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the VERY best of E39 Links

795K views 111 replies 53 participants last post by  Cuzzman 
#1 · (Edited)
#56 · (Edited)
- How and where to jack up the BMW E39 with pictures of jack pads & jacking points (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & what jack stands to buy or make (1) & how to make or buy car ramps for your BMW E39 (1) (2) (3) & what floor jack requirements does the E39 need (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
- What setting to put your air conditioner blower motor fan control at to protect the FSU (1)
- MAF resistance testing (1) & a DIY for replacing your MAF (1) (2) (3) & cleaning your mass air flow sensor (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) and how 'not' to clean your MAF (1) & buying a replacement MAF cheaper than the BMW MAF (RangeRover MAF) (VW MAF) (Hyundai MAF)
- One users experience diagnosing parasitic dead battery overnight current drain (1) & what's the secret to removing FSU blower motor fuse F76 (1)
- How to find the General Module under the glovebox and how to remove the GMIII General Module 3 and how to repair the GM 3 and how the GM3 affects door locks from the key fob and central locking button (1)
- How to activate DRL Daytime Running Lamps to go on with fog lights and headlights (1)
- What is the best hands free bluetooth cellphone and handsfree audio streaming in 2013 (1) & what cigarette lighter car adapter is the best power supply charger (1)
- How the secondary air system (SAS) and secondary air pump (SAP) and air valve, check valve, & electrical valve operate (1) & how to maintain (1) (2) (3) & replace (1) & troubleshoot the BMW E39 SAS SAP valve secondary air pump system (1) (2) (3) (4) & an SAP valve group buy (1) & a BMW TIS on how to diagnose the SAS (1)
- What stuff (parts, fluids, gaskets, o-rings, filters, scanners, tools, etc.) should we stock in our garage for eventual use (1)
- What is the complete list of o-rings to order for routine oil change maintenance tasks (1)
- How to replace torn door edge protection moulding seals and crumbling gasket neoprene rubber door cover molding strips (1)
- How to check the oil level on the oil dipstick (1) & how to calibrate the oil level when replacing the oil level dipstick guide tube (1) & how to replace the E39 I6 oil level sensor (1) (2) & what torque to use (1) & what to do if the oil level sensor sends a signal to blow fuse 15 causing the car to not start (1) (2) & how to test, clean, & redesign the original BMW dipstick guide tube to prevent CCV vent clogs (1)
- How to wire an aftermarket radio audio amplifier (1)
- How to remove and replace the four BMW E39 ABS related WSS wheel speed sensors (1)
- How best to integrate an Android cellphone or iPhone smart phone into your E39 (1)
- How to remove the E39 business CD radio MID (1) and adding the BMW AUX smart phone connection (1) & DICE Silverline radio-mount instructions (1) (2) (3) & how to remove just the MID (1) (2) (3) & how not to remove the MID (1) (2) by stripping the torx twist screw.
- How to locate, access, and replace the CKP crank position sensor in the I6 (1) and the crankshaft pulse generator in the V8 (1)
- How to diagnose and replace a BMW E39 front driver side door window regulator (1) and how to remove a BMW E39 front passenger side door window regulator (1) (2) & the unintuitive trick to effortlessly loosen and tighten the astronomical cable tension without damaging the front door window regulator (1) & how to rebuild and restring your current E39 front door window regulator (1) & scores of pictures showing how NOT to remove & repair your front door window regulators (1) & what is the empty two-wire connector in the front driver side door used for anyway (1) (2)
- Where to buy wiper blade refills (1) & a DIY for replacing your windshield wiper blades (1) & how to replace the wiper arm (1) (2) & troubleshooting or replacing the wiper motor (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) or wiper switch (1) or wiper relay (1) & how to replace the wind shield rain sensor (1) (2) & retrofitting an aftermarket rain sensor (1) (2) (3) & how to remove Rain-X water wiper streaks & spots on windshield glass (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
- Complete DIY for how to test a BMW battery & alternator (1) & a diagnostic procedure to test for overnight parasitic battery drain (1) & how to find all the fuses (1) & how to choose a good aftermarket battery (1) and a simple battery replacement DIY (1) & where to find the battery explosive charge emergency quick disconnect (1) (2)
- The Gasoline FAQ & top-tier gas stations (1) & what gasoline to use (1) & all about ethanol in gasoline (1) (2) & what is the true cost differential between 87 & 91 octane AKI (1) & how large is the fuel tank and reserve in the E39 (1) & how much gas should be left to cool the fuel pump (1) & how to siphon the fuel out of the tank (1) & does spilled gasoline go into the charcoal canister (1) & all about those Techron additives (1) & all about Bell Performance Mix-I-Go (1)
- What gasoline mileage should an E39 really get (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) & what is a realistically achievable mpg calculation accuracy (1) (2) & worsening E39 miles per gallon diagnostics (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27) (28) (29) (30) (31) (32) (33) (34) (35) & even some E39 great fuel economy stories (1) (2) (3)
- How does the E39 fuel injection work (1) & what are the most often recommended fuel pump & fuel filter brands (1) (2) & a DIY for replacing the fuel filter (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) & a quick test for fuel pump operation (1) (2) and a DIY for replacing the fuel pump (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & how to replace and service your BMW E39 fuel injectors (1) & details on replacing the 7.52X3.52mm and 9.2X2.8mm fuel injector o-rings (1) & the location of the K96 fuel pump relay (1) & where is the fuel system pressure test Schrader valve for the I6 (1) & where is the fuel pressure test point for the V8 (1) (2) (3) & where is the location of the fuel pump relay K96 (1) & cleaning (1) (2) & replacing the fuel sensor (1) & resolving blown fuses due to a stuck fuel filler door solenoid (1) & how to replace the gas cap tether (1) & a reputed fuel filler leak into the trunk (1) & the P0455 diagnostic trouble code when the gas cap is missing (1) & what is the cost differential between 87 & 91 octane AKI (1) & what gasoline mileage should an E39 get (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) & the truth about mpg calculation accuracy (1) (2) & E39 great mpg stories (1) (2) (3) & E39 awful fuel mileage issues (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27) (28) (29) (30).
- How to test compression on a BMW E39 V8 engine (1) and on the I6 engine (1)
- How to diagnose and replace the TPS throttle position sensor (1)
- How to identify a heated steering wheel (1) & how to retrofit to a 3-spoke M-Sport steering wheel (1) (2) (3) (4) & heated steering wheel mods (1) & restoring the life of an old steering wheel (1) (2) & where to buy the BMW steering wheel roundel (1) (2) (3) (4) (5).
- How to remove & replace a catalytic converter (1) & how to fix rattling cat shields (1) & BMW P0420 codes related to cats (1) (2) (3) & cat autopsy photos (1) & what kills cats (1) & an EPA fact sheet on catalytic converter warranties (1)
- Signs of a failing ignition switch (1) (2) or ring antenna (1) & the BMW TIS for when the ignition switch spins but does not engage (1) & rebuilding a failed ignition switch (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) & what to do if your steering wheel & key cylinder locks in place (1) (2) & the BMW training on the EWS alarm drive away protection system (pdf) & erasing old keys from the locking control module (1)
- How to diagnose the BMW amber ABS BRAKE DSC/ASC trifecta or bifecta (1) & what are all known options when your ABS control module is bad (1) & Quick99Si's explanation of why the 10-minute wheel speed sensor diode-action quick test doesn't always work, especially on brand new non-OEM wheel speed sensors (1) (2) & explanations by 540iman as to why the fancy diagnostic tools very often (extremely often, like almost all the time) fail to properly diagnose the trifecta or bifecta (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) & where to get the fancy schmancy diagnostic tools for free once you're aware of these limitations (1) & an ABS BRAKE DSC trifecta brake pressure sensor diagnostic DIY (1) & how to test and replace the steering angle sensor (1)
- What do you keep in your trunk for winter emergencies (1) & for all-weather emergencies (1) & pictures of complete rear tool kit contents (cn90) (3-series) & the BMW Rescue Manual for Emergency Services (1)
- How not to (JB Weld) fix a cracked radiator or other cooling system overhaul leaks (1) (2)
- How to jump start your E39 & where is the proper place to hook jumpstarting cables (1) (2)
- Where is the FSU located on European UK spec right hand drive (RHD) vehicles (1) (2) (3)
- How to remove the two kidney grills (mirror trick?) when you can't open your stuck hood on your BMW E39 (1)
- Information about installing a HHO hydrogen generator fuel saving kit in the BMW E39 (1)
- What is the location of the engine drain plug and proper procedure to drain the M54 coolant (1) (2) & draining the M52 engine cooling system (1)
- One user's attempt at locating and snapping a picture of every single fuse & relay in the BMW E39 (1) & the most often recommended method to diagnose overnight parasitic battery current drain including the FSU (1)
- One users method of installing 12v and USB cigarette lighter power adapters for smart phones and cell phones in 2013 (1) & how people add a handsfree bluetooth cellphone or smartphone in 2013 (1) (2) & how some install an iPad (1) or an Android tablet (1)
- How much does personality type play a role in how people approach an unexpected BMW repair (1)
- How to modify the cooling system expansion tank 2 bar cap to 1.2 bar to vent at a lower pressure (1)
- What to check if your cluster indicates a rear brake lamp out (1) & how to remove a melted center brake light (1)
- Where to get coupon codes for buying parts at local suppliers (1)
- Motor mounts and transmission mounts (aka holders) DIYs for the BMW E39 I6 (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) & engine mounts or the V8 (0) (1) (2) (3).
- What is that brown discoloration color of my heated side view mirrors (1)
- What does a blinking SES light mean and is it safe to drive the car with the CEL flashing (1)
- How to build a test jig for fsu parasitic battery drain and HVAC anomaly diagnostics (1)
- What stuff (parts, fluids, gaskets, o-rings, filters, scanners, tools, etc.) should we stock in our garage for eventual use (1) & how long will these stocked rubber parts last stored in your garage (1)
- What brand is the OEM original equipment manufacturer for your BMW parts (1) & what parts & supplies are best to buy OEM, OES, or OE (1)
- What size is the exhaust pipe cutout (1)
- Why are all four windows rolled down when I go outside to my BMW (1) (2) (3)
- The main causes front-end clunk while driving (1) & clunking while braking (1) & the generic causes of vehicle vibration while highway driving (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & while highway braking (1) (2) (3) & why it's not rotor "warp" (1) & severe ABS shuddering while slow speed braking on bumps (1) & how fluid-filled thrust arm bushings crack and tear causing the BMW to vibrate at speed (0) (1) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) & a comprehensive TireRack vehicle vibration diagnosis chart (1) (jpg) with wheel match mounting hints (1) & how a worn drive shaft, flex disc, center bearing, or "giunti Boschi", aka giubo (it's not spelled guibo although it sounds like it is to some) can cause the vehicle to vibrate (1) (2) (3) (4) & how to repair the rear driveshaft seal by the differential (1) & how to repair the inner constant velocity (CV) half-drive shaft (1).
- How to replace the old-style BMW square key battery (1) (2) & how to replace the rubber key pads in the square keys (1) (2) & what the red LED indicates on the old square key (1) & what can go wrong with a key and where to send it for repair (1) (2) (3) (4) & what battery to use in the new style 2000+ BMW E39, E46, E53, E85, etc. diamond key (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) & youtube videos of diamond key repairs (1) (2) (3) & a square key to diamond key retrofit and transponder swap (1) (2) (3) (4) & diamond key to square key retrofit questions (1) & how to recharge your key out of your BMW and how long that key will last in the drawer before it needs that off-the-car recharging (1) & the details on swapping the BMW diamond key transponder (1) & the proper diamond key initializing or programming sequence (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) & what to do if your only key is locked inside your bimmer (1) & a description of the various types of BMW Remote, Illuminated, Spare/Wallet, & Valet/Service keys (1) (2) & a list of diamond key EWS, FZV, & DWA functions (1) (2) & all about the 10-key limit to programming your own keys at home (1) & a description of the ignition key ISN (individual serial number) ten-second rule (1) & what to do if you lost your only diamond key (1) or what to do if your BMW key was stolen (1)
- How to tell whether you have the high or low on board computer cluster (1) & a video showing how to unlock the low OBC (1) or the high OBC cluster for diagnostics (1) (2) and quickie telephone verbal instructions for unlocking the high instrument cluster on the E39 (1) & how to change the OBC MID IHKA KTMP temperature from degrees Celcius to Fahrenheit (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) & how to retrofit an E39 from the low obc to the high obc (pdf)
- BMW E39 rear window regulator replacement DIY (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) & McGyver fixes on the road (1) (2) & rear window regulator repair kits (1) (2) (3) (4) & what brand rear window regulators should I get (1) & where to get salvaged parts (1) & how to remove the rear window (1) (2) & how to adjust the windows after the repair (1) (2) (3) & how to temporarily keep the window up (1) & how to rewind the transmission case windup spool (1) (2) & how to slip the cable wires back onto the pulleys (1) (2) (3) & how to replace just the rollers (1) (2)

