BMW E39 High OBC Menu How-To (Diagnostics)

[@neilb43]

The 'two little cars' as you say is for the radar operated cruise control, it was never fitted to E39's of any sort but to some E38 7 series that share the same High OBC Cluster.

[@alecsavoye2698]

Hi Ryan. Love the videos! Two things. ATEMP is ambient temperature. Cars with electronically moderated idle use in a similar way to other factors such as MAF to regulate engine parameters. U/min is a German unit (like KTEMP for "Kühlmittel" temp), the unit being "umdrehung". Cheers. Keep making the videos!

[@TrionicSeven]

Interesting to find this feature on a BMW, I thought the Saabs were unique in that they had a (somewhat hidden) on-board diagnostic system from factory (Saabs call it OpenSID). Just a guess for ATMP, could it be a temperature reading for the intake air? That's an important measure in my turbocharged Saab as it shows me how well my intercooler is able to cool the air. Though the M5 is naturally aspirated I would assume that the ECU does the same type of airmass calculations (just like the Saab) in which it computes the number of air molecules (mol) that are sucked into the cylinder per combustion. This is then used to find the correct amount of fuel to inject. As we know, the density of air depends, among other things, on temperature. Also, thanks for your videos. I've been watching for a few years now and it was the single biggest inspiration to start my own channel :)

[@velocity211]

great video. explained the temperature gauge buffer very well. i had my E36 M3 cluster programmed so the buffer was removed and the 3/4 line is operating temp. needle moves up and down as i drive around, often will drop down to 1/2 point on long highway drives, and in the city on hot days it will sometimes move above 3/4 which is when i know to pull over so my headgasket doesn't explode. very useful to get that buffer removed, or else get an aftermarket temp gauge, don't want to play with your cooling system!

[@christianschmitt2409]

Wild guess about the atmp, it's probably Außentemperatur, exterior temperature

[@CaddiDaddy]

Oh hey the ATEMP is Air Temp. If you convert 28c which is what the cluster read it translates to about 83f which is what your temp cluster reads.

[@TheAceY2k]

Quick question on the instrument cluster. I had sent in my Instrument Cluster for the LCD Ribbon repair and when I installed the unit back into place, I powered on the vehicle, everything looked fine until I noticed that the BC function on the turn signal stock was not working and the option to navigate through various features such as range, etc on the cluster was unavailable. I also noticed that the clock on the stereo reset and it has something to do with that, I'm not sure why but I would appreciate any tips and help on this. Note, there is a BC Button on the stereo in case I can reprogram it in any way or if I'm missing something I haven't done. Fasten seat belts, key in ignition messages are displaying, just the option for the BC Functions are not available.

[@E39Source]

It sounds like the cluster coding was altered. Do you have coding software that can check the options on the cluster? If not, try the test #21 reset and see if that brings it back.

[@TheAceY2k]

@@E39Source thank you for the tip. I will try it as soon as I get home. I'll get back to you

[@__-pg6ic]

Why does the cluster backlighting stay lit sometimes, vs others? I know it has a dimming feature via a light sensor in the cluster. But it shouldn't be backlit all the time even w/ key on all the time. Mine does that sometimes when it sits in the sun at work then fades back. Quite odd...

[@theluckydawg2498]

The one that I find the most useful is #8 which is a digital speedometer

[@Andrewthebear20]

I have e39 high pixel and my bc dashboard screen won’t display time or any of the BC features anymore. It just started to do this but the screen still works and will display “check front foglamp” because one is out. In the past i would just press the BC button on the end of the turn signal stock and it would go back to the time or BC feature I had displayed, but now it doesn’t do anything. Help!

[@ottobong]

Ryan...Did you finish the engine rebuild..am I missing a video of you getting it back???

[@E39Source]

Yes, it has been back for quite a while. Part III coming soon.

[@computiNATEor]

Yes, the video is coming. He's waiting to finish an oil change and coolant flush for final updates.

[@ANDYW031084]

What's your oil operating temp ?

[@jenkinsjansson]

ATemp probably airtemp? Considering: 83 degrees Farenheit is equal to 28.3333 degrees celsius which is roughly 28.5 degrees Celsius

[@E39Source]

Likely is!

[@Napster050]

Actualy, it's a German car, and it means "Außentemperatur". The same applies to KTEMP, which means "Kühlwassertemperatur"

[@MisanekCz]

Yes, that´s right. ATemp means ambient temp ;)

[@computiNATEor]

I think it also might have something to do with the intake air temperature, as the temp displayed on the dash (from the sensor in the RF wheelwell does not always directly correlate to the value in test 7.

