1999 BMW 525i warning lights

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01 0-1
010 General
General ........................... .01 0.2
How to Use this Manual ............ .01 0.2
Warnings. cautions and notes ........... .0l 0.3
Getting Started .................... .0i 0.5
Safety ............................. .O1 0.5
Lifting the car ........................ .O1 0.5
Raising car ......................... .O1 0.5
Working under car .................... .O1 0.6
Advice for the Beginner ............ .O1 0.7
Planning ahead ...................... .O1 0.7
Workshop practices ................... .O1 0.7
Non-reusable fasteners ................ .O1 0.7
Tightening fasteners .................. .O1 0.8
Gaskets and seals .................... .O1 0.9
Electrical testing .................... .O1 0.10
Wire repairs ........................ .O1 0.10
Buying Parts ..................... .01 0.11
Genuine BMW parts ................. .O1 0.11
Non-returnable parts ................. .O1 0.11
Information you need to know .......... .0l 0.12
Service ........................... 01 0-1 3
TOOIS ............................. 010-13
Basic tool requirements ............... 01 0-1 4
Jack stands ......................... 01 0-1 6
Oil change equipment ................. 01 0-1 6
Torque wrench ...................... 01 0-17
Digital multimeter .................... 010-17
BMW special tools ................... 01 0-1 8
Emergencies ...................... 01 0-1 8
Changing a tire ...................... 01 0-1 8
Jump starting ....................... 01 0-1 9
Indicator and warning lights ............ 01 0-1 9
Towing ............................ 010-20
Spare parts kit ...................... 010-21

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General
Cars with discharged or dead batteries can be jump-started
using the good battery from another car. See owner's manual
for proper instruction on jump starting. When jump-starling
the engine, always note the following warnings.
4 Lower car. With all wheels on ground, fully tighten nuts in a
WARNING-
* Battery acid (electrolyte) can cause severe burns, and will
damage the
cal; clothing, and you. If electrolyte is spilled,
wash the surface with large quantities of water.
M itgets into
eyes, flush them with water for several minutes and call a
doctor.
B4
5
43
2 BOOIFNG.
Batteries produce explosive and noxious gasses.
Keeps sparks and flames away. Do not smoke near
batteries.
Do notjump-start the engine
ifyou suspect that the bat-
tery is frozen. Trappedgas may explode. Allow the bat-
tery to thaw first.
Do not quick-charge the battery (for boost starting) for
longer than one minute, and do not exceed
16.5 volts
at the battery with the boosting cables attached. Wait at
least one minute before boosting the battery a second
time.
crisscross pattern.
Torque wheel nuts when installing wheel.
Check inflation pressure of spare tire.
Tightening torque
Wheel to wheel hub 120 Nm (89 ft-ib)
Jump starting
Indicator and warning lights
Many vehicle systems are self-monitored for faults while driv-
ing. Generally,
a red warning lamp that comes on during driv-
ing should be considered serious. If you cannot immediately
determine the seriousness of the warning light, stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place and turn the engine off as soon as possible.
Consult the owner's manual for additional information on the
warning lamp and the recommended action.
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
(Check Engine or Ser-
vice Engine Soon warning light) comes on orflashes, it indi-
cates that an emissions-related fault has occurred. Faults
such as a bad oxygen sensor or a dead fuel injector can
cause the exhaust or evaporative emissions to exceed a
specified limit. When these limits are exceeded, the MIL will
be turned on. The engine can be safety driven with the light
on, although the emission systems should be
checked as
soon as possible. See OBD On-Board Diagnostics for

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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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Battery, Starter, ~lternatorl
WARNING-
Always wear protective goggles and clothing when perform-
ing a load test.
Table
d. Battery load test - minimum voltage
Ambient temperature Voltage*
27
" C (80" F) 9.6 V
-I 8' C (0"
F) 8.5 V
* Measure
after applying a 200 amp load for 15 seconds.
Closed-circuit current measurement
If the vehicle battery is discharged for an unknown reason,
perform a closed-circuit current measurement as the first test.
For diagnostic purposes, it is important to not disconnect the
battery. Disconnecting the battery may reset a faulty control
unit, preventing proper diagnosis.
The following test is generally completed overnight using a
multimeterwith a closed circuitcurrent measurement adaptor
with a recording function
- Check that battery voltage is 12 volts or higher. If lower,
recharge battery.
- Switch off electrical consumers (interior lights, telephone,
aftermarket equipment, or others).
- Open luggage compartment and remove battery trim panel.
Use screwdriver to lock latch on trunk lid or hatch, simulating
closed luggage compartment. Close other doors.
- Open driver's door, then close it, simulating driver entering
vehicle.
- Switch ignition to RUN position for at least five seconds, then
turn ignition to OFF position. This simulates driving vehicle.
- Open and close driver's door, simulating driver leaving
vehicle.
- Lock car and arm alarm.
- Wait at least 16 minutes for consumer cut-off.