- One user's effort to diagnose, rebuild, and replace a BMW E39 front driver side door window regulator (1) and how to remove a BMW E39 front passenger side door window regulator (1) (2) & the unintuitive trick to effortlessly loosen and tighten the astronomical cable tension without damaging the front door window regulator (1) & how to rebuild and restring your current E39 front door window regulator (1) & scores of pictures showing how NOT to remove & repair your front door window regulators (1) & how to replace just the rollers (1) (2)

- How to maintain (1) and repair your hood release bowden cable (1) (2) (3) & how to replace the hood cable the easy way (1) & how to open the hood when the hood cable snaps (1) (2) & how to open the hood manually when you have a dead 12v car battery (1) [or trunk (1) (2)] & how to make your own hood release tool when the cable breaks and the hood won't open (1)

- What is your opinion on buying a BMW with a salvage title (1) (2) (3) (4)
- One user's convoluted quest to find & fix persistent intermittent misfire set of lean condition vacuum leaks P0313 P0300 P1353 P1083 P1085 P1351 P0171 P0174 (1)
- Heated seat fire burn on the BMW E39 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) & how to diagnose and fix broken wires in heated seats (1) (2) & a front heated seat retrofit DIY (1) (2) & how to add rear heated seats (1)
- What does an outside temperature chime and a triple beep beep beep memo clock monitor mean in the BMW E39 (1)
- Throttle pedal position TPS potentiometer autopsy photos (1)
- What triggers the E39 tamperdot and how the VIN and mileage and service interval are associated with the cluster red tamper dot (1)
- How to open the BMW E39 white e-box under the passenger side cabin air filter ebox (1)
- How to remove water in the headlights or headlight condensation on the lens (1)
- How to gracefully remove the upper & lower radiator hose (1) and how not to remove the M54 coolant temperature sensor (1)
- Locating and replacing the additional 1996-98 M52 coolant hoses (1)
- Outside ambient temperature sensor reads -40° on the cluster (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & how to calibrate the ambient temp sensor (1) & how to change OBC MID IHKA KTMP temperature from degrees Celcius to Fahrenheit (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
- BMW 10-character vehicle defect code lookup tool for dealer service records (1) & how to better understand your 17-character BMW VIN (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) and online BMW VIN decoders (0) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & what is the definitive list of electronic computer modules that need VIN recoding once replaced (1)
- How to remove and replace the windshield (1) & how to align the windscreen based on the BMW TIS (1) & how to replace crumbling windshield gasket trim cover molding (1) (2) to prevent wind noise (1) & how to install or tighten a loose rear view mirror on the glass (1) (2) & how to replace rain sensors (1) (2) (3) & what is double glazing (1) & window glass cleaner fluids & cloths (1) & how to remove Rain-X water wiper streaks & spots on windshield & rearview mirror glass (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
----- repairs -----
Behr cooling system leaking
Plastic DISA valve breaking & destroying the engine
Cluster pixel tape lifting
MID pixel tape lifting
Hella PBT headlight adjusters breaking
Power steering cap & hose leaking
Trunk wiring loom fraying
CCV clogging
Bosch ABS control module frying
Cupholders breaking
I6 VANOS seals deteriorating
V8 valley pan gaskets leaking
GKR/BMW/Valeo FSU/FSR dying
Thrust arm bushings leaking
Ambient temperature sensor breaking
Window regulators breaking
Vapor barrier adhesive leaking
Jack pads falling off
Windshield cover molding crumbling
Driver's seat control switch breaking
Rear center brakelight socket melting
Seat cables fall out causing seat twist
Windshield washer tanks & pumps leaking
BMW roundel paint chipping
Vent trim corner cracking & wood trim varnish cracking
----- maintenance -----
150K mile maintenance checklist & parts to periodically clean
Check and replace all fluids
Common engine misfires diagnosed & cold start misfires identified
The most recommended brake pads and rotors purchased & installed
Battery tested & the most often recommended battery & installation
Spark plugs bought & replaced
Check & align & mount and balance wheels
O-rings & gaskets & bulbs & vacuum hoses & fuses & wiper blade inserts & belts & bearings & oil filters & cabin air filters & engine air filters to stock
----- tools -----
Common tools needed for the E39 & an obdii DTC scanner & an SRS reset tool & accurate measurement tools & specialty cooling system tools

Parts & labour rates:

  • Supplier prices lookup comparison engine (1) & BMW salvage (junkyard) parts lookup engine (1) & BMWfans search by part number (1) & Realoem nominal prices by part number (1) & EACTuning actual prices by part number (1) & BMW of South Atlanta actual prices by part number (1) & Maxmillian BMW dealer prices by part number (1) & the most often recommended parts suppliers (1) & what BMW E39 parts & supplies are best to buy OEM (1) & joining BMWCCA to lower parts costs (1) (2) & which BMW dealers match prices (1) & in situ pictures of common parts of the M54 engine (1) & what other tandem parts to buy while you're there (1)
  • Finding a reputable BMW indy in your area (1) (2) & the consumers' checkbook method of finding a good mechanic (1) & repairpal labor/job/shop rates by zip code (1) & other things to consider replacing while you're already there (1)
  • Making sense of the most often recommended BMW diagnostic tools & cable interfaces (1) & BMW factory & dealer programming, coding, and diagnostic software such as INPA, EDIABAS, NCS Expert, DIS, EasyDIS, Progman (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) & related BMW diagnostic-tool forums (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
  • Where can one obtain the BMW KSD for flat rate unit (FRU) labor pricing (1) & the BMW TIS for technical service bulletins (1) (2) & an on-line WDS (1) & a text-searchable PDF Bentley E39 repair manual, volume I (1) (2) & the best price on paper Bentleys (1) & the Bentley Publishers Online Technical Library (1) & if you can no longer find the TIS, here's why (1)
  • What to tell those who haven't yet bonded with their E39 who feel they don't have time, money, expertise, or tools to DIY & why the tools are free when they do so (1)
  • Glovebox printout of the dozen lists and procedures and specifications to print for emergency use (1) and how to save $ money to qualify for free shipping on UPS/DHL/USPS/FedEx by stocking O-rings & gaskets & bulbs & vacuum hoses & fuses & wiper blade inserts & belts & bearings & oil filters & cabin air filters & engine air filters & fluids in your garage whenever ordering from the recommended parts suppliers.
......
- How to locate all the cooling system hoses in the BMW E39 (1) (2) (3)
- Where to find the BMW TIS for technical service bulletins (1) (2) & if you can no longer find the TIS, here's why (1) & where to obtain the BMW KSD for flat rate unit (FRU) labor pricing (1) & an on-line WDS (1) & a text-searchable PDF Bentley E39 repair manual, volume I (1) (2) & the best price on paper Bentleys (1) & the Bentley Publishers Online Technical Library (1)
- Ideas for strapping emergency kits into the trunk indents above the battery and amplifier (1)
- Where to find a good deal on LL01 Mobil1 0W40 (1) & what is the difference with Mobil 1 10W40 (1) high mileage oil (1)
- How to determine the proper replacement alternator brand and amperage (Valeo, Bosch, 90A, 120Amps, or 140 amps) for your E39 (1)
- Survey of all available brands and prices and suppliers for front window regulators (1)
- How to replace the timing chain tensioner and rail guide on the I6 (1) & on the M62 (1) & on the M62TU (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
- What size is the exhaust pipe cutout (1) & building a faux quad exhaust (1)
- DIY for changing the I6 manual transmission clutch (1) or the V8 clutch (1) or a BMW M5 clutch DIY (1) & how long does the OEM LUK BMW dual-mass flywheel last (1) & a CDV delete by removing or modifying the manual transmission clutch delay valve (1) (2) (3) (4) & brake & clutch hydraulic fluid (1)
- How does the BMW E39 fuel trim behave at high elevation (1) (2) (3) & where is the BMW E39 altitude pressure sensor (APS) (1)
- What parts to buy for a complete engine overhaul (1)
- How to DIY your BMW E39 I6 tie rods (1) (2) and your V8 tie rods (1) (2) (3)
- How not to clean your MAF mass airflow sensor (1) (2)
- How does the E39 fuel injection FI system work (1) & the location of the K96 FPR fuel pump relay (1) & the location of the fuel system pressure test Schrader valve for the I6 (1) and V8 (1) (2) (3) & a quick test for fuel pump operation (1) (2) & what are the most often recommended fuel pump & fuel filter brands (1) (2) & a DIY for replacing the fuel filter (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) & a DIY for replacing the fuel pump (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & how to service your BMW E39 fuel injectors (1) & how to replace the 7.52X3.52mm and 9.2X2.8mm fuel injector o-rings (1) & cleaning the fuel gauge sensor (1) (2) & replacing the fuel sensor (1) & resolving blown fuses due to a stuck fuel filler door solenoid (1)
- Fuel injection LDP leak detection pump DIY (1) & a fuel system charcoal canister DIY (1) & where is the fuel tank breather valve (1)

