
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
.
I Body-General 1
Rear wiper system
The rear wiper assembly on the E39 Sport Wagon is a self-
contained unit. The control electronics are integrated into the
gear drive that is part of the motor assembly. The control elec-
tronics contain two hall sensors, one
forthe park position and
one
forthe end stop or to signal reverse direction of the wiper
motor.
-
Wiperlwasher
stalk switch
/ 4 - 3
502400100
4 The rear wiper is controlled through the stalk switch on the
steering column. The switch includes the following functions:
Intermittent rear window wiping
Programmed rear window wiping interval
Operation of rear window washer
The wiper system automatically controls the following safety
and convenience features:
* Wiper interrupted when rear glass is opened
Wiper interrupted if wiper arm is blocked
Continuous wiping when vehicle is shifled into reverse
Antenna and sound system
4 There are two diversity FM antenna amplifiers:
FMI amplifier located in the rear window frame
FM2 / FZV amplifier located in the lefl D-pillar
The radio amplifier and CD changer are behind the side
ac-
cess panels in the cargo compartment:
CD changer on lefl side
Sound system subwoofer on right side
The subwoofer has a hold down knob and is mounted on a
hinge. It can be swung out to access
the batteryand fuse pan-
el by unscrewing the knob.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
400-8
Body-General
Airbags
Front airbags, s~de a~rbags, pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners
and the Battery Safety Terminal (BST) are integrated into the
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and its variants.
NOTE-
The BMW SRS system is called Multiple Restra~nt System
(MRS). Over the years,
E39 cars were equipped with MRS,
MRS
11, MRS 111. Each version offers varied features and im-
provements over the previous system.
< As many as 8 airbags may be installed in E39 cars, depend-
ing on model and MRS version.
The front
airbags operate without sodium azide propellant,
widely considered an irritant when an
airbag is deployed.
Starting with
1999 models. "smart"front passenger and driver
airbags were installed. These are of the dual-threshold, dual
stage design, including a
sensorto help prevent the unneces-
sary deployment of the passenger side
airbag if the seat is un-
occupied.
MRS control Depend~ng on options chosen, one airbag may be installed in module each door of the sedan and Sport Wagon models, protecting
passengers against
s~de impacts.
Head Protection System (ITS)
airbags strelch diagonally
across the tops of the front doors.
Airbag deployment automatically triggers fuel shutoff, turns
on the hazard and interior lights, and unlocks the doors.
- -
WARNING -
Airbags are inflated by an explosive device. Handled im-
properly or without adequate safeguards,
airbag units can
be very dangerous. Special precautions must be observed
prior to any worlc at or near any of the airbags. See
721 Air-
bag System (SRS).
Always disconnect the battery and cover the negative
(-) battery terminal with an insulator before starting di-
agnostic, troubleshooting or service work on cars fitted
with SRS, and before doing any welding on the
car.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
400-9
Body-General
Battery safety terminal
(BST)
4 Starting with 1999 models (9198 production and later), a py-
rotechnic (explosive charge) device automatically discon-
nects the battery positive terminal during impacts. Key
features,
like power windows and door locks, remain opera-
tional.
Security
Electronic immobilization (EWS)
Ignition key transponder signal All
E39 vehicles incorporate an electronic immobilization sys-
tem known as EWS. This svstem uses a wireless comrnuni-
cation link between a transponder chip in the ignition key and
the ring antenna surrounding the ignition switch. The EWS
control module blocks the starting of the vehicle unless the
correct coded ignition key is used.
NOTE-
Electronic immobilization is sometimes referred to as the
driveaway protection system.
Antitheft alarm (DWA)
This is adealer-installed option for which the E39 vehicles are
factory-wired. When armed, the system monitors door
loci(
contacts and trunk and engine hood locks and sounds a siren
if it detects tampering.
E39 interiors have a unique character, with a combination
of
sporty features and innovativedesign. All body versions were
made in a wide choice of interior and exterior colors. New col-
ors with matching leather or leatherette upholstery were intro-
duced for each model year.
Driving
comfort is enhanced by power steering, tilt steering
wheel, height-adjustable front seats, and electrically adjust-
able and heated rear-view mirrors. Inside the car there are
reading lights at four seating positions.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
400-1 0
Body-General
Seats
4 Anatomically correct seats are constructed from polyure-
10 way seat adjustment thane foam
containing areas or "zones" of different firmness.
They offer good lateral support without constricting the occu-
pant.
The seats have a passive internal ventilation system: Cylin-
drical cavities within the cushions and backrests generate a
pumping effect as the ride motions cause occupant motion.
This
helps remove moisture and feeds fresh air into the seats.
Other features of the seating system:
The seat bases have steel springs for added support and
strength.
The seat control switches are along the outside edge of
the
seat.
Heated seats are an option in all models
In cars equipped with seat position memory, three different
seat confiaurations can be memorized by the seat control
module(s): Seat memory coordinates with outside mirror
memory. These functions are controlled by the seat mem-
ory
module(s).
