More E39 woes

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   I'm just sharing this stuff with you chaps, and I'll let you know the outcome, as it becomes apparent to me, as it's the only way we learn about our cars.

Last October DME (ecu) failed, injector two wide open, replaced witn a "theif kit" from a scrapyard, changed dme, security module, halo, and key top, all ok.

Last month in Devon, on a 30% hill, I discovered my auto can indeed roll backwards on a hill, whilst in drive (it didn't roll far, less than one wheel turn I'd guess, I just didn't think it could, I thought the car would deal with that), it didn't seem to cause any harm, but we'll see.

Last night !

I was pulling off my drive whilst my neighbour was talking to a young visitor sat in a saxo, as I began to move across the pavement the saxo engaged reverse, and began to immediately reverse without looking, I quickly engaged reverse and got out of the way, he was horrified, and even got out of his car and came to apologise.

After he pulled away, I moved off my drive, as I went to accelerate, the EML warning light came on, along with the yellow triangle, the car had no power. I stopped, switched the car off, then restarted it, all lights went out, I revved the engine, all seemed ok, I engaged drive, and as soon as I got above ABS activation speed (about 15 mph), the EML light came on again.

I restarted again and drove to my workshop without issue.

As I went across the forecourt of my workshop, I accelerated, and the EML light came on again, and the car felt like it does on ice when the ASC activates, but it wasn't on ice, and the ASC didn't activate.

After I left my workshop, and today, the car has driven normally, all gear changes have been smooth and correct, no issues at all.

I'm due to go to Dartford tomorrow, we'll see how it goes.

I've spoken to BMEuroservice, my specialist of choice, they know about the dme change, as they gave me the advice on how to do it, they now know about Devon and the hill, they don't think I've done any damage to the gearbox, as that would have shown up by now, and according to them would be entirely mechanical, some "limiter" or other.

They are unsure as to why quickly engaging reverse should lead to the EML light, as they say that is more normally to do with air circulation/sensor issues.

They will code read it either on Thursday, or tomorrow if it fails to get to Dartford and back, and gets delivered to them on the back of an RAC truck.

They are aware that the memory may contain faults from the original car the dme belonged to, and have said they may need to clear it, and get me to buggar it up again !

I'll let you know how I get on.

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Nigel Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: 09-November-2002 Status: Offline Points: 6941	Post Options Post Reply Quote Nigel Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: More E39 woes Posted: 28-February-2012 at 23:19
	I'm just sharing this stuff with you chaps, and I'll let you know the outcome, as it becomes apparent to me, as it's the only way we learn about our cars. Last October DME (ecu) failed, injector two wide open, replaced witn a "theif kit" from a scrapyard, changed dme, security module, halo, and key top, all ok. Last month in Devon, on a 30% hill, I discovered my auto can indeed roll backwards on a hill, whilst in drive (it didn't roll far, less than one wheel turn I'd guess, I just didn't think it could, I thought the car would deal with that), it didn't seem to cause any harm, but we'll see. Last night ! I was pulling off my drive whilst my neighbour was talking to a young visitor sat in a saxo, as I began to move across the pavement the saxo engaged reverse, and began to immediately reverse without looking, I quickly engaged reverse and got out of the way, he was horrified, and even got out of his car and came to apologise. After he pulled away, I moved off my drive, as I went to accelerate, the EML warning light came on, along with the yellow triangle, the car had no power. I stopped, switched the car off, then restarted it, all lights went out, I revved the engine, all seemed ok, I engaged drive, and as soon as I got above ABS activation speed (about 15 mph), the EML light came on again. I restarted again and drove to my workshop without issue. As I went across the forecourt of my workshop, I accelerated, and the EML light came on again, and the car felt like it does on ice when the ASC activates, but it wasn't on ice, and the ASC didn't activate. After I left my workshop, and today, the car has driven normally, all gear changes have been smooth and correct, no issues at all. I'm due to go to Dartford tomorrow, we'll see how it goes. I've spoken to BMEuroservice, my specialist of choice, they know about the dme change, as they gave me the advice on how to do it, they now know about Devon and the hill, they don't think I've done any damage to the gearbox, as that would have shown up by now, and according to them would be entirely mechanical, some "limiter" or other. They are unsure as to why quickly engaging reverse should lead to the EML light, as they say that is more normally to do with air circulation/sensor issues. They will code read it either on Thursday, or tomorrow if it fails to get to Dartford and back, and gets delivered to them on the back of an RAC truck. They are aware that the memory may contain faults from the original car the dme belonged to, and have said they may need to clear it, and get me to buggar it up again ! I'll let you know how I get on.
	Best Wishes Nigel

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Andrew Rolland Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Go away rain Joined: 19-August-2004 Location: Scotland Status: Offline Points: 6579	Post Options Post Reply Quote Andrew Rolland Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 29-February-2012 at 11:49
	Interesting one, thanks for sharing and keep us posted as I quite agree with you , one of the best ways to learn about these cars is via such posts. Could be a wheel sensor, they control loads of electronic brains in these cars, ASC/ABS/autobox shifts/speedo/cruise. The roll back on the hill, 30% that is a steep hill, I'm not suprised it rolled back! 12% is considered the maximum gradient for roads. Or do you mean a 1 in 30 slope as the two are very different. Mine will slightly roll back on inclines if it is in second or third gear, as mine can pull away and frequently does in second the output torque is lower in second than it is in first. If I manually select first then the roll back stops as the torque is now sufficient to hold my car on the incline. If you have coasted to a stop you might find your autobox is in second so goes to pull away in second if you give it a light bit of throttle, giving it more beans when you pull off, will make the autobox drop to first. I don't think it's an autobox issue as you have not had your transmission warning light come on. Or I would put that down to just one of those electrical gremlins that apepar on the E39. What condition is your battery in? After changing the battery in my E39 the frequency of the warning lights coming on for no reason dropped of dramatically.
	Be exclusive and drive a Petrol 5 Series! Current '13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto Previous '04 04 E60 545i SE Auto '03 53 E60 545i SE Auto (Stolen) '98 S E39 523i SE Auto

Nigel Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: 09-November-2002 Status: Offline Points: 6941	Post Options Post Reply Quote Nigel Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01-March-2012 at 22:44
	It did the 360 mile round trip to Dartford without an issue. It has two codes stored, although we don't know whether either is from this car or not. It has "slow throttle body response", and "gearbox can issue" (can is the communications protocol) Both errors have now been cleared, I'll remove and inspect the throttle body over the weekend, and I'll have the car rechecked in 500 to 1000 miles time, provided it doesn't screw up in that time.
	Best Wishes Nigel