[@MisanekCz]

+computiNATEor nope ;-)

[@bibi4410]

I have a recurring P0103 MAF code. The engine is running really rich. After some troubleshooting (disconnecting the MAF cables and reconnecting them one at a time, the cross connecting them one at a time) I was able to determine that both sensors are functional, however one of the connecting wires Dosent seem to be delivering information to the engine. Any thoughts?

[@E39Source]

I wouldn't fault the wiring, unless it has been damaged or otherwise tampered with. How old are the sensors? If either one or both are over 5 years old, I would just replace them.

[@jonapolloapollo5770]

I have the 1 trip cluster, when I get to 19 ,I can't put the code in, it flashes on off but it will either continue or cancel depending on how I try to find a pattern with the trip button .My issue is no interior gong tone when I get to 13 it says gong but don't do anything, any ideas thanks

[@E39Source]

Low OBC cluster? I am unfortunately not familiar with the test menus on those.

[@bmw.source]

At 4:35 on test number 13 I like that gong sound. BTW does the E46 3 series or ///M3 have a gong as well or a piezo?

[@E39Source]

I don't know what a piezo is. The E46 has that dumb beeper.

[@artvandelayimports]

I thinks it's a piezo

[@dakibmw]

You can code E46 using NCSExpert so it gongs or dumb-beeps, whatever you like. I've coded mine so it gongs, the same sound as E39 from the video.

[@bmw.source]

dakibmw How does the NCSExpert work?

[@dakibmw]

Well, you need modified ("BMW") OBD cable and a bunch of software that is usually downloadable as a "package" - INPA/EDIABAS, NCSExpert, DIS, TIS, etc. NSC DOES work on it's own, though. NCSExpert basicaly works like this: you extract/"download" coding file (which is actually a text file) from car's module (for example, in this case instrument cluster module), change the parameter on your PC, and that modified file "upload" back to the module. Those are the basics, there is more to it, but the most important thing is to either remember what you've changed, so you can revert it, or to make a backup of the extracted original file, in case anything goes wrong, you can always revert to it's original setting.

[@lockergnome90087]

Car fax is now going to show a mileage discrepancy for that loss of a mile. ;)

[@ukadrian]

Hi I’ve got 540i e39 and cant set the Clock as my Centre console is now a modern android. Any idea how to set clock using maybe hidden menu?

[@E39Source]

This is yet another reason I don't recommend aftermarket head units to people. The only other way to do this would be through a BlueBus.

[@GhostdogMKD]

Hello How to reset CONS 1 and CONS 2? How to change Language? Mine is in German. Thanks

[@E39Source]

Not sure what CONS 1/2 are. Language probably has to be changed with software from a BMW dealer. There's no simple setting for that.

[@GhostdogMKD]

E39Source CONS 1 = consumption but i dont know how to reset them so i can see my average consumption.

[@E39Source]

Oh Consumption. That's done in the menu of the navigation display.

[@GhostdogMKD]

E39Source how? I haven't figured out yet. You? I just bought e39 520i year:2002. Is "Factory Reset" test 21 safe and can reset Consumption? Thanks

[@E39Source]

Press menu, go to Onboard Computer and press the button in to select it. Then highlight over Consumption, and press the button in again. Then select recalculate.

[@yasserelnagar8559]

Hi I have same exact car. My all brakes lights turned on almost after 15 minutes of driving and yes I replaced the abs module and code it. I also replaced one of abs speed sensor. Any idea?? Thank you

[@E39Source]

You should check the ABS module for codes. It will indicate what the problem is (another wheel speed sensor, pre-charge pump, etc).

[@yasserelnagar8559]

@@E39Source It keeps showing the front left abs sensor. I already changed it. But aftermarket one from Ebay. I really appreciate your recommendation

[@E39Source]

yasser moustafa You get what you pay for with parts. Ebay parts won’t work more than a few weeks if at all. I would put a new OEM sensor (BMW brand, Hella, Behr, Lemforder, etc part) in, reset codes, and try again. If that doesn’t work, you could have an electrical, reluctor ring, or module problem.

[@yasserelnagar8559]

@@E39Source thank you so much Ryan. I'll do that and let you know how it goes :)

[@yasserelnagar8559]

Hello Ryan. I did replace the abs wheel sensor. And the 3 brakes lights still on.. do I need to do anything else after installation? Thank you

[@E39ForLife0]

Btw i did test #2 while ago and that light came on, i just unplugged the battery for 3 sec and it's gone

[@andrewpiworski1730]

Can these tests be displayed while the car is running?

[@E39Source]

Yes!