* For security reasons, the release lever to fold the rear seat
backrest forward is installed in the trunk.
Sport Wagon models: Rear seat
baclts are split 60140, with
the center armrest on the left seat back.
The center armrest incorporates a non adjustable head-
rest. When folded down, the armrest opens out with
cup-
holders and a storage compartment. See 520 Seats for
more details.
instruments and controls
Everything in the interior passengercompartment essential to
the driver is logically grouped and easy to reach. All instru-
ments and controls have been arranged ergonomically and
are fully integrated into the overall design of the vehicle.
Tilt-telescopic steering wheel has
30 mm (1.2 in) of vertical
and longitudinal adjustment.
Multifunction steering wheel contains two
ltey pads con-
taining controls for the sound system, telephone and
cruise control.
Padded dashboard houses the instrument cluster and the
ventilation and heating system.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
400-12
I Body-General
HEATING AND AIR ~ONDITIONING
(I H KA)
4 The integrated heating and air conditioning (IHKA) system
uses an extra large, infinitely variable radial blower motor for
good distribution of air. Fresh air enters through the grille
be.
low the engine hood and into the passenger compartment via
the dashboard and
footwell vents.
- Repair information for the heating and air conditioning
system is covered
in 640 Heating and Air Conditioning.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
2 INDEX
Battery, starter, alternator
alternator (generator)
121-10
6-cylinder engine, removingi
installing 121-15
M62 engine 121-16
M62 TU engine (water cooled)
121-18
battery
121-5 charging 121-9
safety terminal 121-3
testing 121-5 charging system, troubleshooting
121-12
starter
121-1 9
6-cylinder engine, removingi instaliinq 121-20 . V-8 engine, rernovinglinsialiing
121-21
solenoid, removinglinstalling
121-23 troubleshooting 121-19
see also Maintenance
Bearing, wheel
see Front suspension
see also Rear suspension
Belts see Maintenance, drive belts
Blade, wiper
see Wipers and Washers
Blower motor see
A/C
BMW emblem
see Exterior trim
BMW special tools 010-18 see also special tools section at
beginning
of each repair group
Body dimensions 400-2
interior features
400-9 salety and security 400-7
Body side molding
see Exterior trim
Bonnet see Engine hood
Boot see Trunk
Brake fluid
020-24, 340-8
Brake fluid pressure sensor
340-30
Brakes
ABS, ASC or DSC system
300-12
component replacement 340-26
ASCIDSC switch
see Switches
bleeding
bralces 340-8
brake booster 340-1 9 bralce Dads. caiioers and rotors ,., 340-1 1
descriotion 300-10
e~ectrdnic brake & stability 300-11
light switch
see Switches
master cylinder
340-16 pariking brake 340-22
troubleshooting 340-5
Bulbs see Lights
Bumper
lront 510-6 height, adjusting 510-12
rear 510-9
Bus system
600-4
Camber
320-33
Camshaft
removingiinslaiiing
M52 engine 116-12
M52 TU
/ M54 engine 116-1 9 M62 engine 11 6-39
wear
116-6
Camshaft position sensors
see ignition system
Camshaft timing chain
adjusting M52 engine
117-22
M52 TU I M54 engine 117-43
M62 engine 117-79 removinglinstalling
M52 engine 117-26
M52TU 1 M54 engine 113-46.116-
28
M62 engine 117-66
Capacities, fluid
020.10
Car rnemorvlicev memorv . . 600-10
see also Centrai
lociking
Carbon canister, activated
see Fuel
tank
Caster
320-33
Catalytic converter and oxygen sensor 020-19
see also Exhaust system: exhaust
manilolds
Cautions
001-3
CD changer
650-4
Center bearing, driveshaft
see Driveshait
Center brake light
sedan
630-13
Center console
513-3
Centrai body electronics (ZKE 111)
600-6
Central locking
car memoryiey memory 515.12 general module iunctions 515-2
remote entry (FZV) 515-8
remote lkey initialization 515-10 single lociddouble ioclk 515-6
switch 515-4
Chain
see Camshaft liming chain
Characteristic map (electrically heated) thermostat
see Electrically heated thermostat
Charging system
see Battery, starter, alternator
Cluster see instruments
Clutch fluid see Maintenance
hydraulics
210-4
mechanical 210-9
switch
see Switches, pedal ciuster
variations
210.10
Codes, fault OED-1
Coil
see Ignition system
Coil spring
see Front suspension
see also Rear
suspe nsion

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
INDEX 9
WARNING
Your common sense, good judgemenl, and general alerlness are
crucial lo seie end successful service
ivork. Beiore attempting any work on
your
BMW be sure to read 001
General Warnings and Cautions and llle copyright page at lhe iron1 of
the manual. Review Niese warnings
and caulions each lime you prepare
lo work on your BMW Please also
read any warnings and caulions lllal accompany the procedures in the
manual.