..... 59
Here is a good set of PDFs for working on the BMW E39 from RDL (1)
- Glovebox printouts for your E39: fluids (1) & bulbs (2) & cabin air filters (3) & oil service interval reset (1) & cluster unlocking (1)
- One user's TFP TRANS FAILSAFE PROG automatic transmission TPF experience stuck in limp mode (1) & how others tested & resolved transmission "Trans Failsafe Program", aka "Limp Mode" (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18)
- How to troubleshoot a bad FSU final stage unit (1) and how to build a test jig for your FSR final stage resistor (1) & how to autopsy or repair solder cracks in your blower motor resistor (1) & how to replace your HVAC blower resistor (1) (E46) & what FSU is the right one to buy (1)
- What bimmers have a rear FSU (1) & where to find the rear FSR in the E39 (1)
- Oil temperature sensor location and retrofit for oiltmp reading on the cluster (1)
- How to retrofit an E39 ccd reverse backup bumper or license plate camera (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) & user questions on sourcing an E39 rear camera (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
- How NOT to remove a brake pad wear sensor (1)
- How to non destructively remove a broken radiator nipple (1)
- What is the generic size of the power steering reservoir cap o-ring (1)
- How to clean the idle control valve ICV in the E39 V8 (1) & I6 (1) (2) (3) (4)
- What to do when you have low oil pressure (1) & the difference between a red oil light versus yellow oil light (1) & how to diagnose oil consumption & oil pressure problems (1)
- One users quest to diagnose uneven tire wear on the inside edge due to excessive and uneven alignment camber & toe (1) (2) and tire match mounting (1) (2) & how one user selects tires (1)
- How to remove just the expansion tank to repair a leak during your cooling system overhaul (1)
- Survey of all available brands and prices and suppliers for front window regulators (1) (2)
- How to identify and replace all E39 brake hoses (1) (2) & brake pipes (1) (2)
- How to maintain the secondary air system (1) (2) (3) & how to troubleshoot the SAS (1) (2) (3) (4) & how to do an SAS delete (1) & how to replace the (SAP) secondary air pump (1) & an SAP valve group buy (1)
- DIY for replacing the I6 528i head gasket (1) and the I6 M54 head gasket (1) (2) & replacing the V8 M62TU head gasket (1) & a spreadsheet for head gasket repair DIY parts (1)
- Published test of BMW E39 brake braking stopping distance (1)

- How to diagnose & repair an inoperative E39 cigarette lighter socket (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) & how to make your cigarette socket a switched circuit (1) (2) & a BMW Glovebox Flashlight Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter (1) (2) (3) & how to install the Valentine or Escort radar detector (1) (2) & one users method of installing 12v and USB cigarette lighter power adapters for smart phones and cell phones in 2013 (1) & how people add a handsfree bluetooth cellphone or smartphone in 2013 (1) (2) & how some install an iPad (1) or an Android tablet (1)
- How not to remove your fan shroud (broken shroud plastic)

- How to repair your frayed trunk wiring loom (1) & an easy fix for your trunk latch (1) (2) & a trunk lock actuator DIY (1) & how to replace your trunk shock absorber struts (1) or your E39 touring tailgate damper (1) & how to repair a broken trunk boot lock spring (1) & proper identification & location of relays in the trunk compartment & location of the fuel pump relay K96 (1) & how to open the hood (1) or boot manually when you have a dead 12v car battery (1) (2) & how to unlock the older E39 if the key is locked inside the trunk (1) (2)

- Complete DIY for how to test a BMW battery & alternator (1) & how to determine exactly what alternator you have (1) & how to determine the proper replacement alternator brand and amperage [Valeo, Bosch, 90A, 120Amps, or 140 amps] (1) & how to tell from the part number if a replacement alternator is actually rebuilt "by" Bosch (1) & one users' example of total electrical failure (AAA towed away) alternator repair (1) [Read post #66 & post #107 & especially post #146] & a DIY for replacing the E39 I6 alternator (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) or E39 V8 alternator (1) (2) (3) (4) & why you want to clean out the air-cooled alternator air duct & cooling vents (1) (2) (1) (2) & does an ATF leak from power steering hoses onto the alternator cause the bearings to fail (1) & why rebuilding an alternator is preferable to replacing (1) & cn90 DIYs for rebuilding a 1998 air-cooled BMW Bosch alternator (1) (2) or his VW Bosch alternator (1) & cdawg246's quest for materials for a Bosch water cooled alternator rebuild (1) & Aioros' 1999 Valeo Alternator rebuild DIY (1) and his quest for materials (1) & Cn90's explanation of where to get hard-to-get alternator rebuild parts (1) & a DIY for replacing the brushes in an (Audi) Valeo alternator (1) & a Bosch alternator bearing replacement from a 1997 MB S600 (1) & from a Range Rover (1) &, if it's not the alternator, a diagnostic procedure to test for overnight parasitic battery drain (1) & how to find all the fuses (1) & how to choose a good aftermarket battery (1) and a simple battery replacement DIY (1) & where to find the battery explosive charge emergency quick disconnect (1) (2)

- Glovebox printouts for emergency use (1) and how to save $ money to qualify for free shipping on UPS/DHL/USPS/FedEx by stocking O-rings & gaskets & bulbs & vacuum hoses & fuses & wiper blade inserts & belts & bearings & oil filters & cabin air filters & engine air filters & fluids in your garage whenever ordering from the recommended parts suppliers.
.... 60
- One user's attempt to locate, describe, and photograph all fuses and relays in the BMW E39 with a picture of every fuse & relay (1)
- How to diagnose PDC module issues (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (pdf) & how to turn off the PDC beep or lower the PDC sound volume (1) & how to replace a PDC module (1) & how to retrofit a new PDC bumper installation (1) (2) (3) & park distance control wiring information (1)
- BMW wheel specs (1) (2) & BMW & replica rim styles (1) (2) (3) (4) & the difference between cast vs forged rims (1) & how to choose the right size wheel spacers (1) (2) & where to go when you bend or otherwise damage your wheels (1) & wheel terminology (1) & Tire circumference, diameter, offset, & clearance calculators (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
- What's the true accuracy of the various methods of mpg calculation (1) (2) & what gasoline mileage should an E39 really get (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) & what are some great e39 fuel efficiency stories (1) (2) (3) & what are the awful e39 fuel mileage complaints and miles per gallon diagnostic tests (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27) (28) (29) (30) (31) (32) (33)
- How to understand the BMW E39 EWS alarm drive-away protection system (1) (2) (pdf) & troubleshooting the hood switch, battery, siren, and interior motion sensor (1) (2) (3) (4) & troubleshooting the fuel filler door switch (1) & replacing the siren (1) or disabling/enabling the unlock chirp (1) (2) (3) & how to maintain (1) and repair your hood release bowden cable (1) (2) (3)
- How to test & fix A-pillar moonroof or sunroof water leaks causing wet front carpet (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
- Helicoils (1) vs Timeserts (1) for stripped oilpan (1) & spark plug (1) & head gasket thread repair (1) & expoxy for other stripped threads (1) & Metric/SAE bolt conversion factors (1)
- One user's effort to diagnose, rebuild, and replace a BMW E39 front driver side door window regulator (1) and how to remove a BMW E39 front passenger side door window regulator (1) (2) & the unintuitive trick to effortlessly loosen and tighten the astronomical cable tension without damaging the front door window regulator (1) & how to rebuild and restring your current E39 front door window regulator (1) & scores of pictures showing how NOT to remove & repair your front door window regulators (1) & how to replace just the rollers (1) (2) & a survey of all available brands and prices and suppliers for front window regulators (1) (2) & how to replace just the plastic pulleys with machined stainless steel rollers (1) & things not mentioned in most window regulator DIYs (1) & BMW E39 rear window regulator replacement DIY (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) & McGyver fixes on the road (1) (2) & rear window regulator repair kits (1) (2) (3) (4) & what brand rear window regulators should I get (1) & where to get salvaged parts (1) & how to remove the rear window (1) (2) & how to adjust the windows after the repair (1) (2) (3) & how to temporarily keep the window up (1) & how to rewind the transmission case windup spool (1) (2) & how to slip the cable wires back onto the pulleys (1) (2) (3) & how to replace just the rollers (1) (2)
- How to remove and replace the Radio Data broadcast System RDS business radio (1) (2)
- How reupholster or repair or re-foam or dye worn leather or cloth BMW seats (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) & how to fix the seat pocket panels (1) & recommended suppliers for professional seat repair (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)
- How to diagnose broken wires in heated seats (1) (2) & how to fix heated seats (1) & how to do a front (1) & rear (1) heated seat retrofit & how to retrofit active comfort seats into the E39 (1) or E38 (1) & splicing wiring for modding a 99+ sports seat into a 95-98 BMW (1) & a BMW E39 rear folding seatback/folding seats retrofit DIY (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & seat heater fire burning on the BMW E39 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
- What are your options if you buy an E39 which turns out to have a bent frame when you run an alignment (1)
- What is the top speed governor speed limit of the various BMW E39 models (1)
- What anomalies occur when you remove your ABS control module to send it out to the recommended rebuilders for repair (1)
- How to remove and replace the incandescent bulbs and LEDs in the instrument cluster (1)
- How to enable or disable autodoorlocking automatic door locking autolocking autodoorlocks (1)
- Automatic to 5-speed manual transmission conversion retrofit (1) & steptronic trans conversion (1) & your first subsequent tranny modifications (1) (2) (3)

