iFixit - Answers With Device "1997-2003 BMW 5 Series"

1997-2003 BMW 5 Series: car key isn't working properly

Tue, 06 May 2025 08:26:36 -0700

car key isn't working properly when pressed

⟐ Answered May 06, 2025 at 8:26 MST

1997-2003 BMW 5 Series: Slipping clutch maybe because of loss of viscosity?

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 17:32:11 -0700

My clutch is slipping. It is 6 spd manual. I know that it is a closed system but was wondering if it could be because I haven't ever done a transmission oil change and the viscosity is gone? Slips more when hot. 207,000 miles on car 540i M TECH Sport.

⟐ Commented December 05, 2023 at 17:32 MST

1997-2003 BMW 5 Series: Car won’t start due to anti theft

Tue, 16 May 2023 12:37:28 -0700

Car won’t start due to anti theft.

⟐ Answered May 16, 2023 at 12:37 MST

1997-2003 BMW 5 Series: Why is my car giving an excessive dicharge error?

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 14:33:07 -0700

I have a 2005 BMW 5-Series E60 that is draining the battery when it sits for days without use.

I have a relatively new battery.

I have disconnected the negative terminal of the battery, and I am pulling 3.3amps of current!

I have systematically removed every fuse in the trunk fuse panel, and the panel behind the glove box while monitoring the current. No change to the current draw with any fuse.

I have “re-registered” the battery using a code reader, and cleared all other errors.

I continue to get an “excessive discharge” error.

Are there any other (unfused) points of current draw I should be looking for?

⟐ Answer unaccepted June 17, 2019 at 14:33 MST

1997-2003 BMW 5 Series: Clutch squeaks when depressed; is it depressed?

Thu, 03 Oct 2013 15:08:38 -0700

Hi! My car's clutch makes a high-pitched squeaking noise when depressed. I don't know if it's a coincidence or not that it started about a month ago when it got cold (I live in Chicago). I've been compensating for this annoying sound by cranking up the stereo, but it's probably time I dealt with it.

Does anyone know the cause of this? And if I were to lubricate it (assuming I could even find the area in need of lubrication) is there a certain lubricant I should use? I'm tempted to go at it with WD-40, but I have a suspicion there are better substances out there.

Thanks!

John

⟐ Edited October 03, 2013 at 15:08 MST

1997-2003 BMW 5 Series: Why does my A/C work only part of the time?

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 11:18:23 -0700

My A/C works only part of the time.

It will work some days when I turn on the car and decide not to work after I have turned off the engine and restart. (For example a trip to get groceries).

Other times the A/C will not come on at all, then after driving a distance, (distance can vary), the A/C will suddenly kick in. Other times it won't work at all.

Can anyone help?

⟐ Answer accepted October 20, 2021 at 11:18 MST

1997-2003 BMW 5 Series: Radiator Expansion Tank Fix

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 08:13:20 -0700

I have a 540i... the expansion tank spread apart, the two body pieces.

Do not get a new spare

I want to glue it... need to know what plastic it is made of and what adhesive I should use

Thank you very much

⟐ Answered June 07, 2022 at 8:13 MST

1997-2003 BMW 5 Series: Are the oil pans interchangeable 97-03

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 06:20:07 -0700

Are the oil pans interchangeable

⟐ Answer accepted January 17, 2018 at 6:20 MST

1997-2003 BMW 5 Series: Stuck ignition switch on an E60

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 06:29:27 -0700

How to Remove a stuck ignition switch on a bmw E60

1997-2003 BMW 5 Series: 1994 bmw 530i acceleration issue

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:18:10 -0700

1994 bmw 530i occasionally does not accelerate when gas pedal depressed. Given time it seems to go back in gear and drive normally. Is this a transmission issue?

⟐ Commented April 07, 2022 at 18:18 MST

1997-2003 BMW 5 Series: Why smoke from passenger side hood

Sat, 20 Oct 2018 10:00:44 -0700

My 2008 BMW xi white smoke comes out the passenger side hood. I noticed when heat is on nut soon goes away. Not overheating, just puzzling.

1997-2003 BMW 5 Series: P1E05 error code diagnostic bmw e39 530 D

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 04:57:08 -0700

Hy,can someone please help me.on diagnostics it says error code P1E05 .

My car is bmw e39 530 D touring,2000 year, ASC

What to do?

Sometimes it just shuts down.

Please help,what to look,on this error code they said its under the seat ,its known like "speed sensor"

Its not under the seat!!!!

Thank youuu

⟐ Edited by author August 01, 2018 at 4:57 MST