http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?895713-***E39-Frequently-Asked-Questions-(FAQ)***
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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FORUM RELATED
How many posts do I need before I have access to certain privileges?
Once I have the required number of posts, how do I post a photo?
TECHNICAL
Where can I find a list of BMW technical acronyms and abbreviations?
E39 KEYS
How do I program a BMW key?
What kind of key do I have, what types are available and what are their functions?
FLUIDS AND SERVICE
How do I get my E39 "ready" for inspection in terms of drive cycles?
How do I reset the Oil and Service Inspection lights?
How do I reset the Oil/Service Inspection lights without a special tool?
How do I interpret the BMW Service Interval Light System (BMW Service/Maintenance Schedule)?
I have reset the Oil/Service Inspection lights before, but why isn't it resetting for me now?
What is the easiest way to change my Oil?
Are there any tips for changing my Oil?
What kind of Engine Oil should I use?
What kind of Oil Filter should I use?
What's written on your oil bottle (5w-30, LL01, etc.) and what does it mean?
What kind of Automatic Transmission Fluid should I use?
What kind of Manual Transmission Fluid should I use?
What Fluids are approved for use in the Power Steering system?
MODEL, OPTIONS AND CAR INFORMATION
Where can I find an owner's manual for my E39 (2000-2003)?
Where can I find a complete list of Equipment and Options for my E39?
What are the car memory options for the E39?
Where can I find Model Information for my 5 series?
What BMW "Wheel Style" do I have?
Where is the location of the paint code label?
How do I find out the date my radiator was manufactured?
ENGINE
Should I warm up the engine before driving?
What is VANOS?
Does my engine have VANOS/single/double?
What is the 52*i/ 530i double vanos problem?
What is causing the ticking sound from my engine?
What is the firing order and cylinder positions on a E39 V8/i6 engine?
How can I tell if my spark plugs need to be replaced?
Where can I find cheap OE sparkplugs?
Is a Cold Air Intake (CAI) worth the money and if so, what kind should I get?
Does a misfire at 3-4k RPM's indicate bad cats?
Where is the Secondary Air Pump (SAP) located?
COOLING
How do I bleed the cooling system?
How do I test for a bad fan clutch?
What kind of cooling system parts should I get?
What are some cooling issues I should be aware of?
How do I find out the date my radiator was manufactured?
TRANSMISSION
What is the Trans Failsafe Program (Limp Mode) and what could be causing it?
Do I have a ZF or GM Automatic Transmission?
Do I have a ZF or Getrag Manual Transmission?
What kind of Automatic Transmission Fluid should I use?
What kind of Manual Transmission Fluid should I use?
SENSORS AND MODULES
How can I tell which module is causing my problem (Bus Topology)?
Where is the External (Ambient) Temperature Sensor located?
Why is it important to repair/replace the External (Ambient) Temperature Sensor?
How do I clean my Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor (540i) to improve engine performance and gas mileage?
Where can I get O2 sensors other than the dealership?
Why does my alarm keep going off for no reason?
How much farther can you go once the brake wear sensor light is triggered?
I changed my brakes pads and lining sensors, but how do I clear the brake linings error message?
Why are my Traction Control (ASC/DSC), Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) and Brake lights illuminated?
Why did my power seat and steering column stop working?
What is ASC-T/DSC Halfway Mode and how do I use it?
ON BOARD COMPUTER (OBC)
How can I tell if I have the High or Low OBC?
How do I unlock the OBC (Low and High)?
How do I change the Ambient/HVAC temperature scale from Celsius to Fahrenheit?
How do I program a BMW key?
Is there a security feature that will prevent my car from being started even with a key?
ON BOARD DIAGNOSTICS II (OBDII)
Where can I find a list of OBD/DLC fault codes?
Is there a way to read/clear the fault codes?
How do I reset the Oil and Service Inspection lights?
How do I reset the Oil/Service Inspection lights without a special tool?
I have reset the Oil/Service Inspection lights before, but why isn't it resetting for me now?
How do I get my E39 "ready" for inspection in terms of drive cycles?
WHEELS, TIRES, AND BRAKES
What is the correct tire pressure for my BMW 525i, 530i, 540i, touring (no info for 18"+)?
Why does my car shimmy/ vibrate at between 45-50 mph?
Are my rotors warped?
Is there a way to eliminate uneven braking, brake squeal and vibration?
What is DSC and how does it work?
What BMW "Wheel Style" do I have?
Is there a way to see what a certain wheel will look like on my E39?
What do I need to look out for if I want to slam my e39?
How much farther can you go once the brake wear sensor light is triggered?
I changed my brakes pads and lining sensors, but how do I clear the brake linings error message?
SUSPENSION
Where can I find comrehensive suspension and ride height information about E39s?
Why does my car shimmy/ vibrate at between 45-50 mph?
What do I need to look out for if I want to slam my e39?
What kind of springs/shocks/struts are recommended for lowering my E39?
How do I fix a mushroomed/splayed front strut tower?
LIGHTS
Which wires do I use to power my aftermarket CCFL Angel Eye rings?
Why does my headlight point down too low and why can't I adjust it?
What does the warning light in the instrument cluster that shows one car behind another mean?
How do I know if I have Xenon headlights and what should I look for in an upgrade?
How do I refinish cloudy headlamps so they can look like new!!!
BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL
What's causing my car to have wierd/strange electrical problems (gremlins)?
Where can I find wiring diagrams for my E39?
How do I vent my car battery to the outside?
What kind of replacement car battery should I get?
What are the symptoms of a failing Ignition Switch?
How do I stop the buzzing noise coming from my dashboard?
Why did my power seat and steering column stop working?
Where can I find fuse guides for the glove compartment and trunk?
If my battery is dead and the doors and trunk are locked, how do I get into the car?
AUDIO
How do I install a sub amp if I have DSP?
Is there a way to add an auxiliary audio port to my OEM Head Unit?
EXHAUST
Can I put an M5 exhaust on a 540?
What does the exhaust "Rear" resonator, "Muffler" delete sound like (528 M52)?
What does the exhaust "Y" resonator, "Rear" silencer delete sound like (540 M62)?
BODY AND EXTERIOR
Can I change my chrome trim to the shadowline trim?
Where can I find the best price on M-tech/M5 bumper conversions?
Can I get a tow hitch for my E39 (Touring and Sedan)?
INTERIOR
Where can I find decent cup holders?
What does the REST button do?
What's the best way to remove the sticker from the visors?
Why did my power seat stop working?
WINDOWS
What % window tint is legal for my state?
How do I get the electric window, automatic raising/lowering function to work (reset)?
PARTS
How can I find the lowest price on parts?
Where can I find salvage parts for my E39?
Where can I find cheap OE sparkplugs?
What kind of cooling system parts should I get?
Where can I get O2 sensors other than the dealership?
Where can I find the best price on M-tech/M5 bumper conversions?
MISC
How do I get the hood open if the hood release lever or cables have broken, and what parts do I need for the repair?
What places on the underside of the car are safe jack points?
What is ASC-T/DSC Halfway Mode and how do I use it?
Why does my passenger side sideview mirror tilt down when the car is in reverse and how do I stop it?
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E39 LINKS
Furiousmethod
Bimmer DIY
BMW Tips'n Tricks
www.e38.org/e39
BMWdiy.INFO
Bavarian Autosport Newsletter which includes "how to troubleshoot your car when it won't start" (Page 4).
the VERY best of E39 Links
BMW Abbreviations
BMW-planet
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Common E39 Problems
Common problems and fixes
E39 Problems Checklist
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Major online parts databases
penskeparts
realoem
bmwfans
bmwmobiletradition-online