To follow in others' footsteps and pick up where they left off, simply type /KEYWORD F3 in the VERY best of E39 Links, and these links, among others, will result:
If the answer isn't in that thread, please add it to the thread once you find out, so that others start where you left off and improve the tribal knowledge from there.
... 61
- How to physically test & repair the Bosch ABS control module (1) & how to diagnose the BMW amber ABS BRAKE DSC/ASC trifecta or bifecta (1) & what are all known options when your ABS control module is bad (1) & why you want to only buy oem wheel speed sensors (1) & how to remove and replace the four BMW E39 ABS related WSS wheel speed sensors (1) & which wss innervates the speedometer (1) & explanations by 540iman as to why the fancy diagnostic tools always fail to properly diagnose the trifecta or bifecta (1) & where to get the fancy schmancy diagnostic tools for free once you're aware of their limitations (1) & why it's probably not the ABS hydraulic pump failing (1) & how to properly test the BPS brake pressure sensor (1) & how to properly test and replace the steering angle sensor (1) & Quick99Si's explanation of why the 10-minute wheel speed sensor diode-action quick test doesn't always work, especially on non-OEM wheel speed sensors (1) & what's this about the P0500 setting the SES (1) & why you want to wait a week before getting a smog test after removing your ABS control module (1) &, if you really want to try, how to attempt to disable the ABS/DSC but keep the speedometer and mpg cluster readouts (1)
- How to optimally set up the BMW E39 IHKA air conditioning system (1) & how to set the fan blower speed to preserve your FSU (1) & an explanation of the three heating cooling blue dots (1) & how to eliminate the a/c musty gym sock odor (1) & how to remove the IHKA heater air conditioning control panel to clean the circuit board (1) & how to check the HVAC (IHKA) sampling fan (1) & how to remove the trim and bracket holding the MID (1) & how to remove (for a Hualigan) the E39 dashboard trim (1) & how to diagnose lack of HVAC/IHKA heater core heat with cooling system (auxiliary pump) at idle (1) & how to replace or repair the IHKA button (1) & how to change OBC MID IHKA KTMP temperature from °C Celcius degree to °F Fahrenheit degrees (1) & what is this thing (HVAC/IHKA solar sensor) in the middle of my dashboard by the windshield (1) & how to replace the activated charcoal cabin air filter (1) & what cabin filter to buy (1) & cn90's inexpensive cabin filter retrofit (1) & how to measure A C temperature (1) & where to find your low pressure airconditioning recharge port (1) & how to refill your A/C system for $20 (1) & what refrigerant PAG oil to use (1) & how to diagnose A/C compressor knocking and rattling sounds (1)
- Summary of engine cranks but won't start threads due to unspecified gas air spark compression timing problems (1)
- How to remove the external b-pillar and replace the front and rear door external b Pillar on the BMW E39 (1)
- How to replace the universal joint driveshaft u-joint (aka Cardon Joint) between the front and rear driveshafts (1)
- How to test a BMW battery & alternator (1) & the most often recommended diagnostic procedure to test for overnight parasitic battery drain (1) & one user's attempt to locate, describe, and photograph all fuses and relays in the BMW E39 with a picture of every fuse & relay (1) & how to choose a good aftermarket battery (1) and a simple battery replacement DIY (1) & Cn90's explanation of where to get alternator rebuild parts (1) & how to troubleshoot a bad FSU final stage unit (1) and how to build a test jig for your FSR final stage resistor (1) & how to repair solder cracks in your blower motor resistor (1) & how to replace your HVAC blower motor control (1) (E46) & what FSU is the right one to buy based on user experiences (1)
- What is that little blue plug near the transmission for the flywheel locking hole blue twist plug (1)
- How long does it take a piezoelectric knock sensor to adjust the fuel trim based on the gasoline AKI octane rating of the fuel used (1)
- How to remove the rear shelf, also known as the rear package shelf or rear parcel shelf in order to replace broken coil springs (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
- How to better understand your DME Digital Motor Electronics module (1)
- Has my car ride height been lowered (1)
- Do the brake pad sensors come with the pads or are they a separate item (1)
- Drivers seat belt replacement DIY (1)
- How do you measure physically deformed rotor distortion often incorrectly termed "warp" (1) & where is the published brake disk/disc lateral runout rotor specification for the BMW E39 (1)
- How to open and repair the LCM III module (1)
- What's the true accuracy of the various methods of mpg calculation (1) (2) & what gasoline mileage should an E39 really get (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) & what are some great e39 fuel efficiency stories (1) (2) (3) & what are the awful e39 fuel mileage complaints and miles per gallon diagnostic tests (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27) (28) (29) (30) (31) (32) (33) (34)
- The great thread of all BMW E39 OEM trim styles (1) & how to remove interior cockpit trim (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & what do do about cracks in the wood panels (1) & cracks in the corner of the plastic vents (1) & painting trim (1) or vinyl trim (1)
- How to adjust a BMW E39 bonnet hood alignment adjustment (1)
- Where to find the BST Battery Safety Terminal battery explosive charge emergency quick disconnect (1)
- What to do when your expansion tank coolant level sensor float bobber stick is MIA missing in action (1) & how to retrofit a coolant level sensor to an E39 that doesn't have it (1)
- How to jack up the car and ensure that it's still level for changing atf transmission fluid (1)
- Tools such as infrared thermometer (1)
- What does the BMW roundel stand for and mean (1) & how to replace the BMW E39 front hood roundel ornament decal logo badge emblem (1) (2) (3) (4) & how the BMW E39 hood roundel differs from the trunk roundel (1) & where to buy the BMW steering wheel roundel (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
- One users experience with a stuck steering wheel turn signal stalk repair (1)
- Step-by-step printout to program the BMW E39 3-button homelink gdo (1) & the homelink garage door opener programming user guide (pdf) & how to retrofit a homelink remote control in your E39 headliner (1)

Things NOT to do:
- How not to do a gravity feed oil change (1)
- How not to do a vacuum extraction oil change (1)
- How not to replace your battery (1) (2) (3)
- How not to remove the mass air flow sensor (MAF) spring clip (1)
- How not to remove the E39 MID (1) (2)
- How not to remove the nipple from the E39 radiator (broken radiator nipple)
- How not to remove your fan shroud (broken shroud plastic)
- How not to put your E39 fan clutch back on (crooked fan clutch nut)
- How not to bleed your E39 cooling system (1) (broken bleeder screw)
- How not to replace your E39 thermostat (thermostat loom misplaced)
- How not to remove your E39 expansion tank (broken expansion tank nipple & cn90 repair)
- How not to remove the large radiator hose connector spring clips (1)
- How NOT to replace your M54 lower radiator hose coolant temperature sensor (1)
- How not to repair your E39trunk wiring loom (1)
- How not to install rain sensors on the windshield glass (1)
- How not to replace the FSU (1)
- How not to install rain sensors on windshield glass (1)
- How not to replace your windshield wipers (1)
- How not to replace your FSU/FSR (1)
- How not to siphon gasoline out of your fuel tank (1)
- How not to paint your engine covers (1)
- How not to remove & repair your front door window regulators (1)
- How not to remove a brake pad wear sensor (1)
- How not to fill your expansion tank when you have a missing coolant level float bobber (1)
- How not to repair your E39, by cn90 (1)
- How not to post on Bimmerfest (1) (2)
etc.
 

