2000 BMW 540i trouble codes

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Camshaft Timing Chain
1 VANOS I 4 When engine is started, camshafts are in deactivated
camshaft
retarded Engine I i oil supply
position:
. lntalte camshaft is held in RETARDED position by oil
pressure.
Exhaust camshaft is held in ADVANCED position by
preload spring and oil pressure.
VANOS
Piston out
ECM Piston in Within 2
- 5
seconds (50 engine revolutions), the ECM begins
monitoring and controlling camshaft positions.
The Double VANOS system allows full variability of camshaft
timing up to the limits of the system. When the ECM detects
that the camshafts are in optimum position, the solenoids are
modulated at approximately 100
- 220 Hz to maintain oil pres-
sure on both sides of the actuator pistons to maintain timing.
In models with DME
MS 43.0 (model year2001 and newer),
the engine control module (ECM) detects camshaft position
before the engine starts, thereby adjusting camshaft timing
immediately upon start-up.
NOTE-
. VANOS system troubleshooting and diagnostics is best
accomplished using a scan tool.
. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) pertaining to the
VANOS system are listed
in the following table. See also
OED On-Board Diagnostics.
Elevated oil temperatures can cause VANOS to deactivate.
Oil that is too thick (high viscosity) may cause
a DTC to be
set
in the ECM. If VANOS is deactivated (limp-home
mode), there will be a noticeable loss of power.
VANOS fault codes
BMW code P-code Fault description
19
PI529 VANOS solenoid valve activation,
exhaust
21
PI525 VANOS solenoid valve activation,
intake
103
PI519 VANOS faulty reference value
intake
104
PI520 VANOS faulty reference value
exhaust
105
PI522 VANOS stuck (Bank I) intake
106
PI523 VANOS stuck (Bank 2) exhaust

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120-3
Ignition System
Warnings and cautions
The ignition system produces dangerous high voltage. In ad-
dition the sensitive electronic components can be damaged
if
proper precautions are not adhered to.
WARNING-
* Do not touch or disconnect any cables from the coils while
the engine is running or being
cranked by the starter.
The ignition system produces high voltages that can be
fatal. Avoid contact with exposed terminals. Use ex-
treme caution when working on a car with the ignition
switched on or the engine running.
- Connect and disconnect tlie DME system wiring and
test equipment leads only when the ignition is
OFF:
Before operating the starter without starting the engine
(for example when
making a compression test) always
disable the ignition.
CA
U TIOW-
Do not attempt to disable the ignition by removing the coils
from the spark plugs.
Connect or disconnect ignition system wires, multiple
wire connectors, and ignition test equipment leads only
while the ignition is
off Switch multimeter functions or
measurement ranges only with the test probes discon-
nected.
* Do not disconnect the battery while the engine is run-
ning.
A high impedance digital multimeter should be used for
all voltage and resistance tests. An LED test light
should be used in place of an incandescent-type test
lamp.
In general, make test connections only as specified by
BMW as described in this manual, or as described by
the instrument manufacturer.
Engine management
BMW €39 engines use an advanced engine management
system known as Digital Motor Electronics (DME). DME in-
corporates on-board diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition and
other engine control functions. DME variants are listed in
Table a. Engine management systems.
Second generation On-Board Diagnostics
(OED II) is incor-
porated into the engine management systems used on the
cars covered by this manual. Use a BMW-specific electronic
scan tool, or a "Generic"
OED II scan tool to access Diagnos-
tic Trouble Codes (DTCs). DTCs can help pinpoint ignition
ine management problems.

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130-6
Fuel Injection
Fuel supply to the injection system is provided by a high pres-
sure electric pump mounted inside the fuel tank. The pump is
powered via the fuel pump relay. If the relay is faulty, the fuel
pump will not run and the engine will not start.
NOTE-
* Fuel delivery volume and fuel pressure are critical to prop-
er operation. Fuel pressure direcfly influences fuel deliv-
ery
Fuel pump relay, fuel pressure and fuel volume tests are
given in 160 Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump.
Relieving system fuel pressure
The fuel system retains fuel pressure in the system when the
engine is off. To prevent fuel from spraying on a hot engine,
system fuel pressure should be relieved beforedisconnecting
fuel lines. One method is to tightly wrap
ashop towel around a
fuel line fitting and loosen or disconnect the fitting. Cleanli-
ness is essential when working with fuel components. Thor-
oughly clean the unions before disconnecting fuel lines.
When system faults are detected, a diagnostic trouble code
(DTC) is stored in the engine control module (ECM). The MIL
also iiluminates if an emissions-related fault is detected
When faults arise, or if the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is
illuminated, begin troubleshooting by connecting BMW ser-
vice tester
DISplus. MoDiC, GTI or equivalent scan tool. The
capabilities of OBD
II software has the potential to save hours
of diagnostic time and to help avoid incorrect component re-
placement and possible damage to system components.
CAUTION-
- The tests in this section may set fault codes (DTCs) in the
ECM and illuminate the
MIL. Affer all testing is completed,
access and clear DJC fault memory using an
OED I1 or
BMW compatible scan tool. See OBD On-Board Diag-
nostics.
0 Only use a digital multimeter for electrical tests.
. Relay positions can vary Be sure to confirm relay posi-
tion by identifying the wiring in the socket using the wir-
ing diagrams found in ELE Electrical Wiring
Diagrams.

