
BMW5 (E39) Fault Codes
Control and measuring equipment
To check the fuel injection systems and reduce the toxicity of exhausts, it is necessary
to use digital universal instrumentation, since they have greater measurement accuracy
and greater internal loop resistance.
Handheld scanners are the most convenient and versatile devices for testing engine
management systems on models of later years of production.
BMW E39 OBD-I systems (models up to 1995 of release)
The electronic control unit has a built-in On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system, which
serves to troubleshoot the system and turns on the engine warning light on the
dashboard in the event of a malfunction. The fault code is stored in the memory of the
electronic control unit and is available for reading.
Reading fault codes OBD-I systems - warning lights
To read the fault codes stored in the memory of the electronic control unit, connect the
STI and GND terminals of the diagnostic connection socket.
Connect the voltmeter to the STO terminal and the vehicle's "mass". Turn the ignition on
and calculate the number of deviations from the arrow of the instrument or the flashing
of the engine warning light. For example, code 34 will be displayed as 3 long flashing
lights, pause, 4 short flashes.
Clearing the OBD-I DTCs
To clear the fault codes, disconnect the negative battery cable and depress the brake
pedal for longer than 5 seconds.
BMW OBD-I fault codes (1993-1995 models, except 1994 and 1995
models with 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission)
FAULT CODE THE FAILED COMPONENT OR SYSTEM
02 Crankshaft position sensor
03 Camshaft position sensor
08 Air flow sensor
09 Coolant temperature sensor
11 Air temperature sensor
12 Throttle position sensor
15 Oxygen sensor
16 Exhaust gas recirculation valve sensor
17 Oxygen sensor (check the ignition system)
25 Fuel pressure valve
26 Purge valve
28 Exhaust gas recirculation valve

Air admittance valve exhaust gas recirculation
OBD-I fault codes (1994 and 1995 models with 4-cylinder engine and
automatic transmission)
THE FAILED COMPONENT OR SYSTEM
Coolant temperature sensor
Exhaust gas recirculation sensor
Gidrousilenija steering system switch
Automatic transmission sensor
Switch lights stop signal
Relay (high speed) cooling fan
Relay (low speed) cooling fan
Ventilation exhaust gas recirculation valve
Vacuum valve exhaust gas recirculation
OBD-II systems (models since 1996 of release)
Diagnostic connector for OBD-II system connection

The connector is located under the dashboard on the driver's side.
Models since 1996 of release have system of self-diagnostics of second generation
OBD-II. Access to the electronic control unit of this system can be obtained only with a
special scanner, which must be connected to the 16-pin diagnostic connector of the
connection located under the instrument panel. If a malfunction is detected, the
electronic control unit turns on the warning light on the dashboard and stores the
malfunction code in the memory.
Reading the OBD-II system trouble codes
To read the OBD-II system trouble codes, use a special scanner, which must be
connected to the diagnostic connector of the connection. If there is no scanner, please
contact a specialist.
Clearing OBD-II system trouble codes
To clear the OBD-II system trouble codes, you must use a special scanner.
BMW E39 OBD-II system trouble codes
THE FAILED COMPONENT OR SYSTEM
Coolant temperature sensor
To navigate to the closed regime requires too much time
Slow response oxygen sensor
Slow response oxygen sensor
Heating element oxygen sensor

Crankshaft position sensor
Clogged exhaust gas recirculation system
Fuel vapor collection system
Gidrousilenija steering system switch
Switch lights stop signal
Switch on the clutch pedal
Transmission control system