.
Aluminum suspension components
In order to reduce vehicle weight, aluminum suspension com-
ponents are used in some models. A test with a magnet will
easily reveal the metal used. If working with aluminum com-
ponents, be sure to read and follow the cautions below.
CAUTION-
* Due to the chemical and corrosion characteristics of alumi-
num, do not bring into contact with battery acid.
Do not use wire brushes with brass or iron bristles.
Only use brushes with stainless steel bristles.
Do not expose to flying sparks from
grinding/cutting op-
erations.
Do not subject to steel welding splashes.
Do not expose to temperatures over
80°C (176"F),
even for short periods. Temperatures in painting facili-
ties are not a problem.
The E39 front suspension subframe is used as a rigid mount-
ing platform for the front suspension arms, stabilizer bar and
steering gear.
The suspension arms, known as the lower control arms and
the tension struts (thrust arms), are connected to the
sub-
frame through rubber bushings. The arms are connected to
the steering
knucltles in a double pivot configuration.
Each front strut assembly includes a tubular strut and a coil
spring. The upper strut mount includes a bearing. The lower
end of each strut housing is fitted to the steering knuckle. The
integral wheel bearing and hub are bolted to the steering
Iknucltle.
6-cylinder and V-8 models use different steering systems and
other front suspension components.
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31 0-2
I Front Suspension
This repair group covers the repair and replacement of com-
ponents that make up the front suspension of E39 cars.
Two different types of steering systems are used in the E39
series. 6-cylinder
(5251,5281 and 530i) models are equipped
with a rack and pinion type steering system mounted to an
aluminum subframe.
V-8 (540i) models use a steering gear-
box type system mounted to a steel subframe.
See
300 Suspension, Steering and Brakes-General for a
description of the front suspension and components, as well
as specifications for setting ride height.
CAUTION-
Some E39 models are equipped with aluminum suspen-
sion components. The foiiowing cautions apply:
Due to the chemical and corrosion characteristics of
aluminum, do not bring into contact with battery acid.
* Do not clean with wire brushes with brass or iron bris-
ties. Only use brushes with stainless steei bristles.
Do not expose to flying sparks from grinding/cutting op-
erations.
* Do not subject to steei welding splashes.
Do not expose to temperatures over 80°C (176°F).
even for short periods. Temperatures in painting faciii-
ties are not a problem.
Special tools
Special service tools are required for most of the work de-
scribed in this repair group. In addition to the tools depicted in
the illustrations, avariety of press tools are necessaryfor con-
trol arm bushing replacement. Read the procedures through
before beginning any job.
31 2 210 I < Strut nut socket
(Tool No. 31 2 210)
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Steering and Wheel Alignment
Steering system warnings and cautions
WARNING -
The BMW airbag system is complex. Special precautions
must be observed when servicing the system. Serious in-
jury may result if system service is attempted by persons
unfamiliar with the BMW
airbag system and its approved
service procedures. BMW specifies that all inspection and
service should be
peiformed by an authorized BMW deal-
e,:
The BMW E39 is equipped with an airbag mounted in
the steering wheel. The
airbag is an explosive device
and should be treated with extreme caution. Always fol-
low the
airbag removal procedure as outlined in 721
Airbag System (SRS).
BMW airbags are equipped with a bacli-up power sup-
ply inside the
airbag control module. A 5 second wait-
ing period should be observed after the battery cable
has been disconnected. This will allow the reserve
power supply to discharge.
Do not reuse self-locking nuts. They are designed to
be used only once and may fail if reused. Always re-
place them with new locliing nuts.
* Do not install bolts and nuts coated with undercoating
wax, as correct tightening torque cannot be assured.
Always clean the threads with solvent before installa-
tion, or install new parts.
Do not attempt to weld or straighten any steering com-
ponents. Always replace damagedparts.
CAUTION--
- Some E39 models are equipped with aluminum suspen.
sion components. The following cautions apply:
Due to the chemical and corrosion characteristics of
aluminum, do not bring into contact with battery acid.
Do not clean with wire brushes with brass or iron bris-
tles. Only use brushes with stainless steel bristles.
Do
not expose to flying sparks from grindinghutting op-
erations.
Do not subject to steel welding splashes.
* Do not expose to temperatures over 80% (176°F).
even for short periods. Temperatures in painting iacili-
ties are not a problem.
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331-4
Final Drive
4 Final drive output shaft seal tool
(Tool No.
BMW 33 4 250)
4 Pulling set
(Tool No.
BMW 33 4 401 / 33 4 402 / 33 4 403 133 4 404 /
33 4 405 / 33 4 406)
Aluminum suspension components
In order to reduce vehicle weight, aluminum suspension com-
ponents are
~sed in some models. A tesl wlh a magnet wi.1
eas'ly reveal lhe metal Lseo. If working with a umin~m com-
ponents, be sure to read and follow the cautions below.
CAUTIOI\C
Due to the chemical and corrosion characteristics of alumi-
num, do not bring into contact with battery acid.
Do not use wire brushes with brass or iron bristles.
Only use brushes with stainless steel bristles.
Do not expose to flying sparks from grinding/cutting op-
erations.
Do not subject to steel welding splashes.
Do not expose to temperatures over
80°C (176"F),
even for short periods. Temperatures in painting facili-
ties are not a problem.