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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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.-
ignition System
Disabling ignition system
The ignition system operates in a lethal voltage range and
should be disabled any time engine service or repair work is
being done that requires the ignition to be switched on.
The engine management system can be disabled by remov-
ing the DME main relay. The relay is located in the electronics
box (E-box) in the left rear of the engine
compartment, be.
neath the interior microfilter housing.
CAUTION- Relay locations may
vary. Use care when identifying relays.
See
610 Electrical Component Locations.
Checking for spark
CAUTION-
If
a spark test is done incorrecth damage to the Engine Con-
trol Module
(ECM) or the ignition coils may result.
NOTE-
Spark plug replacement is covered in 020 Maintenance.
Check~ng for spark is d~fflcult on englnes wlth d~str~butorless
ignition systems.
Try removing the spark plugs and inspecting for differences between them.
A poor-firing plug may be wet with fuel and/or ~. - ~
black and sooty, but not always. If a coil is not operating, the
engine management system will electrically disable the fuel
injector to that cylinder. The key is to look for differences be-
tween cylinders.
Ignition coil assembly, testing and
replacing
C4 UTION-
Use a digital multimeter for the following tests. I
- Remove plastic engine cover from top of valve cover by pry-
ing off bolt covers and removing cover mounting bolts.
- Raise car slowly while constantly checking position of jack
and car.
- Disconnect harness connector from coil. Connect multimeter
between terminal 15
(+) in connector and ground.
4 Terminal identification are typically molded into connector. In
photo, terminals are from left to right: 1,
4a, 15.

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Battery, Starter, ~lternatorl
Charging system quick-check
Use a digital multimeter to measure voltage across the bat-
tery terminals with key off and then again with engine running.
Battery voltage should be about 12.6 volts with key off and be-
tween 13.5 and 14.5 volts with engine running.
NOTE-
The regulated voltage (engine running) should be between
13.2 and 14.5, depending on temperature andoperating con-
ditions.
If the voltage is higher than 14.8, the voltage regula-
tor or
mulitfunction controller is most likely faulty
Check for clean and tight battery cables. Check ground cable
running from negative
(-) battery terminal to chassis and
ground cable running from engine to chassis. Check alterna-
tor drive belt condition and tension.
Charging system, checking
CAUTIOI\C
* Do not disconnect the battery while the engine is running.
Damage to the alternator and/or engine electronic systems
may result.
Only use a digital multimeter when testing charging
system components.
--7
4 Turn ignition key on. Check that battery warning light comes
on.
NOTE-
If the warning light does not come on, repair bulb or wiring
faults before continuing to checlc the charging system.
/ Charge indicator
502820805
4 6-cylinder engines only, remove complete air filter housing:
Loosen
intake duct hose clamp (A) at throttle assembly.
Loosen clamp and remove idle control hose from intake
duct
(B) and disconnect idle speed control valve electrical
harness connector.
Disconnect electrical harness connector
(C) from mass air
flow sensor.
Remove air filter housing mounting screw
(D).
Disconnect vent tube (E).
Loosen air intake duct clamp (F).
Carefully lift air filter housing out of engine bay.

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130-2
/Fuel Injection
This repair group covers service and repair of the Bosch and
Siemens engine management systems used on
1997
through 2002 E39 models. Additional engine management
service and repair information may also be found in the fol-
lowing repair groups:
0 020 Maintenance
120 Ignition System
160 Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump
610 Electrical Component Locations
OBD On Board Diagnostics
NOTE-
Camshaft position sensor, crankshaft speed sensor and
knoclc sensors are covered in 120 Ignition System.
Table a. Engine management system applications
- - ~ ~
1 ~odellmodel year / Engine IDME system I - I
5281, 1997-1 998 IM52. 2.8 liter ISiemens MS 41 .I I 1
528i. 1999ZO00 1~52 TU, 2.8 liter ]siemens MS 42.0 I I
5251, 2001-2002 1~54, 2.5 liter 1 Siemens MS 43.0 I I
530i, 2001-2002 1~54, 3.0 liter ISiemens MS 43.0
5401 1999-2001 1~62 TU, 4.4 liter l~osch ME 7.2
I
OBI) II software and hardware is incorporated in the engine
management control systems. The
OED II system monitors
components that influence exhaust and evaporative emis-
sions. If a problem is detected, the
OED I1 system stores the
associated fault code and condition.
540i. 1997
4 If vehicle emission levels exceed 1.5 times Federally mandat-
ed criteria, the
OED II system illuminates a malfunction indi-
cator light
(MIL) in the instrument cluster.
For the
E39 cars covered by this manual, three different
MIL symbols were used, depending on year and model.
See illustration.
When faults arise, or if the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is
illuminated, begin troubleshooting by connecting BMW ser-
vice tester
DISplus, MoDiC, GTl or equivalent scan tool. The
capabilities of OBD
II software has the potential to save hours
540i. 1998 IM62, 4.4 liter /Bosch M5.2.1
M62, 4.4 liter Bosch M5.2

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-
Fuel Injection
ECM relay, testing
The engine control module (ECM) relay is energized via the
ECM and supplies battery positive
(Bc) power to many of the
engine management components and subsystems. If this re-
lay is faulty, the engine will not start.
NOTE-
The ECM relay is also referred to as the DME main relay
ECM relay powers:
ECM
Ignition coils
* Fuel injection
Evaporative leak detection pump
Idle air actuator
- Camshaft sensors Evaporative emissions valve
Hot film mass air flow sensor
Fuel pump relay
Oxygen sensor heaters
4 Working in right rear of engine compartment:
Release interior ventilation filter cover latch
(A) and re-
move cover.
Release plastic locking tab
(B).
Rotate duct inward (arrow) to unlock from bulk head and
remove duct.
Release spring lock
(C) to remove lower filter housing.
Slide filter housing away from inner fender to remove.
- Remove electrical box (E-box) cover fasteners and remove
cover.
With ignition off, remove ECM relay (arrow) in electronics
box (E-box) at rear of engine compartment, right side.
NOTE-
Relay locations can vary Confirm relay identification by
matching wiring colors and terminal numbers.