Attachments

#57 · (Edited)
  1. What is your local dealer labour rate or your local indy labor rate? (1)
  2. What book does your dealer/indy use for flat rate time? (1)
  3. Where does the dealer/indy/sponsor buy their parts from? (1)
  4. How long does the dealer/indy quote for each repair (for better shop transparency) (1)
  5. How long did it take YOU to DIY that last maintenance or repair? (1)
  6. How much money, in toto, did the dealer/indy quote you for your repair? (1)
- A compendium of forensic autopsy threads assessing failure modes (1) and specific postmortem diagnostic photos of the ABS control module (1), Hella headlights (1), DISA valve (1), power steering pump (1), FSU (1), TPS (1), expansion tank (1), sunvisor (1), windows regulators (1), cats (1), fuel filter (1), CCV (1).
- How to replace the E39 V8 valve cover gasket (1) & how to replace the E39 I6 VCG (1) & which VCG brand to buy (1) & what VCG lubricants to use (1) & what can go wrong when replacing the VCG valve cover gasket which may cause subsequent plastic engine cover leaks (1)
- What specific tools are needed or recommended for a typical four wheel front and rear brake job, including disc pads, sensor, rotors, and rear brake drum shoes (1)
- What is the correct BMW battery reset procedure (1) & what is the battery disconnect 16-minute timeout sleep warning (1) & where to find the Battery Safety Terminal BST explosive charge emergency quick disconnect (1)
- Research into how our Myers-Briggs personality profile affects what BMW motor oil, coolant, and gasoline religious dogma decisions we should recommend when people ask which fluid to use (1)
- What brand is the OEM part original equipment manufacturer for your BMW (1) & what parts & supplies are best to buy OEM (1)
- How to identify an oil pan leak (1) & how to remove & replace the E39 V8 oil pan gasket (1) & how to replace the E39 I6 oil pan gasket by dropping the subframe (1) & the Mudbone / cn90 trick to cut and replace the rigid metalized I6 OPG without removing the sub frame (1) & how to substitute pure RTV as a FIPG formed in place gasket for the 6-cylinder E39 oil pan gasket without lowering the sub-frame (1) & how to build or buy your own hoist & engine-support tools (1)
- What size are the buna/viton two/piston VANOS piston seal O-rings, the one/piston bearing seal cap oring, and the square cut one/piston Teflon seal o-rings for the two piston M54 VANOS replacement unit (1)
- How to diagnose and repair seat cover panel switch problems causing issues with tilt steering and seat movement (1) & how to remove, repair, and fix the seat pocket panels (1) & how to remove the front seatback cover in order to separate the seatback from the seat cushion bottom (1) & how to diagnose broken wires in heated seats (1) (2) & how to fix those heated seats (1) & how to do a front (1) & rear (1) heated seat retrofit & pictures of a seat heater fire burning on the BMW E39 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) & how to retrofit active comfort seats into the E39 (1) or E38 (1) & splicing wiring for modding a 99+ sports seat into a 95-98 BMW (1) & a BMW E39 rear folding seatback/folding seats retrofit DIY (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & how to reupholster or repair or re-foam or dye worn leather or cloth BMW seats (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) & recommended suppliers for professional seat repair (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)
- Worn drive shaft, center bearing, and giubo or "giunti Boschi" DIY (1) (2) (3) (4) & a drive shaft and center bearing DIY (1) (2) & how to pronounce the word often misspelled as guibo because Americans spell Italian words the way they think they're pronounced (1)
- DIY for changing the I6 manual transmission clutch (525i) (528i) & a BMW M5 clutch DIY (1) & how long the OEM LUK BMW dual-mass flywheel lasts (1) & a clutch delay valve (CDV) delete (1) & replacing the motor mounts, aka transmission holders for the BMW E39 I6 (1) & engine mounts for the V8 (1) & what brake/clutch hydraulic fluid should you use (1)& what manual transmission fluid should you buy (1) & how to replace the manual transmission fluid (1)
- DIY to clean your fuel gauge sending unit (1) & a detailed Techron "soap for gasoline" thread (1)
- What to do if your power steering reservoir cap is always wet (1) & how to clean the power steering fluid reservoir internal filter (1) (2) & what is the generic size of the power steering reservoir cap o-ring (1) & what is the most often recommended power steering fluid (1) (2) what volume do you need to buy & (1) how to do a power steering fluid flush DIY (1) (2) (3) (4) & how to replace the cap o-ring (1) (2) & why you want to fix the power steering hose drip onto the alternator (1) (2) (3) & how to debug PSP power steering pump noises (1) (2) (3) or steering rack noises (1) & a nice power steering pump autopsy photo (1) & how to flush cloudy ATF fluid (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & what PS fluid to use (1) (2-pdf) (3-volume) & DIYs to replace the power steering hoses (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & how to debug common BMW power steering issues (1) and noises (1) (2) (3) or steering rack noises (1) & does an ATF leak from power steering hoses onto the alternator really cause the bearings to fail (1)
- How to set the M123 numbered button drivers door seat memory, headrest memory, steering wheel memory, and outside mirror memory (1)
- How to remove and replace the windshield (1) & how to align the windscreen based on the BMW TIS (1) & how to replace crumbling windshield gasket trim windshield cover molding (1) (2) to prevent wind noise (1) & how to install or tighten a loose rear view mirror on the glass (1) (2) & how to replace rain sensors (1) (2) (3) & what is double glazing (1) & window glass cleaner fluids & cloths (1) & how to remove Rain-X water wiper streaks & spots on windshield & rearview mirror glass (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
- Locating the source of water leaking or pooling in the trunk or boot causing rust under the spare tire (1)
- How to troubleshoot a bad FSU final stage unit (1) and how to build a test jig for your FSR final stage resistor (1) & how to autopsy or repair solder cracks in your blower motor resistor (1) & how to replace your HVAC blower resistor (1) & what FSU is the right one to buy (1) & how to remove the IHKA heater air conditioning control panel to clean the circuit board (1) & how to check the HVAC (IHKA) sampling fan (1) & how to correctly measure cockpit AC temperature (1) & where is the HVAC/IHKA solar sensor located (1) & where to find your low pressure airconditioning recharge port (1) & how to recharge or refill your A/C system for $20 (1) & what refrigerant PAG oil to use (1) & how to diagnose A / C compressor knocking sounds (1) & how to learn about (1) and set up your air conditioning (1) & how to replace the activated charcoal cabin air filter (1) & what cabin filter to buy (1) & cn90's inexpensive cabin filter retrofit (1) & everything there is to know about stinky gym sock AC odors (1) & R134a conversion information (1) & air conditioner compressor replacement DIYs (1) or compressor rebuilds (1) or ac hose rebuilding services (1) & how to remove the trim and bracket holding the MID & HVAC/IHKA panels (1) & how to replace just the IHKA button (1) & how to change OBC MID IHKA KTMP temperature from degrees Celcius to Fahrenheit (1) & how to diagnose lack of HVAC/IHKA heater core heat with cooling system (auxiliary pump) at idle (1)
- How to better understand the piezoelectric knock sensor operation (1) & how long does it take the BMW knock sensors to adjust the fuel trim based on the gasoline octane rating of the fuel used (1) & what gasoline octane should we use (1) & how do they measure octane ratings around the world (1) & where is "The Gasoline FAQ" & what are the top-tier gas stations (1) & how large is the fuel tank and reserve in the E39 (1) & how much gas should be left to cool the fuel pump (1) & how can we siphon the fuel out of the tank (1) & what is the cost differential between 87 & 91 octane AKI anyway (1) & whats all this about techron (1) & what are the religious dogmatic camps when it comes to BMW fuel choice (1) & how accurate are our mpg calculations (1) & compendium of BMW E39 emission smog test results (1) & what states make it illegal to sell a car "as is" that won't pass smog or that have an SES/CEL light lit at the time of sale (1)
- How do BMW Supplemental Restraint Systems (srs, airbag, bst, crush zones, etc.) really work (1) & what is the cheapest usable BMW airbag srs reset/scan tool on the net (1) & what other scan tools reset the fault (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & what can cause a BMW SRS airbag light (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) & a cn90 DIY for replacing the driver seat belt buckle pretensioner and the passenger seat emulator (1) (2) & where to obtain an airbag occupancy sensor bypass unit (0) (1) (2) & what happens when we disconnect the airbag before the battery or we connect the battery before disconnecting the airbag in seat and window regulator repairs (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) & a front window regulator autopsy report (1)
- What is Techron and what does it do in your engine (1) & what is Seafoam motor treatment and what does it do in your engine (1) & what is BG44k Fuel System Cleaner and what does it do in your bimmer (1) & what is Marvel Mystery Oil and what does it do in your bimmer (1) & what is Zmax and what does it to in an E39 engine? (1)
- What is the recommended parts list for a complete cooling system overhaul (1) quickie telephone verbal instructions for unlocking the high instrument cluster on the E39 to test the koolant KTMP (1) & how to tell whether you have the high or low on board computer cluster (1) & a video showing how to unlock the low OBC (1) or the high OBC cluster for diagnostics (1) & how to change the OBC MID IHKA KTMP temperature from degrees Celcius to Fahrenheit (1) & how to locate all the cooling system hoses in the BMW E39 (1) & how to non-destructively remove the heater hoses (1) or radiator nipple (1) or expansion tank nipple (1) or overflow hose Oetiker clamp (1) & how not to misplace the thermostat wiring loom (1) & how not to twist a plastic bleeder screw (1) & the cn90 trick to get the fan clutch nut back on (1) & bluebee tricks to get the radiator back on in the I6 automatic (1) & the teklord69 trick to cutting the fan shroud so that the viscous van clutch nut can be removed easily (1) & what is the proper coolant level bobber stick height (1) & what to do when your expansion tank coolant level sensor float measuring stick is MIA missing in action (1) & a mechanical fan clutch delete to switch to an electrical fan (1) & where to find leaks when the CHECK COOLANT LEVEL is lit on the instrument cluster (1) & a pictorial saga of all the ways the cooling system can fail (1) & how to diagnose lack of HVAC/IHKA heater core heat with cooling system (auxiliary pump) at idle (1) & where the coolant level sensor cable goes (1) & what is the o-ring size for the coolant temperature aux fan thermoswitch (1) & how the thermostat works, including what the normal temperature of the coolant is when the thermostat opens under normal conditions (1) & how to remove just the expansion tank to repair a leak during your cooling system overhaul (1) & how the expansion tank works (1) & users' behr/hella cooling system autopsy photos (1) & what to check on your new Behr/Hella expansion tanks to ensure it's not DOA (1) & how to test the cooling system auxiliary electrical fan (1) & a how to replace the aux fan (1) & where is the auxiliary fan fuse F75 (1) & where is the aux fan relay (1) & how to make your own BMW special cooling & belt drive system counterhold tools (1) & how to retrofit brass bleeder screws (1) & how to modify the cooling system expansion tank 2 bar cap to 1.2 bar to vent at a lower pressure (1) & how to modify the cooling system pressure with zero psi coolant (1) & how to eliminate weak recycled plastic with Zionsville aluminum (1) & how not to (JB Weld) fix a cracked radiator or other cooling system overhaul leaks (1) & how to tell the age of your cooling system by its date date codes, stickers, and plastic molded markings (1) & how to retrofit a coolant level sensor to an E39 that doesn't have it (1) & how to test the cooling system auxiliary electrical fan (1) (2) & a DIY for how to replace the aux fan (1) (2) (3) & where is the infamous auxilliary fan Fuse F75 (1) & where is the auxiliary fan relay (1) & summary advice to provide users who suspect a major engine repair due to overheating (1) & how to test an overheated engine for a blown head gasket, cracked heads, a warped block, stripped head bolt threads, cam seizures, contaminated bearings, coolant hydrolock, or piston, ring, or valve damage (1) & what are the major factors in deciding whether to rebuild the engine, replace the engine, or sell the car (1) & a DIY for replacing the I6 M54 head gasket (1) & a DIY for replacing the V8 M62TU head gasket (1) & why these engines are so prone to heat-related damage in the first place (1) & welding the crack between cylinder #3 and the water jacket on the exhaust side (1) & what engine swaps are most recommended (1) & where to obtain a new or rebuilt head (1) or a replacement short block or long block (1) & how to lift & remove the engine (1) & how long can you drive your BMW E39 with the viscous fan clutch removed (1) & what is the most often recommended coolant (1) & tricks for efficient flushing (1) draining (1) bleeding (1) and coolant refilling DIYs (1)
- Is the instrument cluster fuel economy mpg gauge vacuum or electric and how does it work (1)
- Where do I find for my BMW E39 an online owner's manual or a PDF owners manual (1)
- How to test the crankcase ventilation (aka CCV, CVV, PCV, CPV, & OSV) pressure regulating valve system (1) & the canonical bimmerfest Fudman M54 CCV replacement DIY (1) & the bimmerforums Jason5Driver M54 CCV DIY (1) & the BavAuto M54 CCV DIY (1) & sorely needed clarification on how the M54 CCV vacuum port works on the M52 CCV valve connection to the fuel pressure regulator connection (1) & how to do a CCV delete (1) & how to test, clean, & redesign the original BMW dipstick guide tube to prevent CCV vent clogs (1)
- How to maintain the secondary air system (1) (2) (3) & how to troubleshoot the SAS (1) (2) (3) (4) & how to do an SAS delete (1) & how to replace the (SAP) secondary air pump (1) & an SAP valve group buy (1) & how to set the SAS secondary air monitor 2AIR obd (1)
- Sun visor autopsy to troubleshoot broken sunvisor arm and popping noise (1) & how to remove the ugly warning sticker decals and labels from the vanity visors (1) & how to run the ignition switch sunvisor test for signs of a failing ignition switch (1) & how to replace burnt passenger side sunviser vanity mirror light bulbs (1)
- How not to replace the dipstick guide tube lower large 0-ring (1)
- A description of the various types of radio frequency RF BMW Remote, Illuminated, Spare/Wallet, & Valet/Service keys (1) (2) & a description of the two-button IR infrared key in Japan (1) & a list of diamond key EWS, FZV, & DWA functions (1) (2) & what you need to know about the 10-key limit to programming your own keys at home (1) & the proper diamond key initializing or programming sequence (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) & what is this ignition key ISN (individual serial number) ten-second rule (1) & what to do if you lost your only diamond key (1) & what to do if your BMW key was stolen (1) & what to do if your only key is locked inside your bimmer (1) & what can go wrong with a key and where to send it for repair (1) (2) (3) (4) & how can you replace the rubber key pads in the square keys (1) (2) & diamond key to square key retrofit questions (1) & how to swap out the BMW diamond key transponder (1) & a square key to diamond key retrofit and transponder swap (1) (2) (3) (4) & what does the red LED indicate on the old square key (1) & what battery to use in the new style 2000+ BMW E39, E46, E53, E85, etc. diamond key (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) & how can you replace the old-style BMW square key battery (1) (2) & how long will your key last in the drawer before it needs off-the-car recharging (1) & what to do if your entire BMW E39 is stolen out of your driveway (1)
...(end 57)...
- What happens if you drive the E39 V8 without an oil filler cap (1) versus what doesn't happen when you drive the I6 without the oil filler cap (1) & what to do if your oil filler cap is stuck and won't come off the valve cover (1) & why sludge or mayonnaise inside might be an indication of a failing CCV (1) & what do do if the oil filter cap won't come off (1) & is the V8 oil filter housing cap the same part number as the I6 OFH cap (1) & what happens when the plastic oil filter cap develop cracks (1)
- Modifying the muffler and resonator to quad exhaust to reduce back pressure with a dual tip straight pipe for better performance and louder deeper engine sounds without droning (1)
- Comparison of the benefits and economics of lowering springs and adding coilovers to the E39 stock sport suspension (1)
- BMW 10-character vehicle defect code lookup tool for dealer service records (1) & how to decode your 17-character BMW VIN (1) & the RealOEM parts list based on your vehicle identification number (1) & a list of online BMW VIN decoders (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) & what is the definitive list of electronic computer modules that need VIN recoding once replaced (1)
- How to replace the two elastic rubber straps (aka tension straps, trunk straps, luggage straps, bungee straps, rubber straps, cargo straps, tie-down straps, etc.), but officially called "band clamp, black", for securing items in the trunk (1)
- What happens if you drive your E39 without the thermostat regulating the cooling system temperature (1)
- Where are all the ground straps for grounding and how to tighten the ground wire for the charging system and where are the major battery brown wire connections (1)
- What are real performance/handling tradeoffs for various custom E39 (offset clearance spacer hub bore rim width diameter lug bolt m-pars) wheel fitments (1)
- What brand of window regulator is the most reliable to replace the OEM Kuster (1)
- Where is the headlight level sensor located for headlight level sensing adjustments and how does it work (1)
- How to remove (1) and rebuild and find parts for the E39 I6 power steering rack and pinion assembly (1)
- What does the SLOW! CAT. OVERHEAT catalytic converter overheating cluster warning message indicate in Japanese spec BMWs (1)
- Would the next person who takes apart their VANOS please measure the seals and o-rings? (1)
- What advice can prevent hydrolock or help those whose hydrolocked engine bent a connecting rod due to water sucked in the intake (1)
- Poolman's canonical thread on battling vacuum leaks on the BMW I6 with lean-condition misfire DTCs (1) & where to find all the vacuum hoses, tubes, pipes, and endcaps in the E39 engine bay (1) & where are all the fuel injection o-rings (1) & how to locate all the o-rings (1) and gaskets (1) & where in the USA to get new vacuum tubing & end caps (1) & what SAE sizes to get for all the metric M54 engine vacuum tubes, hoses, pipes, and caps (1) & how do we correct the F-connector errors in the realoem diagrams (1) & where do some of those hard-to-locate vacuum hoses end (1) & what is the sorely needed clarification on how the M54 CCV vacuum port works on the M52 CCV valve connection to the fuel pressure regulator connection (1) & how to make, borrow, or buy lean-condition misfire test tools to test for vacuum leaks & lean conditions (1)
- How to code rain and light sensor (RLS) coding using with INPA and NCS Expert (1)
- How to retrofit a rear door ashtray delete or rear door pocket ash tray modification (1) & how to replace the front cigarette tray with the european ash tray inset for non smokers (1)
- Quickie telephone verbal instructions for unlocking the high instrument cluster on the E39 (1) & how to tell whether you have the high or low on board computer cluster (1) & a video showing how to unlock the low OBC (1) or the high OBC cluster for diagnostics (1) & how to retrofit an E39 from the low obc to the high obc (pdf) & a list of all possible BMW E39 instrument cluster 20-digit alphanumeric display warning/information messages (1) & how to identify all BMW computer-specific OBDII DTC diagnostic fault codes (1) & how to remove and replace the five incandescent bulbs in the instrument cluster (1) & how to diagnose a disabled cluster CEL check engine light LED removed by the PO or SES service engine soon light covered by black tape on the instrument cluster circuit board (1) & what does a blinking SES light mean and is it safe to drive the car with the CEL flashing (1) & what to tell newbies who ask why their SES/CEL light is on but who don't have DTC scan codes or why they have a misfire or stumbling, hesitation, rough idle, etc., but who don't post codes from an OBD scanner with their question (1) & how to better understand the key EPA federal test procedure (FTP) concept of the BMW SES "drive cycle" (1) & where to get the cheapest reasonable OBDII scanner & a template of what to tell people from the Republik of Kalifornia who need to do an OBC diagnostic scan (1) & how to read the KTMP cooling system temperature on the cluster (1) & how to change the OBC MID IHKA KTMP temperature from degrees Celcius to Fahrenheit & vice versa (1) & how to change the cluster odometer to display in miles or kilometers and to change the MID digital fuel consumption readout to display in L/KM liters/kilometer or MPG miles/gallon (1) & how the fuel economy mpg gauge works (1) & one user's experience debugging a half-dead instrument cluster (1) & what are 'all' options when your instrument cluster or MID pixels slowly die due to a press-fit pink electrical-connection tape lifting off its contacts over time (1) & why would a MID clock battery reset display zero dashes overnight (1) & how to remove the E39 instrument cluster (1) & a summary of the BMW NA cluster-repair goodwill policy (1) & how to fix the MID pixels yourself (1) & how to test (1) and remove the MID (1) & how to read the mileage from the key if you can't read the cluster display (1) & how to diagnose a typical BMW E39 engine misfire (1) or a sporadic-temperature-change cold-engine intermittent misfire (1) & what you can expect for E39 smog emissions test results (1)
- What's the actual accuracy of the various methods of mpg calculation (1) & how to change the cluster odometer to display in miles or kilometers and to change the MID digital fuel consumption readout to display in liters/kilometer (L/KM) or miles/gallon (1) & how the fuel economy mpg gauge works (1) & what gasoline mileage should an E39 really get (1) & what are some great e39 fuel efficiency stories (1) & what are just some of the most recent threads about E39 gas mileage gripes and complaints (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27) (28) (29) (30) (31) (32) (33) (34) (35) (36)
- Q: What doesn't brake when it breaks? (1)
...(end 58)...
- Recommended parts kits for overhauling cooling, drive belts, CCV/ICV, VANOS, OFH, PSP (1) & what other tandem parts to buy while you're there (1) & what parts to only buy OEM (1)
- Modifying the muffler and resonator to dual or quad exhaust to reduce back pressure with a dual tip straight pipe for better performance and louder deeper engine sounds without droning (1) (2)
- What do you need to know about the massive NHSTA Takata SRS airbag recall and how it affects the E39? (1)
- Why are the BMW E39 V8 540i power steering pump brackets breaking and how to check for PS pump bracket cracks (1)
- How to contact this E39 forum moderator and bimmerfest owners (1)
- Where to buy steel tire valve stems and steel tire valve caps (1)
- How to clean the headliner (1) & how to fix a sagging headliner (1) (2) & how to replace the headliner (1) (2) (3) (4) & known good headliner glues (1) (2)
- What is the normal temperature of the E39 transmission temperature operating temperature (1)
- What music file formats (WAV, AIFF, CDA, audio cd, redbook) cd burner does the BMW Business CD Player play (1)
- Complete 1997 BMW torque values for all nuts and bolts (pdf) & M62 engine-specific torque values for all nuts and bolts (pdf) & a conversion calculator for foot-pound/newton-meters (1) & the truth about spark plug torque and anti-seize sacrificial-anode paste (1) & automatic transmission torque values (1) & what torque to use when replacing the E39 I6 oil level sensor (1) & all torque values and specs needed for a 4-wheel brake job (1) & how to calibrate your torque wrench tools (1)
...(end 59)...
- How to test a BMW battery & alternator (1) & the most often recommended diagnostic procedure to test for overnight parasitic battery drain (1) & one user's attempt to locate, describe, and photograph all fuses and relays with a picture of every fuse & relay (1) & how to choose a good aftermarket battery (1) and a simple battery replacement DIY (1) & how not to replace your battery (1) & what is the most often recommended dead battery charger or drained battery tender (1) & where are all the ground straps for grounding and how to tighten the ground wire for the charging system and where are the major battery brown wire connections (1) & what happens when we disconnect the airbag before the battery or we connect the battery before disconnecting the airbag in seat and window regulator repairs (1) & what is the correct BMW battery reset procedure (1) & what is the battery disconnect 16-minute timeout sleep warning (1) & where to find the Battery Safety Terminal BST explosive charge emergency quick disconnect (1)
- How to diagnose when the cooling system heater control valves get hot (1) & how to replace the BMW E39 heater control valve (1)
- What are the differences in maintenance between the BMW E39 V8 M62 engine and I6 M54 engines (1) & what parts should you periodically clean (1) & a 150K mile CPO inspection maintenance checklist (1)
- The cn90 diy for changing oil by the gravity method (1) and a bluebee oil extraction oil change diy (1) & what can go wrong when changing your oil by the gravity method (1) & what can go wrong while extracting your oil (1)
- How to replace the exterior door handle in the BMW E39 (1) & where to find metal interior door handle levers for broken E39 chromed plastic interior door handles (1) & how to open a stuck shut locked front or rear E39 door that has a broken door latch/lock (1) & how to properly maintain a door lock (1) & a DIY for how to replace the front lock door actuator (1) & how to disable automatic door locks (1)
- What is the most often recommended dead battery charger or drained battery tender for the BMW E39 (1)
- How does the VANOS work (1) & what are all your options when you suspect bad VANOS Buna-N o-rings (1) & the canonical BMW six-cylinder E39/E46 Beisan and user VANOS teflon seals and viton oring DIYs (1) & a BMW M62TU V8 engine VANOS teflon seals and viton o-rings DIY (1) & where to buy VANOS teflon seals and viton o-rings (1) & how to make your own VANOS holding tools (1) & VANOS socket tools (1) & how to objectively test VANOS seals in operation before and after your repair (1) & a recommended parts kits for overhauling the VANOS seals and o-rings (1) & an E39 VANOS application table (1) & what can go wrong when replacing VANOS teflon seals and buna-N o-rings (1)
- How to locate the steering wheel vibration damper steering wheel vibration absorber (1) & why is it that nobody actually MEASURES anything useful when replacing VANOS seals and o-rings (1)(a)
- How to remove and replace the bmw e39 automatic transmission oil cooler (1)
- How the CCV system works (1) & how the -CCV +PCV mod works (1) & how the -CCV +PCV +CATCHCAN mod works (1)
- What is the advantage or disadvantage of an M5 brake retrofit into an E39 (1)
- How to escape without drowning from a sinking bmw by breaking a window after it plunged into water (1)
- How to test the MID pixels (1) and how to remove the MID (1) & how to remove the IRIS radio (1) & what are all your options when MID pixels slowly die (1) & why would a MID clock battery reset display zero dashes overnight (1) & how to fix the MID pixels yourself (1)