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- -.
Fuel Injection
SIEMENS MIS 42.0 AND 43.0
When system faults are detected, a diagnostic trouble code
(DTC) is stored in the engine control module (ECM). The MIL
also illuminates
if an emissions-related fault is detected.
When faults arise, or
if the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is
illuminated, begin troubleshooting by connecting BMW ser-
vice tester
DISplus, MoDiC, GTI or equivalent scan tool. The
capabilities of OBD
II software has the potential to save hours
of diagnostic time and to help avoid incorrect component re-
placement and possible damage to system components.
CAUTION-
* The tests in this section may set fault codes (DTCs) in tlie
ECM and illuminate the MIL. After all testing is completed,
access and clear DTC fault
memory using an OBD I/ or
BMW compatible scan tool. See
OBD On-Board Diag-
nostics.
Only use a
dgital multimeter for electrical tests.
Relay positions can vary. Be sure to confirm
relayposi-
tion by identifying the wiring in the socket using the wir-
ing diagrams found in
ELE Electrical Wiring
Diagrams.
NOTE-
- OBD I1 fault memory. (including an illuminated MIL! can
only be reset using the special scan tool. Removing the
connector from the ECM or disconnecting the battery will
not erase the fault memory.
The BMW-dedicated 20-pin diagnostic
linlc connector
(DLC) is in the right rear of the engine compartment The
20-pin DLC is discontinued on models after
6/2000.
The 1 &pin OBD I1 diagnostic connector (arrow) is located
inside the car on the lower left dash panel.
The MS
42.0 and MS 43.0 systems manage the following
functions.
- Air:
Idle speed valve
Electronic throttle
Hot film mass air flow (MAF) sensor
Resonance-turbulence intake control
- Fuel:
* Fuel supply
Running losseslnon return
Fuel injection

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130-46
Fuel Injection
When system faults are detected, a diagnostic trouble code
(DTC) is stored in the engine control module (ECM). The MIL
also illuminates if an emissions-related fault is detected.
When faults arise, or
if the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is
illuminated, begin troubleshooting by connecting BMW ser-
vice tester
DISplus. MoDiC, GTI or equivalent scan tool. The
capabilities of
OED II software has the potential to save hours
of diagnostic time and to help avoid incorrect component re-
placement and possible damage to system components.
CA UTIOiU-
The tests in this section may set fault codes (DTCs) in the
ECM and illuminate the MIL. After ail testing is completed,
access and clear DTC fault
memory using an OED I/ or
BMW compatible scan tool. See OBD On-Board Diag-
nostics.
Only use a digital
multimeter for electrical tests.
Relay positions can vary. Be sure to confirm relay
posi-
. tion by identifying the wiring in the socket using the wir-
ing diagrams-found in ~~~~lectrical Wiring
Diagrams.
NOTE-
OED I1 fault memory (including an illuminated MIL) can
only be reset
using~the special scan tool. Removing the
connector from the ECM or disconnecting the battery will
not erase the fault
memory.
The BMW-dedicated 20-pin diagnostic link connector
(DLC) is in the right rear of the engine compartment.
The 16-pin OBD
I1 diagnostic connector (arrow) is located
inside the car on
the lower left dash panel.

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Fuel Injection
When system faults are detected, a diagnostic trouble code
(DTC) is stored in the engine control module (ECM). The MIL
also illuminates
if an emissions-related fault is detected.
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
of diagnostic time and to help avoid incorrect component re-
placement and possible damage to system components.
CA UTIOI\C
The tests in this section may set fault codes (DTCs) in the
ECM and illuminate the MIL. After all testing is completed,
access and clear DTC fault memory using an OBD
I1 or
BMW compatible scan tool. See OBD On-Board Diag-
nostics.
. Only use a digital multimeter for electrical tests.
Relay positions can vary. Be sure to confirm relay posi-
tion by identifying the wiring in the
socket using the wir-
ing diagrams found in ELE Electrical Wiring
Diaqrams.
NOTE-
= OBD I1 fault memory (including an illuminated MIL) can
only be reset using the special scan tool. Removing the
connector from the ECM or disconnecting the battery will
not erase the fault memory.
0 The BMW-dedicated 20-pin diagnostic link connector
(DLC) is in the right rear of the engine compartment. The
20-pin DLC was eliminated on models after
6/2000.
The 16-pin OBD I1 diagnostic connector (arrow) is located
inside the car on the lower left dash panel.

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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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Warnings and cautions
Obse~e the following warnings and cautions when worlting
on the cooling system.
WARNING -
. At normal operating temperature the cooling system is
pressurized. Allow the system to cool as long as possible
before opening (a minimum of one hour), then release the
cap slowly to allow safe release ofpressure.
a Releasing the coolant system pressure lowers the cool-
ant boilingpoint and the coolant may boil suddenly. Use
1 heavy and wear eye and face protection to
guard against scalding.
Use extreme care when draining and disposing of en-
gine coolant. Coolant is poisonous and lethal to hu-
mans andpets. Pets are attracted to coolant because
of its sweet smell and taste. Seek medical attention im-
mediately if coolant is ingested.
CAUTIOG
Avoid adding cold water to the coolant while the engine is
hot or overheated. If it is necessary to add coolant to a
hol
system, do so only with the engine running and coolanl
pump turning.
To avoid excess silicate gel precipitation in the cooling
system and loss of cooling capacity, use BMW coolant
or equivalent low silicate antifreeze.
a If oil enters the cooling system, the radiator, expansion
tank and heating circuit must be flushed with cleaning
agent. BMW recommends removal of the radiator and
expansion
tank to flush.
When
worlcing on the cooling system, cover the alter-
nator to protect it against coolant drips.
Prior to disconnecting the battery, read the battery dis-
connection cautions given in
001 General Warnings
and Cautions.
Begin the diagnosis of cooling system problems with a thor-
ough visual inspection.
If no visual faults are found, it is rec-
ommend that the engine control module (ECM) fault memory
be checked for stored diagnostic trouble codes
(DTCs) using
BMW scan tool
DlSplus or equivalent.