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- Fuel Injection
ECM relay, testing
The engine control module (ECM) relay is energized via the
ECM and supplies battery positive
(B+) power to many of the
engine
management components and subsystems. If this re-
lay is faulty, the engine will not start.
CAUTIOI\C
Relay positions can vary. Be sure to confirm relay position by
identifying the wiring
in the socket using the wiring diagrams
in ELE Electrical Wiring Diagrams.
NOTE-
The ECM relay is also referred to as the DME main relay.
ECM relay powers:
* ECM
Ignition coils
Fuel injection
Evaporative leak detection pump
(5.2.1 only)
Idle air actuator
Camshaft sensors Evaporative emissions valve
Hot film mass air flow sensor
Fuel pump relay
Oxygen sensor heaters
4 Working in right rear of engine compartment:
Release interior ventilation filter cover latch
(A) and re-
move cover.
Release plastic locking tab
(B).
Rotate duct inward (arrow) to unloclc from bulk head and
remove duct.
0 Release spring lock (C) to remove lower filter housing.
Slide filter housing away from inner fender to remove.
- Remove electrical box (E-box) cover fasteners and remove
cover.

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--
Fuel Injection I
The PWG potentiometers provide DC voltage signals as in-
put to the ME 7.2 control module for throttle and idle control
functions. Potentiometer signal
1 is the primary signal, poten-
tiometer 2 is used for a plausibility cross-check.
1. Potentiometer 1 ground
2. Potentiometer
1 power
3. Potentiometer 2 ground
4. Potentiometer 2 power
5. Potentiometer 1 signal to ECM
6. Potentiometer 2 signal to ECM
If errors are detected between potentiometer
1 and 2, the
ECM calculates the engine intake air mass (from
MAFsensor
signal) and only utilizes the potentiometer signal that closely
matches the detected
intake air mass. The ECM control mod-
ule uses the air mass signal for a comparative source to pro-
vide fail-safe operation.
If the ECM cannot calculate a
plausible conclusion from the monitored potentiometerthe
EDK motor is switched off and fuel injection cut-out is activat-
ed (no fail-safe operation possible).
EDK is continuously monitored during all phases of engine
operation. If faults are detected, the EDK motor is switched off
and fuel injection cut off is activated. The engine continues to
run extremely roughly at idle speed.
EDK adaptation
When the EDK throttle assembly is replaced, the adaptation
values of the previous EDK must be cleared from the ME 7.2
ECM using the BMW service testeroran equivalentscan tool.
Once the old adaptation values have been cleared, the new
EDK assembly should be installed and adapted as follows:
0 Switch ignition OFF for 10 seconds.
* Switch ignition ON. Afler approximately 30 seconds, the
EDK is briefly activated indicating that the replacement unit
is now adapted to the ME 7.2 system.
NOTE-
This EDK adaptation procedure is also necessary after re-
placing the
ME 7.2 engine control module. However, the ad-
aptation values do not require clearing since they have not
yet been established.
ECM relay, testing
The engine control module (ECM) relay is energized via the
ECM and supplies battery positive
(B+) power to many of the
engine management components and subsystems. If this re-
lay is faulty, the engine will not start.
NOTE-
The ECM relay is also referred to as the DME main relay

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1 Brakes
- Remove precharge pump mounting bracket fasteners and re-
move pump.
- Installation is reverse of removal, noting the following:
Be sure to replace rubber pump mounts if damaged
01
worn.
Bleed brakes as described earlier.
Tightening torque Brake line
to precharge pump 18 Nrn (13 ft-lb)
DSC pressure sensor (1 999 - 2002 models)
On 1999 and later DSC systems, the DSC pressure sensor is
screwed into the DSC hydraulic unit (right rear of engine com-
partment).
WARNING-
* €39 cars require special BMW service equipment to prop-
erly bleed the brakes. Removal of the
DSCpressure sensor
is not recommended unless this equipment is available. For
safety reasons, the brake system on cars with ABS must be
bled using the procedures described in this repair group.
Switch off ignition and remove
key to male sure brake
system cannot be activated.
- Disconnect electrical harness connector at switch.
- Use BMW special tool 34 5 160 to remove and install sensor.
Inspect threads and sealing surfaces for damage.
* Work quicltly to avoid excessive brake fluid leakage.
Tightening torque
Pressure sensor
to hydraulic 19 Nrn (14ft-lb)
unit
- Reconnect harness connector
- Bleed front brakes as described earlier.
- Press on brakes and check for leaks at sensor.
- Turn on ignition and firmly depress brake pedal. Check that
DSC warning light does not come on.