- What brake pads are most often recommended (1) & what brake rotors are most often recommended (1) & how long do rotors last (1) & how to measure runout (1) & should you just turn the rotors (1) & what's the real difference between drilled, slotted, and solid rotors (1) & what's the difference between various brands of solid rotors (1) & what is different about BMW M5 brakes and our stock brakes (1) & how to diagnose brake-related vibration (1) & the truth about so-called rotor "warp" (1) & what friction grade (e.g., EE, FF, EF, etc.) does BMW recommend (1) & how to bed your pads to your rotors and why (1) & what brake parts suppliers are most often recommended (1) & what brake specifications you must know (1) including minimum specs for the brake shoes (1) taking care to measure torque accurately (1) & one user's pictorial example of a complete brake job with all torque figures, specs, measurements, fluids, decisions, tools, tricks, mistakes, suppliers, costs, etc., that it entails (1) & how to replace and adjust the parking brake drum shoes (1) & what six brake hoses to check for wear (1) & how to do a preventive brake system & caliper rebuild (1) & how to change brake & clutch hydraulic fluid (1) & what is the recommended brake and clutch hydraulic fluid (1) & what are all the recommended brake job greases (1) & how to properly bleed your brakes (1) & how do you measure physically deformed rotor distortion often incorrectly termed "warp" (1) & where is the published brake disk/disc lateral runout rotor specification for the BMW E39 (1) & how to remove stuck rusted-on brake rotors (1) & how to remove a stuck 6mm brake rotor set screw (1) & what to do about unsightly rotor or caliper rust (1) & how to replace the anti-rattle spring (1) & do the brake pad sensors come with the pads or are they a separate item (1) & how far you can go once the brake wear sensor trips (1) & how not to remove a brake pad wear sensor (1) & how to clear the check brake lining warning the right way (1) and how to hardwire the sensor (1) & how to identify and replace all E39 brake hoses (1) & brake pipes (1) & what specific tools are needed or recommended for a typical four wheel front and rear brake job, including disc pads, sensor, rotors, and rear brake drum shoes (1) & why does the average moron consistently spell brake as break (1) & published tests of BMW E39 brake braking stopping distance (1) & what to check if your cluster indicates a rear brake lamp out (1) & how to remove a melted center brake light (1) & how much will a brake job cost if you do not DIY (1)
- Where to buy wiper blade refills (1) & a DIY for replacing your windshield wiper blades (1) & an RDL DIY for replacing noisy wiper blade arm spoiler pins (1) & how to replace just the wiper arm (1) & troubleshooting or replacing the wiper motor (1) and replacing the wiper relay (1)
...(end 60)...
 