[@TFVenom96]

Hey e39 source. I have a 540i and on the screen under the mile. It says trans failsafe prog. Is that bad. And how can I fix it. Thank

[@TFVenom96]

Thanks

[@E39Source]

I am not familiar with the faults of the automatic transmissions, but yours seems to be having issues. I would find a trusted independent shop and have them diagnose the transmission issue. Good luck!

[@tylerm5915]

Hey, i have a 2003 540i msport that lately has had a loud static noise coming from the front passenger mid, sounds like that noise that happens when you plug something into aux but doesn't go away. Any input would help thanks, ps. Ive done a hard reset and still nothing.

[@E39Source]

Something may be wrong with the wiring somewhere. I have never had that problem on mine.

[@computiNATEor]

Do you have an aux cord? If you leave it disconnected and on the center console, like I do sometimes, you can get a noticeable hiss through the stereo. Turn the stereo off if you're not using it, and see if connecting a source to the aux cord makes it go away.

[@E39Source]

Yes I do, but I have never noticed that. It's probably just feedback from something.

[@computiNATEor]

***** Right, I was replying to the original commenter, sorry. If the aux cord is across the transmission tunnel, I do often notice static.

[@tylerm5915]

+computiNATEor Yes I do... I'll just give a little more detail. A few months ago my car died. Tried to jump it with a buddies truck and no luck. Put it on a trickle charger and ended up working. But my rear drivers side sub went started making a the same LOUD noise. Then unplugged my amp because it was annoying. Went a few weeks and plugged it back up and it quit with the back sub and went to the front passenger mid. Now a month later problem still continuing and my OEM double din headunit is starting to freeze every once in a while. Any input is appreciated

[@kouroshtashvishi5031]

Hey i have an E46 318i and now it only goes to the 1st gear it's an automatic do u no what the problem could be?

[@E39Source]

Sounds like the automatic transmission has failed.

[@kouroshtashvishi5031]

+E39Source Do you think it could be the valves?

[@E39Source]

Intake/exhaust valves? They have absolutely nothing to do with the transmission.

[@kouroshtashvishi5031]

+E39Source hum OK thanks anyway this is my 2nd gearbox.

[@E39Source]

Are you changing the fluid?

[@christianschmitt2409]

Atemp is außentemperatur. Outside temperatue.

[@SuNSe7]

Is there a way to turn off the gong sound?

[@E39Source]

+SuNSe7 I believe it can be coded out.

[@SuNSe7]

Okay, thanx :)

[@andrewkoontz01]

I have sat watching test # 2 for at least 10 min.

[@bugsy791]

show how to do autointerior ventilation while the car is locked up

[@E39Source]

Just schedule it in the Aux. Ventilation settings.

[@georgepatton8693]

for those wondering, e39source does have a low obc vid too kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXXRgomPfM91n5Y

[@MrZ676]

ATEMP is outside temperature :)

[@euromafia2341]

does this work on all e39

[@E39Source]

All high-OBC E39s, yes.

[@Stanislav7180]

E39 m5 automatic gears ??????

[@E39Source]

At the end of the day, it's still an E39 cluster. While the E39 M5 never came with any automatic gearbox, the indicator is still in the cluster, just not used. BMW just took a regular E39 cluster and gave it new dials and needles.

[@ernestocastellanos6446]

atemp might be atmospheric temp. Idk

[@RedstoneWolf531]

Ernesto Castellanos ambient temp

[@DavidThomas-bb2gl]

obc stand for O BOY CAR E39

[@FishFind3000]

What is low obc

[@E39Source]

The more basic form of the onboard computer. Without the large pixel display below the odometer.

[@delanom5]

Oeltemp -48 lmaooooo😂

[@gonzalo4307]

What is the idle rpm on the e39 m5? it seemed very low

[@E39Source]

The OBC will report around 600RPM warm. The needle looks like 450-550RPM. It's very low, but very smooth and steady. This engine was just rebuilt, and a strong low idle is generally a sign of a strong and healthy engine.

[@gonzalo4307]

***** Thanks for the reply, the needle looked really low, like below 500, thats why I asked ;)

[@E39ForLife0]

Haha it dropped one mile, keep doing it till you have brand new m5 and sell for $200k LOl

[@E39Source]

That would take some serious time haha!

[@E39ForLife0]

+E39Source it's worth it, your m5 looks and probably drives like new, no one will ever know. I wouldn't give it up even for f10 m5

[@E39Source]

Haha thank you very much for your kindness!

[@seanpittacora9668]

+E39Source You seriously have one of the nicest M5's out there.