Rear suspension
ball joints
330-19
bushings 330-13
control arms
seesuspension arms, below
description
300-5
electronic height control (EHC)
330-44
ride height 300-14 ride height sensor 330-46
shoclr absorbers end springs 330-9
stabilizer bar 330-42
struts and springs 330-5 subframe 330.13
suspension arms 330-13
variations 330-4 wheel bearing, replacing 330-32
see also Maintenance
see also Drive axles
see also Final drive
Rear window (Sport Wagon)
see
Tailgate
Rear window defroster 610-17
Receiverldrter
see NC
Relay positions
see Electrical component tocations
table 610-3
Remote entry (FZV)
see Central locking
Reversing light switch
see
Baclc-up light switch
Ride height
300-14
Ride height sensor
see Rear suspension
Ring antenna
see EWS (electronic immobilizalion)
Rotor
see Brakes
Roundel see Exterior trim
Running tosses
(312-way) valve
see Fuel
tenlr
SCA (soft close)
seeTailgate, soft close
see also Trunk lid. soft close
Scan tools
OED-3
Seals gaskets and 010-9
see also Crankshaft seals
Seat front,
removing/instelling 520-10
memory system 520-4 rear 520-13
see also Seat belt
Seat beit front 720-4
rear 720-8
troubleshooting 7202
see also Maintenance
Secondary air injection
see 130 under appropriate
iuel
injection system
Selector shaft seat
see Manual transmission, oil
Seals
Self-adjusting ctulch (SAC)
see Clutch, variations
Service indicator see Maintenance
Shift interlock see Gearshift
Shift lever
see
Gearshift
Shift linkage see Gearshift
Shiftlock see Gearshilt
Shack absorber see Rear suspension
/ Side turn signal assembly
see Lights
Sill trim panel
411-10
Slave cylinder
see Clutch, lhydraulic
Steep mode
600-1 1
Soft close
(SCA) see Tailgate
see also
Trunk lid
Solenoid 121-23
Sound system
650-2
Spare parts kit
010-21
Spark plugs
see Maintenance
Speakers
650-4
Specifications, fluid
020-4
Sport wagon
400-4
Springs
see Front suspension
see also Rear suspension
SRS (supplemental restraint system)
see
Airbag system (SRS)
Stabilizer bar see Front suspension
see also Rear suspension
Starter see Battery, starter, alternator

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
Steering description 300-10
liuid see Maintenance
gearbox
320-25
idler arm 320-30
lock 320-12
pitman arm 320-28 power steering pump 320-17
rack & pinion 320-19
steering column 320-10 motors 320-16
removinglinstalling 320-14
trim 320-10
steerino wheei 320-7 tie rods-
6-cvlinder, reelacinq 320-22
V- center tie' rod, replacing 320-32
variations 310-5
Steering box
see Steering, gearbox
Steering column switches
see Switches
Steering column
see Steering
Steering lock
see Steering
Steering
wheei switches
see Switches
Stepper motor
see
AIC
Steptronic transmission
see Gearshift
Strut see Front suspension
see also Rear suspension
Subframe see Rear suspension
Sunroof initializing
540-2
adiustinq 540-5 . . cornponents, removingiinstailing
540-9
emergency closing 540-4
Suspension, front
see Front suspension
see also
Aluminum suspension
cornponents
Suspension, rear
see Rear suspension
see also Aluminum suspension
cornponents
Swing arm
see Rear suspension, suspension
arms
Switches
ASCIDSC 612-12 back-ue
manual transmission 230-8
automatic transmission, see
Automatic transmission, range
switch
center console switches
612-11
central ioci(ing 612-1 1
hazard 612-1 I headlight 612-9
ignition cylinder 320-1 1. 612-6
outside mirror 612-11
pedal cluster switches 612-8 seat heater 612.12
steering column positioning 612-7
steering column switches 612-6 steering wheel switches 612-2
turn signaliheadlight dimmer 612-6
window 612-1 1
wipers 612-6
Tailgate
412-6 emergency release 400-4,412-6,
515-21
taiigatelrear window
loclring 515-14 see also Trunldtaiioate ioclr - see also Central ioclcing
Taillights
see Lights
Tape player
650-3
TCM (transmission control module)
see Automatic transmission
Tension strut
see Front suspension
Thermostat see Cooling system
see also Electrically heated
thermostat
Throttie body
see 130 under appropriate
fuel injection system
Throttie
cable
130-38
Throttie position sensor
see 130 under appropriate luel
injection system
Throw-out bearing
see Clutch, mechanical
Thrust arm
see Front suspension
Tie rod
see Steering
Tightening fasteners
010-8
Tilt sensor 515-24
Timing chain
see
Camshaft timing chain
Tire, changing
010-18
Tires
300-1 1
see also Maintenance
Toe
320-34
Tools
010-13