Attachments

#61 · (Edited)
- Do we really (truly) know what the ENGINE camshaft advance curve looks like with VANOS (1) & what are the ENGINE inputs to VANOS and how does the VANOS actually affect ENGINE OPERATION (1) & what are all our options if our VANOS unit has actually started to fail (1) & what additional parts should we replace while replacing your VANOS seals (1) & what is a reliable scientifically objective test of the before and after effect of VANOS seals (1) & what are the meanings of the two key metrics for the DIS/INPA VANOS postition and leak tests (1) & does the M54 engine experience VANOS-related cold idle problems or not (1) & why you want to update your DME before replacing VANOS o-rings on the M52TU engine to solve cold-idle "jolts and stalls" (1) & what do old VANOS o-rings actually look like before and after replacement (1) & what exactly moves, holds, and returns the VANOS pistons to their proper positions (1) & why would a VANOS seal possibly need to be "broken in" for "performance" (1) & do we know what our VANOS oil pressure should read (1) & a DIY to replace the VANOS vanos oil line (1) & the answer to the question of whether the VANOS piston spins with the camshaft (1) & an explanation of what it means when BMW Marketing says the VANOS increases the intake valve lift by 0.9 mm (1) & what can go wrong when replacing VANOS seals and o-rings (1) & a list of canonical posts referred to by Rajaie detailing a summary of the VANOS issues solved with new o-rings (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (pdf)

