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Remove snap ring from steering shaft.
- Slide steering angle sensor off steering shaft
< Installation is reverse of removal, noting the following.
Take care to line up loclting pin
(arrow) with mount hole in
sensor.
Perform steering angle offset test using BMW scan tools
DISplus, GT1, or MoDiC. Once calibrated, the sensor
sends a confirmation ID code to the DSC control module
to indicate proper calibration.
DSC precharge pump, removing and
installing
(1 998 models)
1998 V-8 cars with Bosch DSC Ill v. 5.3 are equipped with a
DSC precharge pump mounted in the engine compartment.
There is no separate precharge pump in the Bosch DSC
Ill v.
5.7 system (1999 models and later).
WARNING-
E39 cars require special BMWservice equipment to properly
bleed the brakes. Removal of hydraulic components is not
recommended unless this equipment is available. For safety
reasons, the
brake system on cars with ABS must be bled us-
ing the procedures described in this repair group.
- Using a clean syringe, empty brake fluid reservoir.
CAUTIOI\C
Brake fluid is highly corrosive and dangerous to the environ-
ment. Disoose of it
orooerlv.
Working at precharge pump, disconnect hydraulic lines (A)
and electrical harness connector (6). Clean up dripping fluid.
hydraulic unit. Label all
con-
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340-31
Brakes
ABS 1 traction electronic control module
(1 997 -1 998 models)
4 The traction control electronic control module in 1997- 1998
models is located to the left of the glove compartment.
NOTE-
In both ASC and early DSC systems this location is used for
the electronic control unit.
- Before removing the traction control electronic module, read
any fault codes in memory.
ABS I DSC control module
(1 999 - 2002 models)
The DSC electronic control unit in 1999 and later models
(from 911998) is bolted to the DSC hydraulic unit in the right
rear of the engine compartment.
- Before removing the traction control electronic module, read
any fault codes in memory.
- Install electronic control unit using new screws.
Tightening torque
DSC electronic control unit to 2.9 Nrn (26 in-lb)
hydraulic
unit (use new screws)
- Code newly installed module using either DIS or MoDiC.
- Adjust steering angle sensor using menu item Service func-
tion in
DIS or MoDiC.
ABS I traction control hydraulic unit,
removing and installing
WARNING -
E39 cars require special BMWsewice equipment to properly
bleed the brakes. Removal of the hydraulic unit is not recom-
mended unless this equipment is available. For safety rea-
sons, the
brake system on cars with ABS must be bled using
the procedures described in this repair group.
NOTE-
Before starting this procedure, read control module mem-
ory and print
out diagnostic record.
DSC system: Adjust steering angle sensor using
either
DISplus, GTI, or MoDiC. After completing work, function
test control module.
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Body shell
Exterior and aerodynamics
Crash behavlor -frontal impact
-side impact
Body
-rear impact Structural body components -rigidity
-rollover -strength -vibrations -acoustics
Bumpers compartment lid -bendable Seets,.steerlng system .dents -vibrations bars -vibration patterns
Fenders -aerodvnamic
With its traditional styling features, such as the ltidney grille.
circular headlights behind a glass cover (for reasons of
streamlining), and the
"kiclt" in the rear most roof pillar (C-pil-
lar), the E39 can be immediately recognized as a BMW.
The BMW 5 Series chassis is a unibody design constructed of
high strength steel. Attaching parts, such as the front fenders,
rear quarter panels, doors,
trunk lid and hood are also con-
structed of
steel.
Computer aided design (CAD) techniques have been used in
refining the
E39 body to reduce vehicle weight while retaining
strength and increasing torsional rigidity. For good handling
purposes, the more rigid the structure the more precisely the
suspension can operate.
Wind resistance
Windows bonded flush to the body and the guided flow of
cooling air into the engine compartment provide the
carwith a
good coefficient of drag (Cd).
E39 cars have been designed
for balanced aerodynamics but not necessarily an extremely
low Cd. See table below.
Windshield wipers are designed for effectiveness at speeds
up to and beyond 200
ltph (124 mph).
Coefficient of aerodynamic drag (Cd)
6-cylinder sedan 0.30
V-8 sedan 0.31
6-cylinder Sport Wagon 0.31
V-8 Sport Wagon 0.33
Fenders
The exterior panels are corrosion-resistant zinc coated (gal-
vanized) steel. The front fenders are bolted on. For front fend-
er replacement information, see
410 Fenders, Engine
Hood.
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400-4
I Bodv-General
Bumpers
The front and rear bumpers are clad in high quality
deform-
able plastic and, at solid barrier impact speeds of 4 kph (2.5
mph), provide protection with virtually no damage to the
bumper
orthe vehicle. In addition to hydraulic dampeners.
which absorb the initial impact energy, these bumpers are
backed by compressible tubes. These deform in a controlled
manner at impact speeds greaterthan that
forwhich bumpers
and hydraulic dampeners are designed. This helps avoid ex-
pensive damage to the body at impact speeds up to 14 kph (9
mph).
The E39 Sport Wagon was introduced to the US market in
911 998 (model year 1999). It shares many components with
the E39 sedan and is identical to it from the B-pillar forward.
US
marltet 5 Series Sport Wagons are available in two vari-
ants:
6-cylinder
(5251, 528i) powered by the 2.8 liter M52 TU en-
gine (1 999) or the 2.5 liter M54 engine (2000 and later)
* V-8 (540i) powered by the 4.4 liter M62 TU engine
The wheelbase of the Sport Wagon is the same as the sedan.
Howeverthe body is 30
mm (1.2 in) longer and 10 mm (0.4 in)
higher.
The Sport Wagon rear suspension was redesigned to elimi-
nates the upper rear spring strut mounting on the E39 sedan.
The use of separate coil springs and
shoclc absorbers results
in a flat, wide floor in the cargo area. See
300 Suspension,
Steering and Brakes-General.
The self-leveling air spring suspension system (electronic
height control or EHC) is standard on Sport Wagon V-8 mod-
els and optional on 6-cylinder models.
Sport Wagon cargo capacities are shown below.
Sport Wagon load capacities
Cargo capacity
Rear seat up 909 liters (32.1 cu ft)
Rear seat folded down I809 liters (63.9 cu ft)
Load limit
Cargo compartment
460 Kg (1014 lb)
Roof
I00 Kg (220 lb)
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Interior Trim
The E39 dashboard assembly includes the instrument clus-
ter, passenger side
airbag, glove compartment, fuse and re-
lay panel, radio. IHKA control panel oron-board monitor (if
equipped with GPS). The dash is made up of an upper and
lower sections. The lower section must be remove before the
upper section can be removed.
Dashboard removal is a complex operation. Read the proce-
dures through before starting work.
Lower dash panel assembly, removing and
installing
- Disconnect negative (-) cable from battery and cover termi-
nal with
insulating material.
--7
CAUTION-
Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery discon-
nectioncautionsgiven atthe irontin001 General Warnings
and Cautions.
- Place steering column in down and extended position.
4 Remove left side foot well panel fasteners (A and B).
< Using a plastic trim tool, gently pry left and right steering col-
umn trim panels (white arrow) to remove and release snap
clip on column boot
(black arrow).
I 1 < Remove instrument cluster trim panel fasteners (arrows).
Pull trim panel out and disconnect harnesses for light
switches.
- Remove radio volume control knob.