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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.

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I lnterior Trim
This repair group covers interior trim removal and installation
procedures.
- Refer to the following repair groups for additional information:
250 Gearshift Linkage
41 1 Doors (interior door panels)
@ 612 Switches
620 Instruments
640 Heating and Air Conditioning [IHKA control panel!
650 Radio
721 Airbag System (SRS)
lnterior trim repairs
lnterior trim and finish panels are clipped or screwed into
place. Many of the trim retaining clips are designed
to be used
only once. When removing trim that is held in place with clips,
it is a good idea to have spare clips on hand before beginning
the job.
WARNING-
Special precautions must be observed when servicing the
BMWSupplementai Restraint System (SRS). Serious inju-
ry may result if system service is attempted by persons un-
familiar with the BMW
SRS and its approved service
procedures. BMW
speciiies that all inspection and service
should be performed by an authorized BMW
dealer.
Before performing any work involving airbags, discon-
nect the negative
() battery cable. See 721 Airbag
System (SRS).
Airbags contain a back-uppowersupply within the SRS
control module. A
5 second discharge period should be
allowed after the battery cable has been disconnected.
CAUTION-
* When working on electrical switclies or lights, always dis-
connect the negative
(-) cable from the battery and insu-
late the cable end to prevent accidental reconnection.
a Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery dis-
connection cautions given in
W1 General Warnings
and Cautions.
To prevent marring the trim when working on interior
components, work with plastic prying
tools or wrap the
tips of screwdrivers and pliers with tape before prying

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INDEX 'tl
WARNING
Your common sense, good
judgemenl, and general alertness are
crucial to sale and successiul service
worlr. Belore attempting any work on
your
BMM be sure lo read 001
General Warnings and Cautions
and the
copyriglll page at the front 01
the manual. Review these warnings
and
caulions each lime you prepare
lo work on your BMW. Please also
read any warnings and cautions that
accompany
tile procedures in the
manual.
312-way valve (running losses)
see Fuel tank
Abbreviations, commonly used 600-14
ABS (antilock brake system)
see
Bral(es
A/C air distribution motors
see stepper motors (below)
blower final stage (resistor pack),
replacing
640-16
blower, removinglinslalling
640-1 5
compressor, replacing
640-24 condenser, replacing 64045
control panellmodule, removing1
installing
640-1 1
evaporakr, removinglinstalling 640-29
evaporator temperature sensor
640-12 expansion valve, removinglinstailing
640-27
IHKA/ IHKR system description 640-5
receiveridrier, replacing 640-26
stepper motors 640-1 3 ventilation microiilter, replacing
020-22. 640-17
see also Heating
Accelerator
iinlcage
see Maintenance
Activated carbon canister
see Fuel tank
ADS (auxiliary throttle valve)
130-57
Air compressor
330-44
Air conditioning
see
AIC
Air distribution (flap) motors
seeNC, stepper motors
Air filter see Maintenance
Air spring
300-6, 330-12
Airbag system (SRS)
2-stage
airbag 721-4
control module, replacing 721-7 driver airbag, removinglinstalling
721-8
iiead protection airbag 721-12 components 721-1 1
indicator
lighl721-4
passenger airbag, removinglinstalling
721-9 side-impact airbags crash sensor,
replacing
721-7
Airflow sensor see 130 under appropriate
fuel
injection system
Air pump
see 130 under appropriate fuel
injection system, secondary air
injection system
Air suspension
see Electronic height control
(EHC)
Alarm
see Anti-theft alarm
Alignment see
Wheei alignment
Aluminum suspension components
300-2
Antenna 650-6
Alternator see Battery, starter, alte rnator
Amplifier
650-4
Anti-theft alarm (DWA)
515-24 emergency disarming 515-31
Antifreeze (engine coolant)
see Maintenance
see also Cooling system
Antilock brake system (ABS) see Brakes
ASC see Brakes
ATF (automatic transmission fluid)
see Automatic transmission
see also Cooling systern
Automatic headlight adjustmenl
(LWR) see Lights
Automatic seat belt tensioner
720-4
Automatic shiftloclc
see
Gearshift
Automatic transmission
applications
200-3, 240-4
ATF 020-10, 200-4
capacity 240-8 checking 240-6
drainingifilling 240-7
heat exchanger 170-5
fluid pan and strainer 240-9 gearshift
see Gearshift
ID tag
200-3 range switch 610-6
removaliinstallation 240-10
steptronic see Gearshift
Auxiliary cooling fan
see
Coollng system, electric Ian
Auxiliary throttle valve (ADS)
130-57
Axle joint
see Drive axle
Back-up light switch
automatic transmission see Automatic transmission. range switch
- .~.~~~
manual transmission 230-8 -
- I

