20 Most Recent 2003 BMW 5 Series - Page 6 Questions & Answers

Assuming that you have checked the fuse for the fan, the most common problem is the resistor that controls the fan speed. That has been problematic, and BMW has tried several designs for this resistor. Current design part costs about $55 on line. I don't know where it is mounted on this model, but it will be under the dash near the center somewhere.

1) How old is your battery? The computer that controls the transmission is really sensitive to voltage. Many folks have reported that their first indication of a failing battery was transmission problems.
2) Next most common problem I have heard of in these transmissions is the temperature sensor in the transmission. The way to check it is to have a shop read out the temperature reported by the computer. If the car is warmed up and the computer still thinks that the transmission is cold, that is the problem.

fuse box is located behind glove box
the fuses to check are 26 and 32

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All BMWs use a spring loaded tensioner. if you are having trouble with the tension then you need to find /use the correct belt path. If you are having trouble getting the belt on the tensioner, then use a section of the old belt to tug the new belt onto the Alt. pulley.

The tensioner that is on the BMW 4.4L M104 motor is found near the idle pulley and can be locked into the slacked position with a 1/4" thick bolt that has the threads ground off also the tensioner can be operated with a 3/8 drive ratchet. Apply tension to this pulley after getting the belt wrapped around the other pulleys and then fit it over the Alt. pulley last.

Have you checked/tested the radiator cap? If the car overheats quickly and makes a whistling sound, the cap could be stuck in the closed position, preventing the coolant from circulating through the radiator. This is a fairly common problem, and it's both simple and inexpensive to fix. Unfortunately there are other possibilities, and they're not so easy to fix. The water channels in the engine block could be clogged for any one of several reasons. Check the cap first. If that's not it, you may need to drain and flush the engine block.

In these models the temperature control works till the normal temperature comes to the engine. So if there is failure of the temperature control sensors- Thermistor- or if there is fault on the temperature controller unit , the fan will be made to work on till the controller deactivates.
So you need to check for the input- temperature sensor, check any wires that had come off the sensor or the unit, check if the fan control contactor/relay has failed or jammed on contact.( relay).
Try and trace these lines , check the action of the relay when the fuse is put on, if you hear the relay clicking then it works and the control circuit can be the suspect.

I think that you will find it in the trunk beneath the tray on the right side. If it is not there, it is beneath the rear seat. Just pull up on the rear seat bottom to snap it up.

Have your battery load tested. Your battery needs to have adequate voltage to run all computer/comp stuff. If it is weak it will run down overnight.

Top of the glovebox.

I am not familiar with this particular expansion tank, but with the e36 expansion tank, when it starts to crumble inside, it tends to pull air into the cooling system and cause problems. e36 tanks usually last 10-12 years before they start to crumble, but it is a possibility.
Do you turn on the key and turn up the heater so the heater valve opens when you are bleeding it? I run mine up on ramps so the bleed point is higher than the heater valve when I bleed them. The book does not say to do that so I don't know if it helps at all.

there is a filter inline with the expansion valve and it sound like it may be clogged up. it is replacable but it is not a cheap affair to do it. good luck!!

You may need to replace your brake pads and one of your sensors on the wheels.

If it has a problem, then you will get the abs light.

The best way to proceed is a get a computer read out and also look at your brake pads before proceeding with changing them.

G

often faulty connection to sender mounted on rear diff

Fuse box data
The position of the fuses is normally marked on the inside of the fuse box cover and also in the owner's handbook.

possible the flasher unit is faulty. unfortunatly i dont know where it is on a bmw. if anyone else knows feel free to chime in. it'll be the large looking relay. Just have a look at your fuses first to make sure its not blown. If it is blown then you'll have to get an auto electrician to check the current draw. good luck

Hi,

Your concern is your BMW displays the message "SELFLEVEL SUSP. INACT" which indicates that the car's computer detects a problem with your active suspension system. Self-leveling is standard to most late model BMWs. It works on a pump, an air system and a computer that tells which suspension gets how much height, ride stiffness and other suspension settings.

Your concern is a known issue though not that fairly common. Technically, the best would be to contact your dealer or if in The USA, BMW of North America, LLC. call (800) 831-1117 or email [email protected].

You may want to mention a possible problem with the firmware/software of the EHC (Electronic Height Control) Control Module. They may want to recode (flash). It is also possible to have air leaks in the system specially on the suspension bladder.

Other things you can check are tire pressure (30PSI), see if your ride is a bit stiff/hard now compared to before the earning displayed showed up, handling difficulty, loopsided/tilted level among others.

Incidentally, if there is nothing out of the ordinary in how the car ride, handle or drive, it may just be a systems glitch. Try jockeying the key to ON/OFF a couple of times.

Hope this be of initial help/idea. Pls post back how things turned up or should you need additional information.

Good luck and kind regards.

Thank you for using FixYa.

It's trying tell you there is something wrong with your brakes. Fix the brake problem and the light will stop coming on. Check your brake fluid level and check you brake pads for wear.