  • M52 - single VANOS I6 engine [1997-98 528i]
  • M52TU - double VANOS I6 engine [1999-00 528i/iT]
  • M54 - double VANOS 2.5 liter I6 engine [2001-03 525i/iT]
  • M54 - double VANOS 3.0 liter I6 engine [2001-03 530i]
  • M62 - (no VANOS) "straight up" V8 Engine [1997-98 540i]
  • M62TU - single VANOS V8 engine [1999-03 540i/iT]
  • S62 - double VANOS V8 engine [2000-03 M5]
- How to remove the vanos oil pressure solenoid check valve (1)
- How to make a YouTube URL NOT play the video in the bimmerfest annotated posting ( https: //www.youtube .com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v= 12345678901 #t=100 )
- How many front seat motors are there (and how do they cause twisted seats) for the standard seats, comfort seats, sport seats, and active seats including lumbar support, thigh support, headrest control, and steering wheel tilt and telescoping control panel and which cables are responsible for seat twist and why (1)
- How to unlock the cd radio service mode to select the country/continent/region radio frequencies for your part of the world (1)
- Nice set of documents for working diy in your garage on the E39 (1) (2) (3)
- With stuck plugs, what is the safest way to remove stuck spark plugs (1)
- Cooling system overhaul - how to remove just the fan shroud (1)
- How does the automatic dimming auto dim electrochromic rearview mirror work with the EC voltage sensitive glass (1)
- What can cause an engine tapping sound tap tap tap noise (1)
- How to drain water out of the passenger side air filter housing through the fender well (1)
- Locating the source of water leaking or pooling in the trunk or boot causing rust under the spare tire (1) & replacing the rubber drain plugs in the spare tire well (1)
- How and where to buy the latest OEM Viton gaskets and o-rings to replace old OEM buna-N gasket and oring material in the E39 (1)
- How to remove and replace your camshaft position sensor (CPS) for the (02 530i) (98 540i) (M62 98 540i) (98 528i) (530i) & E46 (1) & ('99 740iL) & how to diagnose and test a bad cam position sensor (1)
- What brand is the OEM part original equipment manufacturer for your BMW (1) & what parts & supplies are best to buy OEM (1) & why you want to only buy oem wheel speed sensors (1)
- Is it possible for diagnostic tools (such as INPA, PASoft, Carsoft, etc.) connected to the OBD/Pacman port to correctly diagnose the ABS BRAKE DSC/ASC trifecta (1) & the many explanations by 540iman as to why the fancy schmancy diagnostic tools almost always fail to properly diagnose the trifecta or bifecta (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) & once you know that information, how to run the canonical quick test of the ABS BRAKE DSC/ASC trifecta or bifecta (1) & how to diagnose the BMW amber ABS BRAKE DSC/ASC trifecta or bifecta on the older E39 (1)
- Complete list and location of all stock antenna aerial in the BMW E39 including am fm radio iris radio gps navigation cellphone cell phone mobile antenna (1)
- How to set the radio sound MID audio and cassette tone speaker balance and fader controls (1)
- How to understand Europe smog NCT test reports of lambda being less than or greater than 1.00 (not lambda control) failing emissions test results (1)
- How to troubleshoot and manually clean the fuel gauge (1) & a Techron "soap for gasoline" thread to clean the fuel gauge sending unit (1)
- How to turn the key in the ignition hard enough to unlock the steering wheel to start the engine (1) (2) & how to open the trunk lock without using the remote key by manually twisting the key in the keyhole with enough force to open the trunk (1) (2) & how to open the touring tailgate lock when there is a power failure (1) & how to open the hood when you have a dead battery (1) & how to open the passenger door when the bowden cable is broken (1) (2) & how to open the doors from the inside when they are locked using the key from the outside (1) & how to open the drivers door using the key when the door is double locked (1) & what to do if your child or pet is double locked inside your E39 and they want to open the door from inside without the key (1)
- How to identify a heated steering wheel (1) & how to retrofit to a 3-spoke M-Sport steering wheel (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & heated steering wheel mods (1) & restoring the life of an old steering wheel (1) (2) & where to buy the BMW steering wheel roundel (1) (2) (3) (4) (5).
- Debugging the gasoline evap purge valve sensor and purge control valve evaporative emissions fuel system vapor recovery P0440 P0441 P0442 P0444 P0445 P0446 P0451 P1403 and other fuel tank breather valve and gas cap leak obd codes (1) & a fuel injection LDP leak detection pump DIY (1) & a fuel system charcoal canister R&R DIY (1) & where is the fuel tank breather valve located (1) & tricks for resolving the P0455 diagnostic trouble code when the missing gas cap is replaced (1) & does spilled gasoline really go into the charcoal canister via the two steel vent holes in the fuel filler canister at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position and why is there a hole in the 6 o'clock position of my fuel filler hole rubber gasket (1)
- Step-by-step printout to program the BMW E39 3-button homelink gdo (1) & the homelink garage door opener programming user guide (pdf) & how to retrofit a homelink remote control in your E39 headliner (1) & how to clean the headliner (1) & how to fix a sagging headliner (1) (2) & how to replace the headliner (1) (2) (3) (4) & known good headliner glues (1) (2)
- How to repair & reset the sunroof (1) (2) (3) & how to fix sun roof rattles (1) & how to test & fix moonroof leaks (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) causing water on the front passenger carpet & how to remove the roof headliner (1) & how to free up a stuck open sunroof (1) (2) & how to locate the headliner sunroof motor panel hole for the directional mic for the BMW SOS/BMW ASSIST switch microphone (1)
- How far can you drive with the ABS control module removed for repair before an instrument cluster tamper dot (aka tamperdot) shows up next to the mileage reading (1)
- How to test the cooling system auxiliary electrical fan (1) & a DIY how to replace the aux fan (1) & where is the auxiliary fan fuse F75 (1) & where is the aux fan relay (1) & pictures of an exploding aux fan noise situation (1) & what is the o-ring size for the coolant temperature aux fan thermoswitch (1)
- What could cause a BMW mechanical fan blade to explode or disintegrate (1) & the cn90 trick to get the fan clutch nut back on (1) & the teklord69 trick to cutting the fan shroud so that the viscous van clutch nut can be removed easily (1) & a mechanical fan clutch delete to switch to an electrical fan (1) & how long can you drive your BMW E39 with the viscous fan clutch removed (1)
- Where to buy E39 wheels online and what are the best rim suppliers on the net (1)
- How to convert old realoem diagram links prior to 20150507 to new real oem parts diagram urls (1)
- Driver seat belt replacement DIY (1) & replacing the driver seatbelt buckle pretensioner (1) & how to loosen a stuck safety belt (1) & a seatbelt height adjustment fix (1) & how to release a seatbelt wrapped around the headrest (1) & how to remove c-pillar trim to get at seat belt retractor parts (1) & how to speed up a seat belt that is slow to rewind (1) & why is there no seatbelt warning audible chime (1) or no seatbelt warning light (1) & how does the seatbelt pyrotechnic explosive charge work in an accident to tighten the seatbelt tension (1)
...(end 61)...
- How exactly does a clogged sheetmetal drain below the driver side cabin air filter cause sloshing water to enter the vacuum assist brake booster causing frozen brakes (1) & how water in the brake booster can be aspirated into the engine via the vacuum line check valve possibly causing engine hydrolock (1) & how to empty the power brakes of water without removing the booster from the firewall bulkhead (1)
- How do diagnose ABS related violent shudder severe vibration on low speed braking on bumpy roads and speed bumps (1)
- How to test a BMW battery & alternator (1) & how to find which parasite is causing overnight battery drain parasitics (1) & one user's attempt to locate, describe, and photograph all fuses and relays with a picture of every fuse & relay (1) & how to choose a good aftermarket battery (1) and a simple battery replacement DIY (1) & how not to replace your battery (1) & what is the most often recommended dead battery charger or drained battery tender (1) & how many amp hours does the starter motor need to start our bimmer (1) & how far can you drive and how long does a battery last and how many miles can you go once the red light alternator warning shows up on the instrument cluster before the battery is dead (1) & where is the proper place to hook jumpstarting cables (1) & the theory of turning on headlights of the dead or donor car before disconnecting jumper cables (1) & where are all the ground straps for grounding and how to tighten the ground wire for the charging system and where are the major battery brown wire connections (1)
- How to locate, source, and repair a broken missing remote positive battery terminal in the E39 engine compartment (1) & what you need to know about the BST Battery Safety Terminal battery explosive charge emergency quick disconnect (1) & what does that factory unattached unconnected two-wire blue and red wired two-pin black connector do in the trunk by the battery anyway (1) & what is the correct BMW battery reset procedure (1) & what is the battery disconnect 16-minute timeout sleep warning (1)
- Are brass caliper slide pin bushings better than rubber bushings in the brake caliper rebuild process (1)
- Unclogging the differential bleeder hole air vent which may build up pressure causing pumpkin fluid leaks out the six openings (1)
- How to identify a vcg oil leak and to replace the E39 V8 valve cover gasket (1) & how to replace the E39 I6 VCG (1) & which VCG brand to buy (1) & what VCG lubricants to use (1) & what can go wrong when replacing the VCG valve cover gasket which may cause subsequent plastic engine cover leaks (1) & how to identify & fix an oil filter housing (OFH) leak (1) (2) (3) (4) & how to identify an oil pan gasket leak (1) & how to remove & replace the E39 V8 oil pan gasket (1) (2) or the E39 I6 oil pan gasket (1) (2) & hints how to replace the rigid metalized I6 oil pan gasket without removing the subframe (1) (2) & if even if you do remove the subframe, how much you may need to bend the gasket (1) & what to do if your power steering reservoir cap is always wet (1) & how to replace the cap o-ring (1) (2) & why you want to fix the power steering hose drip onto the alternator (1) (2) (3) & DIYs to replace the power steering hoses (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) & how to identify all E39 brake hoses (1) & brake pipes to check for brake fluid leaks (1) & how to check for water condensation drips from the air conditioning system (1)
- Is the V8 oil filter housing cap the same part number as the I6 OFH cap (1)
- How to align front camber bolt eccentrics by knocking out the E39 factory alignment pin or the shock strut mount tower crash slot camber pin for negative camber plates (1)
- What additives do people use in their bimmers (1) & how do Techron polyether amines act as a soap for gas (1) & what is sewing machine oil doing in your Seafoam motor treatment (1) & why does BG44k Fuel System Cleaner additive use naptha to clean your fuel injectors (1) & what is the mystery in benzene-based Marvel Mystery Oil anyway (1) & why did the FTC sue Zmax mineral oil over their racing claims (1) & what does the alcohol do in Bell Performance Mix-I-Go engine treatment (1)
- Why the overly optimistic BMW speedometer mph speeds read higher than actual gps speed (E39) (E46) (E90) (X5) (6-series) (MINI)
- What are the correct BMW Bentley specified idle speed specifications with and without air conditioning running (1)
- How to diagnose whether brown coolant chocolate coolant or milk shake coolant or oil in the coolant is due to a blow head gasket or a cracked cylinder wall or a leaking automatic transmission cooler (1)
- How to locate and upgrade all the tweeter and bass speakers for the E39 (1) and how to upgrade the sound system radio stereo for premium audio sound quality (1)
- Why do Bosch spark plugs loosen and blow out the spark plug hole stripping threads (1) & how to size and insert an E39 spark plug thread timesert (or helicoil) to repair stripped spark plug threads (1)
- True stories where your mechanic went above & beyond (or well below) all expectations, either being a crook or fraudulent or being fantastic and honest (1)
- Russian language online tis (1)
- The theory of alignment with weights (1) & pictures of 500# pound BMW prescribed DIY wheel alignment ride height weights (1)
- BMW E39 V8 air conditioner compressor replacement DIY (1) & a Pelican a/c compressor rebuild (1) & an ac hose rebuilding service (1) & what air conditioner refrigerant & PAG oil to use (1) & how to refill your A/C system (1) (2) (3) (4) & what to use to rid yourself of the BMW gym sock stink (1) & how to diagnose A / C compressor knocking sounds (1)
- Can you get an obd scanner anomaly SES with no codes or CEL with zero trouble codes, no pending dtc diagnostic trouble codes (1) & can you get the opposite anomaly, which is trouble codes but no SES light (1)
- How can you tell if you have an SRS rear airbag and where are the rear air bags in the BMW E39 (1)
- Which of the dozen alignment specs are adjustable on the BMW E39 (1) (pdf) & cn90's front alignment DIY (1) (2) and cn90's rear wheel alignment DIY (1) & what tools measure rear camber at home (1) (2) and what tools measure front/rear toe at home (1) & what tools lock the steering wheel & brake pedal at home (1) & why does BMW recommend weights to set the normal ride height (aka nominal suspension position) prior to any alignment (1) & how to diagnose uneven tire wear on the inside edge due to camber and toe alignment issues (1) (2) & how to select a replacement tire strictly by the numbers (1) & what are the most common bimmerfest user's tire recommendations (1) & where do people buy their tyres anyway (1) & how many miles do you get for every 100 UTQG points (1) & what are the recommended tire pressures for front and rear (1) & what are the claimed benefits of nitrogen gas (1) what tire mounting tools do you need to change your own tyres at home (1) (2) (3) & where are the match mounting marks on the wheel and on the tire for precise tire mounting based on radial runout and heavy spot considerations (1) & what tools do you need to balance a wheel at home to eliminate shimmy or vibration at speed (1) & how do you properly dispose of your old worn out car tires (1) & how to measure bent wheel dimensions such as rim runout and wheel eccentricity at home (1) & where to get bent or damaged wheel rims repaired (1) (2) & what winter driving ice and snow tire chains to use (1) & what are the most recommended products for cleaning BMW BBS wheels (1) & where to buy E39 wheels online (1) & what are the main causes of vibration while highway driving (1) & vibration while highway braking (1) & how to diagnose a violent shudder while slow speed braking on bumps (1)
- How long can an E39 forum annotate title be (85 characters) or 123456789 123456789 123456789 123456789 123456789 123456789 123456789 123456789 12345

...(end 72)...
 

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