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WARNING
Your common sense, good
judgement, and general alertness are
crucial lo sale and
successlul service
work. Belore attempling any work on
your BMW, be sure to read 001
General Warnings and Cautions
and lhe copyright page
a1 llle Iron1 01
the manual. Review lliese warnings
and cautions each time you prepare
lo work on your
BMW Please also
read any warnings and
caulions lhal
accompany the procedures In !he
manual.
Component locations
see Electrical system
Compression test
113-5
Compressor see
AlC
Condenser see
AlC
Constant velocity (CV) joint
see Maintenance
see also
Driveshall
see also Drive axles
Consumer cutoff
600-10
Control arm see Front suspension
see also Rear suspension,
suspension arms
Coolant (antifreeze) see Maintenance
see also Cooling system
Coolant pump
see Cooling system Cooling system
coolant bleeding
170-14 6-cylinder engine, draininglfilling
170-10
V-8 engine, draininglfilling 170-12
coolant pump 170-3
6-cyiinder engine, replacing 170-1 9
V-8 engine, replacing 170-20 cooling fan 170-4
viscous ciutch fan, removingi
installing 170-14
electric fan, removlngiinstailing 170-1 5
expansion tank, removinglinstalling
170-22
electrically heated (ciiaracterislic
map) therrnostat 170-4
radiator, removinglinstaliing 170-22
service
see Maintenance
therrnostat 170-16
transmission fluid heat exchanger
170-5 troubleshooting 170-7
combuslion leal( test 170-10
pressure test
170-9
Crankshaft oil seals
iront
117-6
rear 11 9-6
Crankshaft speed sensor
see Ignition syslem
Crash sensor
see
Airbag system (SRS), side-impact
airbag crasii sensor
Cruise control clutch switch 612-9
CV joint
see Maintenance
see also Driveshalt
see also Drive axles
CV joint boot
see Maintenance
see also Drive axles
Cylinder head removinglinslaliing
M52 engine 113-8
M52 TU / M54 engine 113-22
M62 engine 113-56
Cylinder head and valvetrain
hydraulic lifters, checking and
replacing
116-7 leak test 116-5 valves 11 6-56
see
alsocylinder head Dashboard
513-7
Deck
lid
seeTrunk lid
Diagnostic monitors
OED-4
Diagnostic trouble codes
(DTCs)
080-7
Digital multimetel
010-17
Differential see Final drive
DLC (data
link connector) 020-4, OED-4
DME (digital motor electronics)
see
130 under appropriate fuel
injection system
see also ignition system
DM-TL (detection module-tank leak)
see
Fuel lank, leak deteclion unit
Drive
belts
see Maintenance
Dome light
seeLighls, interior lights
Door
door
check, replacing 411-4
hinge adjustment 41 1-5
loci(
see Door lock see also Central locking
removinglinslaliing 41
1-2
panel, removinglinstaliing 41 1-7 window
see Door window
Door
check
see Door
Door
handle
see Door lock
Door glass
see Door window
Door
lock
handles and loci(s 515-16
see also Central locking
Door
molding
510-13
Door panel see Door