1998 BMW 540i Ac system

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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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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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.-- -
/ Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump - .. -. -- 1
Fuel pump fuse and relay
Troubleshooting of any fuel pump fault should begin with
checking the fuel pump fuse and the fuel pump relay. The
DME main relay should also be checked. The fuel pump relay
is located behind right side luggage compartment interior
panel.
I Fuel pump relay
BLU =blue ERN = blo$,m GRN =groan GRY = grsy ORG =orange PNI< =pink RED =red VIO =violel WHT = wlilte
rk-; I I 1 ECM
I I I 31 8 ,._--___.I
NOTE-
Special tools are required for some of the tests described
here.
4 Fuel pump circu~t is fuse-protected.
0 6-cylinder models with Siemens DME MS41 .I, MS42, V-8
models with Bosch DME M5.2, M5.2.1 englne manage-
ment: Fuse
F54,15A (luggage compartment fuse panel)
6-cylinder models with Siemens DME MS43 engine man-
agement: Fuse
F22,25A (glove compartment fuse panel)
V-8 models with Bosch DME M7.2: Fuse F54,25A (lug-
gage compartment fuse panel)
- Fuse 31 in glove compartment fuse panel supplies power to
coil side of fuel pump relay. Engine control module (ECM)
supplies switched ground to relay. During starting, fuel pump
runs as long as ignition switch is in START position and con-
tinues to run once engine starts. If electrical system fault in-
terrupts power to fuel pump, engine will not run.
. .
Operating fuel pump for tests
- To operate fuel pump for testing purposes without having to
run engine, bypass fuel pump relay to power pump directly.
< To run fuel pump, open luggage compartment and release
right side trim panel.

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Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump
Fuel delivery,
testing
Checitino fuel delive~ is a fundamental oart of troubleshoot- .. ing and diagnosing thk DME system. ~ukl pressure directly
influences
fuel delivery. An accurate fuel pressure gauge will
be needed to make the tests.
There are two significant fuel deliveryvalues to be measured:
* System pressure - created by fuel pump and maintained
by pressure regulator
Residual pressure
- pressure maintained in closed sys-
tem after engine and fuel pump are shut off
if proper system pressure and residual pressure are present,
also check for problems in fuel delivery volume, which can be
affected by restrictions such as clogged fuel filter or fuel pick-
up port in the fuel tank.
System pressure, testing
1. Fuel pressure regulator outer seal
4 System pressure is created by the fuel pump and maintained
2. Vacuum line connection.
3. Fuel pressure regulator Inner seal.
4. Fuel flow back to fuel tank.
5. Fuel flow from fuel pump.
Fuel pressure
regulator
Fuel pressure regulator locations
M52 In fuel injector rail, in engine
compartment
M52 TU In 312 way valve, below vehicle under
driver seat
by the pressure
regulator. System pressure is not adjustable.
M54 In fuel filter
M62 to 9/97 In fuel injector rail, in engine
compartment
M62 from 9/97 to 9/98 In 312 way valve, below vehicle under
driver seat
M62 TU from 9/98 In fuel filter, below vehicle under driver
seat

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Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump
4 Relieve system pressure and attach a fuel pressure gauge as
described in Fuel pressure gauge, installing (6-cylinder
models) or Fuel pressure gauge, installing
(V-8 models).
WARNING-
Fuel in fuel line is under pressure (approx. 3 - 5 bar or 45 -
75psi) and may be expelled underpressure. Do not smoke
or
worlc near heaters or other fire hazards. Keep a fire ex-
tinguisher handy Before disconnecting fuel hoses, wrap a
cloth around fuel hoses to absorb any
leaking fuel. Catch
and dispose of escaped fuel. Plug all open fuel lines.
Always unscrew the fuel tank cap to release pressure
in the tank before
working on the tank or lines.
- Operate fuel pump as described in Operating fuel pump for
tests. Compare fuel pressure to specifications in accompa-
nying table.
Fuel pressure specification
All E39 vehicles 3.5 +0.2 bar (50.76 i2.9 psi)
- If pressure is low, repeat test while gradually pinching off re-
turn hose to fuel tank. Pressure should rise rapidly. If not, fuel
pump is most likely faulty. If pressure rises, the fuel pressure
regulator is most
likely faulty.
- If pressure is too high, checlc return line from pressure regu-
lator to tank. Check for
ltinks in hose. If no faults can be
found, pressure regulator is most likely faulty.
CAUTION-
The fuel pump is capable of developing a higher pressure
than that regulated by the pressure regulator. In the event the
fuel pump checlc valve is faulty (stuck closed), male sure the
I fuel pressure does not rise above 6.0 bar (87psi). Damage
to the fuel lines or fuel system components could result.
- Reassemble engine, noting the following:
Remove fuel pressure gauge and fittings.
Replace schraeder valve, if removed
Replace fuel pump relay.
Replace fuel filler cap.
Residual pressure, testing
For quick restarts and to avoid vapor lock when the engine is
hot, the fuel injection system retains fuel pressure after the
engine is shut off. This residual pressure is primarily
rnain-
tained by the fuel pressure regulator and a checlc valve at the
fuel pump
outlet.

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. .
I Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump I
4 Relieve system pressure and attach afuel pressure gauge as
described in Fuel pressure gauge, installing (6-cylinder
models) or Fuel pressure gauge, installing
(V-8 models).
WARNING -
Fuel in fuel line is underpressure (approx. 3 - 5 bar or45 -
75psi) and may be expelled underpressure. Do not smoke
or work near heaters or other fire hazards. Keep a fire ex-
tinguisher handy. Before disconnecting fuel hoses, wrap a
cloth around fuel hoses to absorb any leaking fuel. Catch
and dispose of escaped fuel. Plug all open fuel lines.
. Always unscrew the fuel tank cap to release pressure
in the tank before working on the tank or lines
- Start engine allow it to run for approximately one minute.
Note fuel pressure reading.
- Observe fuel pressure reading after approximately 20 mln-
utes. The pressure should not drop more than 0.5 bar from
system pressure listed in fuel pressure specifications in ac-
companying table.
Fuel pressure specification
Ail
E39 vehicles 3.5 i-0.2 bar (50.76 i2.9 psi)
- When finished, disconnect pressure gauge and fitting, and
replace schraeder valve, if removed.
- If fuel system does not maintain pressure:
Visually check for leaks in fuel lines and unions,
Check for leaking
injector(s).
Check for faulty fuel pump check valve.
- To test fuel pump check valve:
Repeat residual pressure test.
Immediately aftershutting off engine, pinch off fuel delivery
line using a fuel hose pinch clamp (BMW
13 3 010 or
equivalent).
If pressure is now maintained, fault is most likely at fuel
pump check valve.
If pressure again drops below specifications, fault is most
likely in fuel pressure regulator.

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--
I Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump
The plastic fuel tank is mounted underneath the center of the
car (underneath the rear seat). Mounted in the fuel tank are
the fuel pump and fuel level sending units. Connecting lines
for the evaporative emission control system and expansion
tank are also attached to the tank.
Fuel
tank capacity for E39 models
Tank capacity
70 liters (18.5 gal)
Reserve capacity
8 liters (2.1 gal)
Fuel tank, draining
Drain fuel tank into a safe storage unit using an approved fuel
pumping device.
WARNING-
# Before removing tank, be sure that all hot components,
such as the exhaust system, are completely cooled down.
Fuel may be spilled. Do not smoke or
work near heat-
ers or other fire hazards.
- Start engine and allow to run 10 - 15 seconds to fill fuel com-
pensating siphon assembly. This will allow both lobes of fuel
tank to he drawn off through fuel filler pipe,
- Disconnect negative cable from battery.
CAUTION-
Prior to disconnecting the batteg read the battery discon-
nection cautions given
in 001 General Warnings and Cau-
tions.
- Remove fuel tank filler cap
- Slide suction hose into filler neck about 130 cm (51 in.), twist-
ing as necessary. Withdraw fuel into storage unit.
- Monitor fuel level reduction in both lobes:
- Remove rear seat cushion and access both fuel tank send-
er harness connectors.
Use multimeter to measure resistance at both senders,
Resistance should drop as fuel level drops.
- If siphoning mechanism is faulty, drain left tank lobe sepa-
rately by removing sender cover and pumping fuel directly
out of left lobe.

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Fuel Tank and Fuel pump/
- Remove suction hose from tank filler neck carefully to avoid
damaging filler neck baffle plate.
CAUTION-
After finishing repairs but before starling engine, be sure
there is at least
5 liters (1.5 gallons) of fuel in tanlc. The fuel
pump will be damaged if run without fuel.
Fuel tank, removing and installing
- Remove fuel tank filler cap and drain tank as described
earlier.
- Disconnect negative cable from battery.
CAUTION-
Prior to disconnecting the battea read the battery discon-
nection cautions given in
001 General Cautions and
Warnings.
- Remove rear seat bottom cushion. Peel forward lip of carpet
from beneath seat cushion and carefully peel back insulation
to expose fuel tank access cover on left and right sides. Re-
move covers.
Disconnect right side supply hose and
electr~cal harness
connector (arrows).
D~sconnect left side return hose and electrical harness
connector.
Working inside car, disconnect parking
bralte cable ends
from parking brake lever. See
340 Brakes.
Lift car and support safely.
Make sure the car is stable and
we/ supported at all times.
Use a professional automotive lift
orjack stands designed for
the purpose. A floorjaclc is not adequate support.
- Remove complete exhaust system and heat shield. See 180
Exhaust System.
- Remove drive shaft. See 260 Driveshaft